Serving success: prepping your restaurant for autumn and the festive season

The days are getting shorter, the air is turning crisper, and the first leaves are beginning to fall – it can only mean one thing: it's time to prepare for the upcoming autumn season. As the seasons change, so do the tastes and preferences of your diners. In this blog, we'll explore how to prepare for the autumn season, including adjusting your mindset, staying on top of food trends, and adapting to shifting customer behaviour.

Autumn food trends: new ingredients and flavours

As the weather draws in, Autumn 2024 is set to bring exciting new trends in ingredients and flavours. From umami-infused deserts full of rich savouriness to a complete revival of traditional British seafood like cockles, herring and whelks, the trendy foods are all about fusion. Chefs are perennially reinventing old recipes, and this Autumn is set to be no different, with luxurious and flavour-filled takes on British classics on the horizon.

Sustainable and zero-waste practices

With the number of climate-conscious diners on the rise, implementing sustainable practices and publicising them through your marketing channels is one restaurant trend that is here to stay. Environmental policies can be taken on through your restaurant operations processes, from ordering and provisioning to reducing food waste across all restaurant areas to even something as simple as water conservation. With autumn food trends predicting hearty but inventive traditional fare, why not try implementing a menu that incorporates more elements of the produce you buy? This approach, known as nose-to-tail cooking, is gaining traction and often sought out by diners. 

1. How to prepare for the upcoming autumn season

Don’t forget to make the most of the fall season before the inevitable rush towards Christmas takes over. This is the time to embrace the ripening flavours of autumn. To prepare, consider the following steps:

• Menu Makeover: Transition from light summer fare to heartier dishes. Incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, butternut squash, and apples into your offerings. Think warm soups, roasted meats, and comforting desserts. And on the subject of makeovers - your restaurant page on TheFork might need one, too!
• Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: Adjust your restaurant's ambience to reflect the changing season. Add warm colours, cosy lighting, and perhaps some fall-themed decorations to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Review Your Wine and Cocktail List: Update your beverage selection to complement your fall menu. Offer rich, warming cocktails and wine pairings that enhance the flavours of your dishes.

2. Changing your mindset: from summer to fall

From the long, hot days of summer to the chill of autumn breezes, it is essential to adopt a shift in mindset to benefit from the changing seasons:

• Embrace Comfort: In the fall, diners seek comfort in their dining choices. Foods that are trending will include dishes that warm the soul, so don't hesitate to add classics like hearty stews or roasted root vegetables to your menu.
• Think Seasonal: Highlight seasonal ingredients and showcase the best of what autumn has to offer. Fresh, local produce is not only more flavorful but also appeals to the growing sustainability trend.
• Get Creative: Be innovative with your menu offerings. Consider pairing unexpected ingredients or exploring international flavours to add a unique twist to traditional fall dishes. 
   

3. Expected autumn food trends

Staying on top of current food trends can set your restaurant apart and make your autumn and Christmas menus all the more enticing:

• Plant-Based Options: The demand for plant-based dishes continues to grow. Include creative and delicious vegetarian and vegan options on your menu to cater to a wider audience.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Diners are increasingly conscious of where their food comes from. Partner with local suppliers and highlight sustainable sourcing practices to win over environmentally-minded customers. Zero waste remains big, too.
• While it's essential to embrace new culinary trends and try new influences for the fall season, don't forget the timeless appeal of sticking to your culinary roots. Traditional game menus and hearty, locally sourced vegetables evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort that many diners long for. If you do have specific menus or theme nights planned for the upcoming months, don’t forget to make these bookable on your restaurant page and widget for your guests to pre-book.

4. Adapting to changing customer behaviour

Customer behaviour evolves with the seasons, so it's essential to adapt:

• Online Reservations: As the weather gets colder, diners often prefer the convenience of online reservations. Ensure your restaurant is well-represented on reservation platforms like TheFork to capture those bookings.
• Cater to Smaller Groups: With the holidays approaching, smaller groups looking for intimate dining experiences become more common. Consider offering special promotions or customisable options for couples and small gatherings.
• Promote Early: Many customers start planning their holiday meals well in advance. Don't wait until the last minute to promote your Christmas menu. Use TheFork Manager to showcase your offerings early and capture bookings ahead of the holiday rush.

Preparing for the fall season involves adjusting your mindset, embracing seasonal flavours, staying on top of food trends, and adapting to changing customer behaviour. By following these tips and leveraging TheFork's platform for increased visibility and online reservations, you'll be well-equipped to serve up a successful and memorable holiday season. So, get ready to welcome the fall and make your restaurant a go-to destination for festive dining! If you have already teamed up with TheFork, you can publish your Festive menus here. If you still need to publish your page, you can do so here.