Toronto really comes alive in the summer months. As the temperature gets warmer, residents spend more time enjoying the weather and making the most of their city. This includes visiting their favourite restaurants.
So, if you’re a restaurant owner in Toronto, you’ll want to make sure your business is ready for the fun (but busy) summer months. In this blog post, we’re serving up our best tips on how to do exactly that!
Dreaming of having your own restaurant in Toronto? Download our Ultimate Guide to Starting a Restaurant.
Be Ready For More Customers
Summer is one of the busiest seasons in the restaurant industry – if not the busiest. This is especially true in Toronto. Not only do locals tend to eat out more in June through August, but these months are also the height of tourist season.
Toronto gets a bump in tourist traffic every summer, but this year, things will hit a whole new level. In June and July, Toronto is set to welcome international soccer (or, depending on who you ask, football) fans by the hundreds of thousands as we host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. That’s a lot of people!
As a restaurant owner, you’ll want to be prepared for a potential boost in traffic. This means ensuring you’re well stocked, adequately staffed, and keeping operations efficient to keep up with demand.
Looking for complementary restaurant real estate resources? Check out these other resources from our blog – on the house!
- How Restaurant Real Estate is Evolving
- Restaurant Sales: What’s on the Table During Negotiations?
- Key Terms in Restaurant Real Estate You Should Know
Freshen Up Your Patio
Summer is prime patio season – especially for Torontonians. Since the pandemic, outdoor dining in Toronto has exploded in popularity. This is partly due to the City’s CaféTO program, which has reduced red tape and created new options for restaurant owners looking to seat and serve guests outside. There are even certain grants available to help businesses improve their patios.
With summer on the way, now is the time to start preparing your patio. Start by ensuring the area is clutter-free and in good condition. Remember, even though your patio is outdoors, it’s still part of your restaurant and a reflection of your brand. Your guests will be expecting a space that feels comfortable, welcoming, and clean.
If you’ll be setting up a patio for the first time. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with local bylaws first.
Create Seasonal Specials
As a restaurant owner, it’s important to keep things fresh – and summer is the perfect time to do that. Creating thoughtful seasonal offerings is an easy way to drive new business while giving past customers a reason to come back. You don’t need to reinvent your entire menu, but a few new drinks and dishes can be a great way to celebrate the season and get people excited.
Of course, if you do make changes to your menu, be sure to educate and communicate with all staff members before you launch any special dishes. This will limit headaches for your team and customers.
Host Summer Events
If it fits your restaurant’s brand, consider hosting unique events throughout the summer. You may already have happenings year round, but why not lean into the spirit of the season from June through August?
For instance, watch parties for the World Cup or the Toronto Blue Jays can be a great way to draw in sports fans. If you already host things like trivia or an open mic, why not move these events to the patio on warm evenings?
Want to learn more about maximizing your restaurant space? Check out these helpful resources.
- Restaurant Design: 5 Tips for a Stunning and Efficient Space
- How to Make Your Small Restaurant Feel Big
- Restaurant Interior Design: DIY vs Professional
Build Some Buzz
No matter how you choose to celebrate summer at your restaurant, you’ll want to get the word out. Social media is a simple (but super effective) way to show off your new patio, highlight seasonal menu items, advertise events, and get your community and customers excited to stop by for a meal.
Think Even Further Ahead
Summer may be just around the corner, but it doesn’t hurt to start thinking about fall or winter right now. After all, summer in Toronto doesn’t last long – or at least, long enough.
As you make a few changes for the warmer seasons, think about how you may need to adapt once the weather cools off again. For example, ensuring your patio is set up for fall or streamlining your take out and delivery services before to-go orders pick up.
Have more questions about restaurant ownership?
We can help! Send us an email at ryan@carverealestate.com or give us a ring at 416-618-0054 to get started.
