Get ready for patio season: Key steps for spring success

As warmer weather approaches, restaurants have an opportunity to boost revenue and create the best guest experience by prepping for patio season. Outdoor dining is a big draw for guests looking for fresh air, seasonal menus, and new experiences. Read on for five steps that can help you make the most of the high-traffic season ahead.

Use data to manage your inventory

Effective inventory management is essential, especially during busy periods. Start with historical sales data from previous patio seasons instead of guessing how much of everything you need. Look at which dishes sold consistently and which ingredients tended to spoil. These insights will help you forecast demand more accurately, reduce waste and optimise your food costs. Using a cloud-based ePOS with integrated inventory tracking not only automates stock counts, but also alerts you to reorder points and spoilage trends, eliminating any guesswork.

Update menus with seasonal offerings

With your inventory projections in place, you can refresh your menu to match guest expectations for spring. Seasonal items such as light salads, refreshing cocktails and fruit-forward desserts can stimulate demand and highlight fresh local produce. These seasonal offerings both align with customer preferences and support sustainability. Creative, limited-time menu additions can generate buzz, too, and give returning guests something new to try.

Offer new ways to order

Go beyond traditional table service, and enhance your ordering system with online, mobile, or QR-code driven menus. Guests can view your menu, place orders and even pay from their phones without waiting for staff, a big plus when service demand spikes outdoors. Handheld ordering devices can also empower staff to take orders and payments right at the table, improving customer experience and minimising pressure during peak times.

Adjust your floor plan

A thoughtfully-designed floor plan keeps both guests and staff comfortable and productive. Start by spacing tables to allow free movement and clear sightlines for staff service. Consider practical elements such as shade, airflow and weather protection. Comfortable outdoor conditions encourage guests to stay longer and order more. Integrating flexibility into your layout, such as movable furniture or shaded lounge areas, will help you adapt quickly to weather changes. Leveraging your ePOS to update seating maps on the go guarantees staff are always aligned with real-time floor arrangements.

Hire and train seasonal staff

Patio season often brings more guests, which means you might need more staff. Hiring seasonal team members can distribute workloads and maintain your service quality. Prioritise comprehensive training, from ePOS use to customer etiquette, so every team member knows how to deliver fast, friendly service. Investing in this training upfront will save you time and enhance guest satisfaction.

Preparing your restaurant for the spring is about more than just opening your patio or garden. It’s about working smarter, using data, focusing on seasonality and embracing new tech. The result? Happier customers, smoother operations and a stronger bottom line, all season long.

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