Valentine’s Day is going to look a lot different this year, isn’t it? For the first time in our lives, restaurants throughout Canada will not be able to fill up to capacity in order to cater to romantic couples celebrating their unions. Instead, COVID-19 is forcing all of us to consider ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day other than dining out.
Allowing people to place orders for food directly from your restaurant’s website will be more important than ever this Valentine’s Day. Naturally, many couples will be celebrating the special occasion at home. Your restaurant must satisfy their needs with delicious meals and treats that are particularly catered for delivery to lovebirds. What Valentine’s Day dishes are you adding to your restaurant’s takeout menu?
Appetizers.
We would highly recommend adding the words “for two” to pretty much all of your appetizers. Be sure to advertise the fact that your delicious apps are both specially priced and specially made for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day. Wraps, wings, tacos, French fries and spinach dips – you name it! – your apps should be equal parts mouth-watering and easy for couples to select for their Valentine’s Day dinners.
“Start your Valentine’s Day dinner with a colourful dish that grabs your customers’ attention,” suggests Sabrina Bomberger on WebstaurantStore.com, “A charcuterie board features a medley of flavours, each of which is light and refreshing and can be perfect for preparing your customers for the rest of their meal. To create your charcuterie board, choose from a variety of cured meats, hard and soft cheese, crackers, and fruits that pair well together.”
The entree.
Lobster tails, calamari and scallops are among some of the most sumptuous seafood menu ideas for Valentine’s Day meals. Chicken or shrimp linguine, macaroni and cheese and pizza (with pepperoni cut in the shapes of hearts?) are some great pasta-related ideas. Again, there’s no end to the list of great eats you can offer your customers. Consider the “for two” approach here, once again, and adjust pricing to give Valentine’s Day celebrators the opportunity to save.
“The most important part of a Valentine’s Day meal is the entree,” insists Bomberger, “Not only does it serve as the main course and highlight of your meal, but it must be fit for an event as special as Valentine’s Day dinner.
Dessert.
Cookies, pie, cupcakes and bowls of ice cream – really, are there any desserts that can’t be shared? Think about renaming some of your desserts to convey a romantic theme. “Cupid’s Cherry Cheesecake” or “Love At First Bite Brownies” comes to mind. Don’t forget drinks, as well! Sprucing up your recipes to add a little extra “love” to your offerings will help you grow your takeout orders on February 14th.
No matter what you offer, be sure to allow your customers to place orders online. It is important that your restaurant’s website isn’t just for show. Let its visitors place orders for their meals directly! With Unity Payments, you can quickly set up an online ordering system for your restaurant. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
