Sure Feels _____ has frozen over! My 11 Hot Ideas to Ignite Your Restaurant's Appeal During Canada's Cold Snaps.

Canada's Frozen Restaurant Guy, Jay Ashton

It sure feels like we're in an episode of 'Survivor: The Cold Series'... As Canada endures another mind-blowingly frosty winter, now with a late start, restaurants across the country are seeking innovative ways to attract customers despite the chilly weather. These unique and engaging ideas offer not only warmth and comfort but also an exciting twist to the dining experience, encouraging customers to brave the cold for something special if you can pull it off.

Here are some simple ideas to win the battle against the cold!

• Indoor Winter Market: Transform a part of your restaurant into a delightful indoor market, showcasing local artisans and food enthusiasts. This unique blend of dining and shopping offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience, fostering a sense of community and support for local talent.
• Dine in an Igloo: Set up transparent, heated igloos or domes to provide a cozy and private dining experience that replicates the captivating Arctic atmosphere. Don't forget to upsell this experience or just to celebrate your regulars for supporting you. Our VIP Domes!!!

Click the image below to a link to Amazon, to purchase your dome:

• Interactive Chef's Table: Bring back these memorable experiences! Offer an interactive culinary adventure where guests can observe and engage with chefs as they prepare dishes, learning about diverse cuisines and cooking techniques. Consider creating a space in your kitchen to allow for a table where guests can witness the incredible orchestra of a busy kitchen.
• The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a customizable hot chocolate station with one of your chefs with various toppings and flavours to create a delightful attraction, particularly popular among families and young visitors. Consider making some Mocktails, similar to what Timmy's offered over the holidays, incorporating some recognizable brands."

Yes..Yes... Independent restaurant operators can do these too!

Baileys Cream Coffee – The classic taste of Tims Original Blend coffee is infused with the flavour of Baileys and cream.

Baileys Latte – Tims rich and balanced freshly brewed espresso is mixed with the flavour of Baileys, your choice of dairy or a dairy alternative, a layer of whipped topping and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Baileys Cold Brew with Baileys Flavoured Infused Foam – This smooth and velvety cold beverage features our delicious Cold Brew infused with the flavour of Baileys, cream and a decadent layer of Baileys flavoured foam.

Baileys Iced Capp – Our Iced Capp is perfectly paired with the taste of Baileys and whipped topping.

Baileys Boston Cream Dream Donut – One of the most popular Tim Hortons donuts gets a special twist with a non-alcoholic Baileys-flavoured cream filling and a sprinkling of chocolate curls.

• Fireside Storytelling Evenings: Create a warm, communal vibe by hosting storytelling or poetry nights near a fireplace, thus enhancing the dining experience with a touch of culture and art.My favourite book for the winter months by Gabby Peyton:

• Culinary Journey Evenings: Take customers on a thematic culinary tour through different regions of Canada or the world, complete with narratives about each region's culture and cuisine in each dish. Encourage your servers to dress warmly and play along with the cold weather theme. My favourite toque of 2024!"

• Cook-Off Challenges: Engage customers with friendly cook-off contests between two or more in-house chefs. The winning dishes could be announced each night in the dining room, and the winning chef of the night could do a victory tour around the dining room for some fun and to thank the guests for voting for him. This stirs up excitement and participation with your guests, creating an experience they've never seen before.
• Winter Wine and Paint Nights: Combine the relaxation of wine tasting with the creativity of painting, offering a unique and calming way to spend an evening. A no-brainer!
• Rooftop Snow Bar: If you have the space, transform your rooftop into a winter-themed bar, complete with heaters and blankets, providing a picturesque setting with winter cocktails. Maybe not in minus 40 degrees, but it's a good idea when it warms up a bit.
• Local Music Showcase: Support and showcase local talent by hosting live music nights, offering entertainment and a platform for local artists. We need to do more of this. There are so many talented local musicians who need opportunities to share their music. Take advantage of January and February!
• Retro Game Nights: Tap into nostalgia with evenings dedicated to retro board games or video games, appealing to a diverse and multi-generational crowd. Perfect for every coffee shop! Encourage your staff to promote this when customers purchase a coffee. Usually, guests stumble over to see a pile of old games that were once played, but if we get people playing, they stay longer and purchase more.

Gourmet S'mores Station at Your Table: A gourmet s'mores station where customers can craft their own s'mores with various chocolates and biscuits could be a delightful and interactive dessert option.

Sterno Products has these amazing table top S'more burners. They're safe and an amazing idea! Contact your Sysco Canada Inc. Sales Consultant to add these to your next order.

• Candlelight Dinners: Organize candlelight dinners for a more intimate and romantic setting. These are particularly appealing during the long, dark winter nights and, while simple, are not seen too often anymore.Stay warm! These ideas are about more than just serving food; they're about creating memorable experiences that resonate with the heart of Canadian winters and these unimaginably cold days. By leveraging the unique aspects of the season and focusing on community engagement and customer experiences that are simple and easy to implement, restaurants can transform the cold weather challenge into opportunities for exceptional dining experiences. These draw customers out of their homes and into the warmth of their establishments.

For more warm ideas, check out my two podcasts...

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Sysco Canada Inc. Restaurants Canada KELLY HIGGINSON Anna Pham Brenda Halkiw Laurie Dawe Monte Silva Shawn P. Walchef Roger Beaudoin Matt Rolfe Domenic Pedulla James Kenny Dimitrios Lenis, Senior Vice President Sterno Thaddaeus Smith