As the seasons change, diner demand evolves, the availability of fresh ingredients changes, and traffic patterns shift – all factors that make a fall menu important for restaurant operations. Do diners care about seasonal menus? The short answer is yes. Research shows that 59 per cent of consumers are more likely to choose a dish labeled “seasonal,” 49 per cent find these items more appetizing, and 39 per cent consider them healthier.
But simply giving the people what they want is only one reason to switch up your menus seasonally. Adding fall LTOs can attract new guests who want to try them out and re-engages your regulars, giving them at least one reason to return.
Local flavour
Shopping Canadian continues to be important to guests and operators, seasonality allows a simpler use of local ingredients – and calling out specific regions or sourcing is trending on restaurant menus. Featuring current, seasonal ingredients could also chefs answer the call for comfort foods like warm soups, hearty entrées, and spiced beverages – along with keeping menus fresh and interesting. It may also help you save on ingredient costs and lower your carbon footprint at the same time!
Minimal menus
Many of these comfort foods require minimal ingredients, helping to minimize kitchen labour and better manage inventory. Taking the time to compress a sometimes-broad summer menu can help return focus to the kitchen, increase efficiency, and cut down on costs, in what can be a slower season before the excitement of the holidays. A smaller menu can also help your kitchen cross-utilize ingredients and stay innovative with new takes on seasonal favourites.
Spread the word
You can’t attract new guests and encourage return visits if people haven’t heard about your new menu! Train staff to know the dishes and talk them up to your guests. Post images, videos, and info about your upcoming menu on social media and on your website. To help get a buzz going, post teasers with hints about the new arrivals, so guests get excited to come check them out. If you have a loyalty or preferred guest program, you might consider a preview night, allowing your favourite guests to come in and give the new menu a try ahead of the official launch. This type of perk gives your guests the VUP treatment and allows you to engage with them, while being able to smooth out any issues ahead of a full roll out.
Fall offers restaurants the opportunity to enjoy seasonality, mix up the menu, and give customers the flavours they crave.
