3 Creative Ideas to Take Your Restaurant Into the Fall Season
During the 2020 pandemic, we’ve seen a lot of inventive ideas coming out of the hospitality industry, from to-go cocktails, to microparties and microweddings, spaces designed for social distancing, and virtual or hybrid events.
As we move into the fall season, Tripleseat customers are sharing a new wave of creative ideas designed to drive bookings and revenue through the end of the year. Here are three of them to inspire your venue.
1. Seasonal pop-up menus
The Texas State Fair is a huge celebration that draws more than 3 million people to Dallas every fall, but it’s been changed to a drive-through event due to the pandemic. The Rustic in Houston added some fair favorites to their menu.
The It’s Not Fair State Fair Pop-Up menu gives their customers a taste of tradition with fried brisket mac and cheese balls, wood-grilled Hot Cheetos dusted elote, and a fried pecan turtle with bourbon whipped cream.
Update your restaurant menu with fall favorites that are featured at events and festivals in your area that may be closed this year due to the pandemic. Cider donuts, pumpkin treats, soups or chilis, casseroles, and comfort food will be sure to draw in customers who don’t want to miss out on the seasonal foods they wait for all year.
2. Foodie experiences
There are some mealtime traditions that are so unique, that they are best left to the professionals to prepare. French restaurant ONE65 in San Francisco offers a high tea kit for two to go. It includes scones, quiche, two types of sandwiches, a selection of pastries, and tea.
Is your restaurant known for special experiences like high tea, beer or wine flights, samplers, tasting menus, or multiple course dinners? You can easily make these experiences fit smaller parties for reduced capacity dining or offer them as a to-go kit.
3. Shareable options
The Iberian Pig’s Georgia locations are known for their impressive tapas menus. Tapas are usually best shared, but if you’re hesitant to dine with a group during the pandemic, The Iberian Pig will help you party on the go.
Their Jamon Happy Hour provides customers with a to-go charcuterie box with their choice of a selection of three cheeses and three meats or a chef’s selection option, as well as wine and sangria specials.
Home is the hotspot for gatherings right now and your restaurant can be the top choice for people to get their snacks and shareable meals. Create special happy hour choices, as well as options for game day tailgating, party snacks, and catering.
More resources for new ideas
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been creating content to help restaurants, hotels, and unique venues find ways to revitalize their businesses after reopening. Check out our Two Chicks, Three Seats podcast for interviews with industry experts, our Social Hour virtual roundtables for advice from our customers, and more Tripleseat blog posts for the latest industry news.