In 2020, 77% of Americans still found ways to celebrate Easter during COVID, according to a survey conducted by the NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Now that it’s 2021, celebrating looks a little different. Many consumers are putting their own twist on the usual Easter celebration and will be ordering their Easter meals to-go or getting their Easter meal delivered. Here are several ways you can help your patrons celebrate Easter and Lent.
Create An Epic Easter Brunch
It’s the perfect time to offer a catered Easter brunch for your patrons to enjoy. Your guests ordering take out and delivery will appreciate the brunch options and enjoy celebrating safely with their family and friends. For those who can and choose to dine-in, offer a prix-fixe Easter brunch menu to take the stress out of cooking at home.
Plan Your Menu
Try incorporating global flavors into your Easter brunch menu or Lent menu options. Many people want exotic flavors, in lieu of traveling, that also satisfy food cravings. Incorporate healthy and plant-based options for those who are giving up meat for Lent. Try offering brunch smoothies and fresh pressed juice specials. Our Waypoint Corporate Chefs have provided recipe ideas for you to incorporate into your menu that will delight and excite your guests.
Promote Early
Let your patrons know about your Easter and Lent menu options and promotions ahead of time. It is a good idea to also let your customers know about the overall cleanliness of your establishment and that you’re following all current safety guidelines. This will assure consumers that you’re committed to helping them celebrate Easter and observe Lent as safely as possible. Build awareness with your regular patrons by adding promo flyers in takeout bags.
Maximize Your Takeout & Catering
Consider adding online ordering, supported by posts about your Easter and Lent takeout and catering services, on social media. Construct your restaurant menu options carefully to provide meatless or vegetarian options for those observing Lent. Reach out to your Waypoint sales representative if you need help preparing your menu for takeout and delivery. Upgrade your packaging containers so that the food will stay warm and fresh for delivery. Check for accuracy during and after order production to ensure that the food prepared aligns with what the consumer wanted.
Craft Easter Themed Cocktails & Mocktails To-Go
Appeal to those looking to enjoy a festive drink for their holiday celebration by creating some Easter themed cocktail and mocktail options. Offer prepared cocktails and mocktails to-go for takeout and catering sales as permitted by law in some states and cities. Rely on seasonal ingredients in your cocktails and mocktails to make them fresh, enjoyable and perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring.
Be A Resource
Serve as a resource to consumers who want to enjoy takeout, delivery or catered meals. Educate your restaurant guests about your safety practices, offer high quality catered food, meal packages, vegetarian alternatives, and beverages. Reach out to your Waypoint sales representative at AskWaypoint for downloadable how-to-guides, menus, flyers, etc. all available to you and your patrons so you can embrace a new year full of new possibilities.
Offer Contactless Everything
As consumers look to restaurants to provide them Easter menu options, they will still be seeking safe ways to order, receive and pay for their takeout/catered meals successfully, and touch-free technology has become essential. In fact, contactless transactions saw 40% growth globally, according to a recent report by MasterCard, and CDC guidelines encourage businesses to use touchless payment options. Touch-free technology prioritizes guest safety and offers several other benefits, including faster checkouts and increased customer satisfaction. Operators should look to implement touch-free solutions to thrive now and into the future.
Post On Social Media
To encourage and promote your Easter specials and catered meal options, post on Facebook and Instagram Stories. Create a contest to share across your social media channels. Ask followers to share a picture of the food they ordered, along with how they will be celebrating Easter, or what they will be giving up for Lent. Have them tag your business for a chance to win a gift card to your restaurant.
Seasonal Selection Tools & Resources
We have created our Seasonal Selections Operator Tools collection as a guide to aid you as you plan for the upcoming celebrations and events. Click the button below to download how-to guides, recipes, templates (menu, flyer & catering order forms) and take-out and catering packaging solutions to help your operation thrive. In addition, we have put together guides for you to share with your patrons including tips on how they can host their events and special occasions safely and successfully.
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