On top of our high quality of life, Canada is known around the world for its climate. With freezing winters, hot, humid summers, and a whole lot of unpredictable weather in between, almost every industry in the country is impacted by the seasons.
In the restaurant industry, Canada’s seasons can have a big impact on business – introducing new advantages, obstacles, and opportunities as they shift. Let’s take a closer look.
In need of a crash course on opening a restaurant in Toronto? Start with our guide on How to Find a Restaurant For Sale.
The Deep Freeze
It’s no secret that Canada gets cold. Although Canadians are a tough bunch, the winter months do impact the restaurant industry in more ways than one.
One of the biggest changes restaurants see as it gets colder is a shift in consumer habits. With cold weather, snow and ice, many people prefer to stay at home rather than brave the elements. To offset a potential drop in foot traffic, many restaurants will incorporate new strategies to entice customers.
Impact on Delivery
Seasonal changes in customer preferences have become even more noticeable over the past few years with the arrival of third-party delivery apps.
When the weather dips below zero, it’s easy to see why many customers are eager to stay home and order through their favourite delivery app. However, winter conditions can introduce certain obstacles for delivery providers as well.
Winter road conditions can lead to delays in delivery times, which may impact the quality of the food by the time it reaches the customer – in turn influencing their opinion of the restaurant. Another factor that can interrupt delivery service during the winter season is a shortage of labour.
In major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, it’s not uncommon for deliveries to travel by bike, electric scooter, or even on foot. As you might expect, these methods of transportation can be derailed by winter weather, which can lead to reduced availability of labour.
Looking to get into the hospitality industry but have a unique vision in mind? You may like these other posts from our blog.
- What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Hotel & Resort Real Estate
- Jump Start Your Entrepreneurial Career by Buying a Franchise
- How to Open a Microbrewery in Ontario
The Summer Rush
Naturally, summer is the peak season for most restaurants in Canada. As temperatures warm up, Canadians begin leaving the house in search of the perfect place to have a meal and spend time with friends and family.
Canada’s restaurant industry also caters to the millions of tourists who visit the country every year – the bulk of which arrive during the summer. Because a steady volume of tourists can greatly increase a restaurant’s customer flow, it’s not uncommon to see businesses in visitor-dense areas welcome seasonal or temporary staff members during the busy months.
Capitalizing on this rush can help restaurants make up for lower foot traffic when it gets colder.
Patio Season
When the snow melts and the days get longer, people start to venture out more and look for places to enjoy the sunshine. As a result, outdoor dining spaces have become a hot commodity.
Restaurants capitalize on this demand by offering patios or rooftop decks for customers to relax, grab a drink, and have a bite to eat. If you’re thinking about buying or opening a restaurant in Canada, keep in mind that a dedicated patio space can be a huge value-add.
Dreaming of opening a restaurant in Canada? We’ve carved up some helpful tips on our blog.
- What’s Included in a Restaurant Lease?
- The Essential Restaurant Start-up Checklist
- 5 Must-read Books For Aspiring Restaurateurs
Seasonal Menu Adjustments
As the seasons change, many restaurants will adapt their menus to better reflect what their customers are craving.
In the summer months, fresh, local produce often finds its way into staple dishes and promotional items alike. Taking advantage of the warmer weather, many restaurants will offer refreshing drinks and frozen desserts, such as smoothies and ice cream to help customers cool down.
On the flip side, restaurants and unique menu offerings warm up customers during the cooler days of fall and winter. Hot drinks, holiday-inspired meals, and other creative dishes entice Canadians to brave the cold and get cozy at their favourite local spot.
Want to buy or start a restaurant in Canada? We’re here to help! Click here to send us an email or give us a ring.
