Fall is upon us and that means that diners are looking to appreciate the cooler weather, enjoy the taste of fall, and gather for new and unique experiences. LTOs and seasonal flavours can help draw a crowd, but hosting special events can encourage guests to gather, make memories, and fill those tables for October.
Thanksgiving
Last year, 58 per cent of diners visited or ordered food from a restaurant, so here’s an opportunity to drive traffic. When asked why they didn’t cook for the holiday themselves, multiple reasons were cited: 63 per cent said they didn’t want to worry about cooking, 40 per cent believe it’s cheaper or costs the same to buy all the ingredients, 35 per cent don’t want the hassle, 26 per cent per cent prefer a professionally cooked meal, and 19 per cent are too busy to prepare the meal themselves.
With so many people looking to skip a formal meal at home, restaurants can get creative with how they choose to celebrate. Creating a prix fixe menu allows guests to linger and enjoy the whole experience, while a prepared to-go dinner can make it easier for young families or guests looking to eat off-premise. Spread the festivities throughout the weekend for guests celebrating multiple times and promote your offerings early so you can be a part of the holiday planning.
Make your celebration unique with your twist on the classics, selected wine or beverage pairings, and feature fall décor like pumpkins, leaves, and warm lighting. Get into the holiday spirit by hosting a food drive, mitten donation station, or set up a gratitude wall for guests to enjoy.
Halloween
Make this Halloween spooktacular with eerie lighting, dark decorations, and music that helps create a festive ambiance. Create a scary delicious menu for all ages, with dishes like ghost toast, spider dogs, baked mummy brie, and more. Don’t forget your beverage menu – add cocktail and mocktail features like a poison apple martini, candy-themed milkshakes, and witches’ brew punch. For an interactive celebration, offer trick or treat stations, pumpkin carving, or costume contests. Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so consider hosting family-friendly celebrations, and an adult version later on in the evening.
Food holidays
This month offers a few fun holidays that guests might not be expecting! Get guests excited to come in for National Taco Day, World Food Day, National Canning Day – and more – with themed menus, fun décor, and live entertainment. Food holidays are fun because they change each month, allowing you to re-connect with your guests, offer something new, and continue to drive traffic with new menus and unique experiences. If they’re a hit, you might even decide to add monthly events to the roster!
October holidays encourage guests to gather, dine out, and enjoy each other’s company. Operators should plan to make the most of this month’s holidays to attract new guests, encourage return visits, and build the bottom line.
