Spring Is In The Air - Getting your food business ready for the warmer months

With summer just around the corner now is the perfect opportunity to dust off the cobwebs, crack open a door and let that glorious sunshine in. Getting started now will mean you are fully prepared to embrace that summer crowd and make the most out of the holiday period. Here are our top tips for getting your food business ready to welcome the new season.

As the weather gets warmer people are going to want to sit outside more. If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor dining area now is the time to start utilising it! Not only is it a great way to utilise more space for paying customers but it can also be a significant point of difference from your competitors, particularly if you are in a city.

Chances are your outdoor area has not had much love and attention for a few months, so to start with give it a good clean and clear out. Think spacious and comfortable (and remember – it is not a storage space). Check all furniture and fixtures. Remove anything that is unnecessary and replace everything that is broken or has become too worn.

Make the most of your outdoor dining area and inject a fresh spark into it with these simple yet effective ideas:

• Have some live entertainment (and advertise it).
• Create an ‘outdoor only’ menu with special items only for those dining outdoors.
• Have a ‘tag us in a selfie’ competition.
• Allow the space to be hired for private functions.
• Allow pets.

This will not only be a welcome change for your regular customer base but will also serve as a motivator and invigorator for your staff.

After the heavy and starchy foods of winter the obvious move is to introduce new, fresh salads and light dishes using fresh seasonal produce. Using locally grown produce is also an ever increasingly popular move these days.

Something less discussed is the power of changing your drinks menu. The warmer months are the social months, people are out and about meeting up with friends and family and more often than not, enjoying a nice drink with it. Spruce up that drink’s menu with some seasonal craft beers or some fresh, cooling cocktails. Your distributor should be able to tell you what is new. If you are introducing some exciting new dishes or drinks make sure you let people know – get it out there on social media!

3. Clean and update your outdoor signage:

Take advantage of the increased foot traffic that the warm weather brings and give your signage a good freshen up. Make sure it is clean and any damage has been repaired. If you use lighting double check all of the bulbs are still working.

The aim of your signage is to attract visitors and to inform them, at a glance, of who you are and what you can provide. Don’t underestimate the power of the old-fashioned sandwich board on the sidewalk!

When reviewing your signage make sure it matches what you are putting out there on social media platforms and through your website so people will recognise who you are. Consistency is key here.

It is time to let in that light and banish the dark and drab of winter to where it belongs…..in storage. For that healthy spring feel clear out the clutter and throw open those windows!

Think clear spaces and light colours. Get natural light to cover as much of your dining area as possible and put some fresh spring flowers on the tables.

Don’t forget – with all of this natural light streaming in all of your dirty little secrets will be on display. The areas around doors and windows can become particularly grubby over the winter months and are easily not noticed when thick curtains hang, and light is low. This is a great time to do that deep ‘Spring clean’ you are due for. Invest in a deep clean of your floors and put the right foot forward from the moment your customers walk through the door.

It might only be Spring, but summer is fast approaching. Make your business is the happening spot in town by putting some of those important dates in the calendar now. These can be anything from the tradition Christmas and New Year celebrations to inventing your own special celebrations. Check out whether your part of the Country is hosting any festivals or events (food and wine, music, sporting events) and get behind it.

Most towns and districts across New Zealand will have a number of market days during summer. These can be a great way to get your name out there and get noticed. It is surprisingly easy to be allowed to set up a market stall or food truck at any public event and can be an invaluable source of new customers.

The warmer months are often the bread and butter for New Zealand food businesses so it is important to not let it pass you by. I would love to hear any other ideas you have for getting your business ready for summer. Get in touch on anna@foodcontrolplans.co.nz or our Facebook page @foodcontrolplans.co.nz.