{"id":8898,"date":"2024-07-15T13:07:50","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T11:07:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/?p=8898"},"modified":"2024-07-23T08:46:50","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T06:46:50","slug":"6-steps-to-crafting-a-winning-winter-special-menu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/6-steps-to-crafting-a-winning-winter-special-menu\/","title":{"rendered":"6 steps to crafting a winning \u201cwinter special\u201d menu"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In This Article:<\/h3>\n
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  1. Understand your market<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Highlight comfort<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Attract local diners<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Hero seasonal ingredients<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Create seasonal drinks<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Market your menu<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Winter is a challenging season for many restaurants, with colder weather often leading to fewer diners. However, with the right strategy in place, you can turn this off-peak season into a thriving period for your restaurant.<\/p>\n

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    Designing an enticing winter special can draw in guests, increase foot traffic, and bring in revenue.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Here, we explore practical tips for planning a winter menu that appeals to diners and keeps your restaurant busy.<\/p>\n

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    1. Understand your market<\/h5>\n
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    Before jumping into menu design and pricing<\/a>, it’s crucial to understand your market. Dineplan stats show that 46% of South African diners are happy to spend R300 \u2013 R500 per person, while 22% are willing to go over R500. This simple insight provides a clear direction: create specials that fit within the R300 \u2013 R500 range to appeal to the largest group of diners. <\/p>\n

    46% of South African diners are happy to spend R300 \u2013 R500 per person, while 22% are willing to go over R500.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    For those 22% who are willing to spend more, consider adding some luxurious extras. Add surcharge options like fresh truffles<\/a> (both Kalahari truffles and South African Perigord truffles are in season throughout winter) to crayfish. These luxe ingredients can encourage diners to splurge a bit and enjoy a more indulgent meal.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. Highlight comfort” module_id=”Highlight comfort” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ link_font=”|600|||||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    2. Highlight comfort<\/h5>\n
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    Winter is all about comfort food. Think hearty soups, stews, and rich, flavourful dishes. Using seasonal ingredients <\/a> like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, citrus and apples will instantly add that \u201ccomfort factor\u201d to your menu.<\/p>\n

    Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere is just as important. During winter, add cosy lighting, comfortable seating, and maybe even a fireplace<\/a> \u2013 if it\u2019s feasible. Small touches like blankets, patio heaters, and candles on the tables can make a big difference and turn your restaurant into the go-to spot for diners looking to escape the cold (and avoid cooking at home).<\/p>\n

    Using seasonal ingredients will instantly add that \u201ccomfort factor\u201d to your menu. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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    A post shared by Ernie Els Wines (@ernieelswines)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n