Summer of opportunity

Fire up those sales with these ingenius ideas that your customers will love

As we head towards the peak of the summer, people will be flocking outdoors to soak up the sun and celebrate the weather and the easing of restrictions. Be prepared to wow them with these ideas for summer fun and sizzling sales.

Stations please

Everyone loves ice cream, so why not set up an ice cream station? Whether you have a Mr Whippy-style machine or a selection of flavours to scoop and serve, creating a dedicated station will set you apart. Stock it with plain and chocolate-dipped cones, tubs with wooden spoons and all the toppings you can find to make ice cream fans’ dreams come true. Display it all so everyone can see what’s on offer and include a menu – write one up on a blackboard A-frame to draw in the crowds.

Ice is nice

Slush machines are big business. They’re an operator’s best friend when it comes to attracting customers and the margins are excellent. Available in different sizes, it’s easy to slot one into your outlet. Big and little kids will be queuing up for a fruity, refreshing slush on a hot day. Make them more appealing to adults by adding alcohol!

Perfect picnics

Pack up a picnic to takeaway for all those day trippers. Advertise it well so customers order in advance, but have some made up for impulse take-up from passers-by. Think deli-style cheese and meats with fresh bread, or a selection of sandwiches, rolls and wraps, plus savoury bites such as cocktail sausage rolls, Scotch eggs and home-made quiche. Don’t forget the sweet treats too, think fresh fruit, cakes and brownies. Encourage customers to trade up by adding soft drinks, a bottle of fizz or wine, or a bundle of beers.

TOP TIPS: PICNICS DON’T NEED TO BE JUST FOR LUNCH – CREATE BREAKFAST VERSIONS AS WELL TO BOOST THAT BOTTOM LINE. FILL WITH CROISSANTS, SWEET AND SAVOURY MUFFINS, SMOKED SALMON AND CREAM CHEESE BAGELS, GRANOLA BARS AND FRUIT SALAD, WITH BOTTLES OF FRESH JUICE

Pizza the action

Pizza ovens are hot right now and setting one up outdoors will draw customers in droves. Set up alongside a bar and you’ve got the perfect summer meal out sorted.

Extras = sales

» iced coffee

» home-made lollies

» salad and fruit bar

» ice cream milkshakes

» frozen ‘hot’ chocolate

» buckets of beer or wine, kept chilled on ice.