New Year's Eve is one of the biggest nights for restaurants of the year. You can't go wrong with the basics: a prix fixe menu and champagne toast at midnight. Simple, effective, and almost universal for a reason, you can pack in reservations and keep your customers happy with a showcase of your menu which will also offer a high profit margin. But what to do the next day?
"Recovery brunch" is an increasingly popular and easy to execute theme. The idea is simple - hungover customers will enjoy a meal which will lessen their hangover and allow them to socialize at the same time. It doesn't have to be unhealthy - this type of brunch can go two ways. Healthy and light options allow for a physical recovery, whereas the 'hair of the dog' and great and salty comfort food also offers relief - at least temporary. Look at fun ingredients, like aloe vera and papaya, of go for classic and high alcohol speakeasy cocktails.
Consider adding a DJ or Jazz band to up the entertainment factor of your brunch. Which direction you go in depends on your personal taste or your establishment's vibe, but the one thing you can guarantee is that live entertainment, particularly for New Years Day brunch, will up your covers on a very competitive day. Brunch is increasingly popular, so make sure your guests have a good reason to choose your establishment.
