Cool drinks, warm breezes, and longer days are on the minds of many, which means that your customers will expect summer specials and the vibe to match at your restaurant. Are you ready for the change in seasons? Here are four things you can do to ensure that you’re summer-ready for customers:

Summer Specials

Update your menu to reflect the change in seasons! Add cool and refreshing cocktails and spritzers to your drink menu. Consider updating your salad offerings to keep things light and don’t forget other summer-themed foods, like grill-outs and bar-b-que’s. Take advantage of the longer summer days and holidays to promote your summer menu items! Check out the summer calendar now and prepare your specials and summer sales ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any opportunities to connect with new customers! Finally, enter new menu items and specials into your point of sale system and make sure your staff knows how these items are reflected.

Train Staff

Prepare staff for the new summer routine. Do you have a patio area that is closed during the cooler months? Make sure everyone is aware how to manage customers on the patio. Have a conversation with employees about your warm weather dress code, and any other important changes that come with summertime. Host a fun after hours session for staff where everyone can taste new menu offerings so they’re ready to recommend your new warm weather dishes.

Get Online

Summertime is a great opportunity to show off your most delicious drinks, meals online, and to interact with your customers! Frequently update your Facebook page, Instagram profile, and Twitter feed with colorful and fun pictures. Run a caption contest for customers — whoever comes up with the best caption for one of your pictures gets a free drink or meal! You could also do a photo contest, and challenge customers to take creative and fun pictures of themselves at your restaurant, and the winner receives a cool prize! Don’t forget to integrate online ordering for take out orders. Online orders are 15-25% larger than phone-in orders and an online process takes the stress off employees in the restaurant.

Throw a Party!

To kick off the season, consider throwing a party to attract both new and existing customers. Get creative and decorate your restaurant to reflect the summer theme! Create a Facebook event to promote the party on social media and partner with local businesses to offer prizes and other promotional activities to guests. Run drink and food specials for the party and offer games like bingo or trivia to customers who want to play.

Switching it up for the summer can bring bit profits and the Marketing 360 Payments team is prepared to guide you through the point of sale system options that will be most effective. Contact a Marketing 360 Payments representative for an appointment. We’ll help you maximize the capability of your POS system so you can focus on growing your business. We are ready to help make your business richer!