5 Tips for F&B Heading into Labor Day Weekend

Get ready to kiss summer goodbye, because Labor Day is creeping up faster than your waiter carrying a tray full of drinks to a table of overly enthusiastic customers.

Seriously, wasn't it just yesterday that you were lounging by the pool, contemplating the mysteries of life, like why is a "building" called a "building" if it's already built? 😆

Now, I know what you're thinking: How on earth can we squeeze all the fun and relaxation of a three-day weekend into, well, three days? And more importantly, how do we make sure our restaurant stays hopping while everyone's off gallivanting elsewhere?

If your eatery happens to be nestled in a tourist haven, where vacationers flock like seagulls to a French fry, consider yourself lucky. It's basically like running a culinary amusement park. But for those of us in less resort-y locations, fear not – there's a way to turn Labor Day into a fiesta even if you're nowhere near a beach, mountain, or any kind of "Instagrammable" backdrop.

Tip 1: Special Delivery – Because Even Couch Potatoes Get Hungry Picture this: It's Labor Day weekend, and people are hunkered down in their homes, battling FOMO and trying to fend off the realization that summer's ending. What better way to cater to their needs than with a special delivery menu? We're talking chicken dishes that make you cluck for joy, sandwiches that embrace you like a childhood friend, pizzas that redefine love triangles, and salads that… well, they're salads – but they're darn good ones.

And hold onto your cocktail shakers, because alcohol delivery is the next big thing! Apparently, people are more into getting their buzz delivered than ever before. Margaritas, sparkling concoctions with fancy names, and classics like mimosas are all the rage. Just remember, if you're offering alcohol, some places want it in its original container – which could be a real buzzkill if you were planning to ship out a piña colada in a coconut shell.

*Photo Credit: Isadora Pennington

Tip 2: In-House Specials – Because Who Doesn't Love an American Cheeseburger with a side of Patriotism? Labor Day is a tribute to hardworking Americans, so why not celebrate with meals that scream "U.S. of A."? Craft beers that taste like freedom, apple pie so American it probably has its own social security number, and iconic chili cheese dogs that deserve their own star on the Walk of Fame. And hey, if you're going all out, why not turn that dog into a bona fide wurst? It's like a hot dog, but with a PhD in flavor.

But it's not just about the food; it's about the theatrics. Craft a storyline that rivals a telenovela – mouthwatering descriptions, tantalizing images, and suspenseful announcements about when your specials will make their grand entrance.

And let's not forget the unsung heroes of Labor Day – your restaurant staff. Consider treating them to a special meal because, let's face it, they've been working hard enough to deserve their own national holiday.

Tip 3: End of the Season Farewell – Like Bidding “adieu” to that unwanted sunburn, remember that feeling when summer camp was ending, and you clung desperately to those last few days like your life depended on it? Well, you can recreate that with a special summer item that's headed for extinction after Labor Day. FOMO is a real thing, and people will line up for your exclusive "going, going, gone" menu item like it's the last lifeboat on the Titanic.

Tip 4: Family Feasting – Because Kids and Crayons Make Everything Better Families are flocking to restaurants, kids in tow, for one last hurrah before the school bell tolls. So, why not cater to them? Market family-friendly specials that make the kiddos smile and the parents sigh with relief. It's a win-win – the kids get their chicken tenders and mac 'n' cheese, and the parents get a moment of peace to contemplate where summer vacation went wrong (just kidding).

Tip 5: Spy on the Competition – Because “It's Not Stalking if It's for Business”. You know what they say: Keep your friends close and your competitors closer. So, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and stay on the pulse of what your rivals are up to. It's like a culinary spy game, minus the fancy gadgets and tailored tuxedos. Platforms like F&B Insights let you peek into your competitors' menus and prices faster than you can say "sneaky sous-chef."

And there you have it, a Labor Day game plan that's hotter than a barbecue grill in the middle of July.

But wait, before you dive headfirst into the culinary chaos, why not let the experts help you carve out the perfect spot for your food and beverage dreams?

Terra Alma is your ultimate partner in all things real estate when it comes to the world of gastronomy. Whether you're dreaming of opening the coziest cafe in town, a sizzling steakhouse, or a trendy fusion joint, we've got the insider scoop on prime locations that will make your dishes shine brighter than a shooting star.

Terra Alma isn't just your run-of-the-mill real estate agency. We're like the matchmakers of the food and beverage industry, connecting you with the ideal spot that not only suits your culinary concept but also caters to the hungry masses.

So, before you fire up those grills and mix those cocktails, take a moment to connect with us. Let us sprinkle a touch of our real estate magic on your culinary dreams, turning them into mouthwatering reality.

Email us today and start a conversation that could take your restaurant from concept to corner-spot sensation.

After all, every great dish deserves an equally amazing stage – and we know just where to find it.