In summer, long sunny days and high temperatures encourage consumers to spend more time outdoors, seeking opportunities to spend time with friends. It's not just an impression; the data speaks for itself: over half of Italians dine out more often in the summer than during other seasons. Local events such as food festivals, fairs, and music festivals undoubtedly contribute to this phenomenon, offering the public the opportunity to enjoy good food without sacrificing entertainment or socializing.
But what does this mean for restaurateurs and bar managers?
Besides being a major stressor, this summer trend offers those working in the HORECA sector several opportunities that it's good to be aware of.
In this article, we analyze 5 ways to attract customers during the summer season. 
5 ways to attract customers to your business this summer
1. Focus on the outdoor seating!
The beauty of summer is the opportunity to spend time outdoors, especially after sunset, when the evening breeze offers some relief from the high temperatures. For this reason, if you have a veranda, terrace, or other outdoor space, it's a good idea to take full advantage of it. The best way to enhance your outdoor space is with soft lighting, delicate drapes, tropical plants, and seating that captures attention and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Offer your customers an urban oasis; they'll never want to leave.
2. Collaborate on local events
As mentioned, summer fairs and festivals are a great opportunity to get noticed. By contacting the organizers of these events, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your products, but remember, simply being there isn't enough. If you want customers to come back, the best strategy is to make a lasting impression. Our advice? Impress them with an extraordinary sandwich, one that's easy to make and quick to serve, a versatile sandwich... a sandwich like the Space Bun.
3. Entertain your guests
If attending music festivals isn't your thing, you could host events directly at your venue. Everyone loves live music, so inviting artists to perform could be an incentive for even the most sophisticated patrons to stay for a different kind of evening. If the prospect of jokes and off-key singing doesn't scare you, we suggest karaoke nights and stand-up comedy shows. These are perfect opportunities to actively engage your patrons and make them feel like the stars of the show for a night, or at best, for a few minutes. 
4. Don't forget families
With school out and more relaxed hours, many families are taking advantage of the summer to spend quiet evenings with their children. For this reason, keeping the needs of both parents and children in mind is essential to ensuring a responsive and welcoming service for everyone. To do this, simply plan a few dishes that meet the needs (and tastes) of the little ones, provide high chairs, and plan some form of entertainment. If space permits, a small playground can be a great way to keep kids from getting bored due to long waits; otherwise, traditional placemats to color are always a great solution.
5. Focus on freshness
In summer, nothing is more enjoyable than enjoying a light and refreshing dessert. To attract customers even on the hottest evenings, it's a good idea to think carefully about the desserts on your menu. An important but often overlooked tip is to include vegan or gluten-free options, so that even those with food intolerances can enjoy a delicious end to a meal in good company. The simplest solution to please everyone is certainly the classic fruit salad, excellent not only for its quick preparation but also for its versatility: just stock up on fresh, seasonal fruit and you're done! As for artisanal yogurt, ice cream, and parfaits, offering fruity and lactose-free flavors will suffice. For those looking for something new and tired of the usual options, our recommendation is Ice N Roll , an innovative way to serve ice cream that allows you to experiment with a wide variety of recipes.
Summer can be a great opportunity for restaurants, bars, and venues. Investing in experiences, comfort, and creativity is key to increasing attendance, building customer loyalty , and turning the hottest season of the year into the most profitable.