Spring Into a New Season At Your Restaurant

As the days grow a bit longer and the weather a bit warmer, it is a great time to lure your customers out of hibernation with some fresh changes that reflect the transition into spring. At the bar, start with your cocktail menu by changing up your flavor enhancers that will set you apart with drinks that are as fresh as the new season. Try new mixes with Mezcal, cucumbers, orgeat, fresh fruit, honey, and peat for cocktails that are like a bouquet of spring flowers. And while you are at, try getting some new and interesting versions of classic glassware. Think of this as dressing up for in the new fashions of the season. And don’t forget how simple it is to let spring in by just putting vases of blooming flowers on the tables. Your customers will definitely notice and feel inspired. With spring and inspiration, also comes the desire for most people to start gravitating towards a healthier lifestyle. Customers will embrace having less rich, heavy, comfort food and be delighted to find light, healthy dishes filled with vegetables. This may be a great time to connect with local farmers about collaborating to provide local, farm fresh seasonal dishes. You don’t have to overhaul your whole menu, featuring dishes that are vegetable heavy or adding one new feature will go a long way. Bringing the garden into your restaurant doesn’t have to stop at vegetables, a great way to make it an early spring is to elegantly garnish cocktails, main dishes, and desserts with beautiful edible flowers such as marigolds, orchids, violets. As you are sneaking these spring touches into your restaurant, go ahead and let everyone know about! Now is a great time to create special events such as “Spring Fever Happy Hours” or “Garden Fresh Lunches” to get your customers excited. And while the spring holidays don’t have the large group and marketing buzz of the holiday season, Easter and Mother’s Day are wonderful holidays to plan special prix fix dinners and brunches around. Spring evokes newness, light, happiness, and freshness so play with those in your marketing and concepts and take advantage of that imagery to create unique and fun marketing to get customers new and old to warm up to you and the warm sunshine. As always, check out Restaurantsupply.com for all your restaurant needs.