Goodbye summer, hello autumn! Labor Day is right around the corner and that means the inevitable departure of summer. But before you pull out your favorite fleece and cover your menu in pumpkin-themed oddities, make Labor Day your official last summer fiesta!
Use Labor Day as a "last chance" to enjoy your summer menu
As seasons change it's important to change up your menu, and Labor Day is the perfect time for customers to enjoy those final summer items before they're off your menu.
Give your customers a sneak peek of what they can expect on your new fall menu, all while serving up your favorite summer items. Include a coupon for a new menu item with their bill and keep guests coming back!
Takeaway platters are all the rage
Labor Day is the last hurrah of the summer, and a lot of folks will choose to spend the day by the pool. That doesn't mean you have to miss out on the action, though! Offering takeaway items for guests to enjoy at home is a great way to get in on the festivities of the home cook.
Create pre-made menu items that your staff can easily run to the back to grab. Think, meat and cheese platters, potato salad, mac and cheese, pasta salads, or your most popular in-house salad. Create a Labor Day bundle that is easy for your customers to enjoy to-go.
Partner with another nearby business for a package deal
Customers are often more apt to pick up a to-go item if they know they're getting more bang for their buck. Partnering with another local business for a packaged deal can set you apart from the competition. It's a great way to form goodwill with the community and to introduce yourself to customers who may frequent a nearby place.
Staying open Labor Day can narrow the competition
It may be tempting to shut down shop on Labor Day but competition is drastically reduced during the holiday weekend. You can find yourself attracting new customers who normally frequent the same few establishments.
However, with staffing shortages across the board, staying open can add a new level of complexity. It's also important to keep staff happy, now more than ever. So, remember to make this time well worth the effort of your staff. Consider offering an extra day off, a bump in hourly pay, or a free meal.
We're here to help!
As we say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn, now is the perfect time to plan a killer fall menu. Contact your SGC Sales Representative today to work with Chef Curtis on menu ideas. Remember, we're here to help!
