Summer rush? 5 tips to help your hospitality business thrive
Summer is peak season in hospitality. Your terrace fills up quickly, guests stay longer, and the vibe is great. But it’s also the time when your business is under the most pressure.
That’s exactly why summer is a key moment: with the right approach, you can not only boost your turnover but also improve your operations – and feel the benefits long after the season ends.
Here are 5 concrete tips you can start applying today. No big changes – just smart adjustments that work.
Tip 1: Make it easy for new team members to jump in
Summer often means new faces in your team – student workers, holiday help, or flexible staff filling in. Great support, but only if they can get up to speed quickly.
Keep things simple and clear. A user-friendly POS and straightforward workflows help new team members feel confident fast – no need for long explanations or guesswork.
Think about it like this: if someone can take orders after one round and doesn't need help finding the right buttons, you're already winning.
Tip 2: Speed up terrace service
Your guests are enjoying the sunshine outside, while your team is running back and forth between the kitchen and the terrace. That takes time and energy.
Smart service starts with smart tools. Use mobile devices to send orders directly to the bar or kitchen. Let guests pay at the table using Tap to Pay, so you don’t have to look for a payment terminal every now and then.
Picture this: a waiter takes the order and completes the payment on the spot. No extra trips, no delays. Just happy guests getting fast service.
Tip 3: Start the day with your team
In smaller businesses, this often happens naturally: a quick chat before the first shift starts. But in busy times, that moment easily slips away.
Still, a short check-in is worth it. Go over what’s coming up: reservations, roles, or backup plans if things get unexpectedly busy.
Even five minutes around the coffee machine can set the tone for a smoother day – with less confusion and more clarity.
Tip 4: Simplify your menu to serve faster
In summer, guests tend to want something fresh and quick. A light salad, seasonal dish, or cold plate that’s easy to prepare.
Take a critical look at your menu – where can you simplify? You don’t need a full overhaul. Often, adding a few summer specials that are fast and easy is enough.
This helps your kitchen work more efficiently, keeps your team in rhythm, and offers something new and refreshing for your guests.
Tip 5: Don’t forget about your data
Working by instinct is important – but the numbers tell the real story. Summer is the perfect time to see what’s actually working in your business.
Review your sales and performance data regularly. Which dishes sell well? Where are you losing margin? When are you over- or understaffed?
With a POS system that tracks this automatically and offers online access, you can check your reports from anywhere – even if you’re not in the venue.
In short: small changes, big difference
Summer brings opportunity – and pressure. With a few smart adjustments, you’ll make things easier for your team, keep your guests happy, and grow your business at the same time.
Try for free
Try unTill Air 14 days for free - no payment details needed. Customise the app effortlessly for your business.
Do you want to know more about unTill Air?
We’ve gathered all the information you need, so you can quickly and easily find the answers you’re looking for.
Do you want to know more about unTill Air?
We’ve gathered all the information you need, so you can quickly and easily find the answers you’re looking for.