As the bright, hot days of summer begin to give way to the cooler, cozy feelings of fall, it’s time to start planning how you’ll transition your bar or restaurant to reflect the change. The shift from one season to another is more than just an update in ingredients and decor; it's a chance to create a customer experience that embodies the spirit of autumn and leaves a lasting impression. Keep reading for our best tips on how to capitalize on fall’s bounty and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Embrace Seasonal Ingredients
One of the most exciting aspects of fall is the abundance of new, flavorful ingredients it brings. Hearty vegetables like pumpkins, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes can be incorporated into almost every style of dish, from soups to roasted entrees to desserts. Fruits like apple, pear, and cranberry are plentiful and work well in a variety of dishes. Ultimately, the goal is to shift your menu to feature savory, heavier fare that will warm and comfort guests as temperatures drop.
Adjust Your Beverage Menu
Fall cocktail menus and wine lists should also be updated alongside your food menu. Warming spirits such as whiskey, cognac, and spiced rum can take center stage in the fall. It’s also time to swap out those light, bright summer wines for heavier grapes: think oaky chardonnays, creamy viogniers, rich cabernets, spicy shiraz, and juicy zinfandels. When it comes to cocktails, ingredients to consider include apple, pear, and cranberry; as well as chai, caramel, maple syrup, cinnamon, or nutmeg. You also can’t go wrong with warm, spiced cocktails, mulled wines, and ciders. (And don’t forget to include a few non-alcoholic options for non-drinking patrons, too.)
Prepare for Holiday Parties
As fall unfolds, so does the anticipation of holiday celebrations. Tap into this excitement by pre-planning a few special menus for holiday parties and gatherings. From Thanksgiving feasts to Halloween-themed cocktail soirees or tailgate-ready takeout, there are plenty of ways to help your customers celebrate. If space allows, designate a cozy corner for holiday parties, complete with festive decorations and ambient lighting, to create an intimate and celebratory atmosphere.
Build Ambiance with Autumn Decor
Your establishment's ambiance plays a pivotal role in attracting customers during the fall season. Here's how you can set the stage for a cozy and inviting atmosphere:
Warm Color Palette: Transition your decor to warm and earthy colors like deep reds, oranges, and browns. These hues create a comforting and inviting atmosphere that aligns with the season.
Use Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like dried flowers and leaves, branches, and/or pinecones into your décor to add a touch of rustic charm.
Soft Lighting: Replace bright overhead lights with soft, ambient lighting. Candles, string lights, and table lamps can create a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Festive Centerpieces and Window Displays: Create eye-catching centerpieces with seasonal items like pumpkins, gourds, and fall flowers. These can add a pop of color and charm to each table.
Update Your Online Presence
Your physical space isn’t the only place you want to reflect the changing season. Don’t forget to update your online presence to showcase all things fall. Use your website and social media to market your menu updates, seasonal promotions, special events, etc.
Amp Up Safety Measures
Fall also brings flu/cold season, and in light of recent events, it's crucial to maintain safety measures in your store. Provide plenty of hand sanitizers and ensure your staff follows proper sanitation protocols to create a safe dining environment.
Prepare Your Staff
Your staff is the final piece of the fall preparation puzzle. Be sure to equip them with knowledge about the food and beverages you'll be featuring for the fall season, and train them on flavor profiles, food pairings, and cocktail suggestions so that they can make informed recommendations. Now is also the time to start thinking about your staffing needs for the holidays, and to begin hiring and training any seasonal employees so they are ready when the holiday season kicks into high gear.
With the right preparations and a dash of creativity, your bar or restaurant will be well-prepared to make the most of fall and set the stage for a successful holiday season.
