Summer means longer evenings, patios opening up, and crowds flocking to restaurants. Its nice weather, paired with seasonal celebrations and holidays, often makes this the busiest time of the year. But as the seasons change, so do customers’ tastes and wishes.
So how are restaurant leaders preparing their teams and adjusting menus for the 2024 summer season? We surveyed industry leaders across three select cities: Charlotte, North Carolina; St. Louis, Missouri; and Sacramento, California. From stocking up on ingredient supplies, adding new menu offerings, and investing in more technology to handle a surge in business, here are some key insights that can help you get ahead.