Big Morale, Small Budget: Keeping Staff Happy in Peak Season

Peak season can be both the busiest and the most exhausting time for your team. Long shifts, higher guest volumes, and constant pressure can quickly lead to burnout. The good news? You don’t need to spend big to boost morale.

Small, thoughtful actions can make staff feel valued, supported, and ready to give guests their best. Happier teams lead to better service and better reviews.

Why Morale Matters More in Peak Season

• Energy impacts service – Guests notice when staff are tired or disengaged.
• Retention is cheaper than rehiring – Losing a key team member mid-season is costly.
• Positive culture drives upselling – Staff who feel appreciated sell more naturally.

10 Low-Cost Morale Boosters You Can Use Today

1. Personal Shout-Outs – Recognize staff in pre-shift meetings for going above and beyond. Public praise costs nothing but means everything.

2. Flexible Scheduling – Offer shift swaps or slightly shorter shifts where possible to prevent burnout.

3. Staff Meals & Snacks – Provide a good meal before the shift or quick snacks during peak hours.

4. Small Incentives for Performance – Gift cards, dessert vouchers, or extra breaks for top upsellers.

5. Rotating “Easy Nights” – Assign a less demanding station or shorter shift after a particularly hard day.

6. Manager Check-Ins – Take 5 minutes to personally ask how each team member is doing.

7. Theme Days – Fun dress codes or small competitions (e.g., “Best Upsell Pitch of the Night”).

8. Staff Involvement in Specials – Let staff suggest feature dishes or drinks; name them after the creator.

9. Encourage Peer Recognition – A “shout-out board” where staff can thank each other.

10. End-of-Season Celebration – It doesn’t need to be lavish; a BBQ or potluck goes a long way.

Brand Points PLUS Tip:

Use loyalty program rewards creatively for small staff prizes. This turns morale boosts into measurable sales gains.

Operational Morale Tips

• Streamline workflow – Reduce stress by tightening station setups and menu complexity.
• Give clear daily goals – Teams work better when they know exactly what success looks like for the night.

Boosting morale doesn’t have to break the bank; simple gestures can keep your team energized and motivated during peak season. When staff feel valued, service improves, sales grow, and everyone ends the season stronger.

Think Local, Source Smart

For independent restaurant operators, reliable supply is the foundation of smooth operations and steady profits. But seasonal shortages, unexpected delays, and rising transportation costs can quickly disrupt service. That’s why building strong relationships with your Brand Points PLUS participating Canadian family-owned foodservice distributor should be your first move.

Local sourcing can be a valuable supplement—but only when it complements what your distributor can’t provide. The goal? A balanced procurement plan that maximizes convenience, keeps costs predictable, and supports your business year-round.

Why Distributor-First Sourcing Matters

Your primary distributor relationship gives you several competitive advantages:

• One-stop ordering – Minimizes delivery fees and admin time.
• Brand Points PLUS rewards – Points and cash rebates on eligible purchases.
• Stronger negotiating power – Better pricing through consolidated volume.
• Consistent quality control – Distributor-vetted products reduce risk.

Every time you split orders unnecessarily, you risk higher per-unit costs, less predictable service, and missed rewards.

When Local Sourcing Makes Sense

Local sourcing is a powerful tool when used strategically:

• Seasonal Specials – Spotlight fresh, short-season produce when they’re at peak quality.
• Unique Flavours – Signature Canadian cheeses or heritage meats that differentiate your menu.
• Event or Theme Nights – Tie into community events with Canadian-grown or produced features.

But the key is to work with your distributor to integrate these items into your supply plan, so you still streamline deliveries and maintain reliable procurement for your core needs.

How to Make Distributor + Local Work Together

1. Collaborate with Your Distributor
Ask your sales rep about regional sourcing programs or seasonal product lists. Our distributors already work with local producers, so they can get you the product without adding a new supplier to your roster.

2. Use Local for Menu Highlights, Not Staples
Keep your high-volume items such as proteins, pantry staples, and beverages coming from your distributor. Use local sourcing for feature dishes and high-margin specials where supply inconsistency won’t hurt you.

3. Build Marketing Around Your Sourcing Story
Guests love knowing where their food comes from. Use menu callouts like “Locally sourced from [Region]” or “Proudly supplied by [Distributor Name], a Canadian family-owned business.”

Brand Points PLUS Tip:

Whenever possible, channel your spending through your participating distributor so you earn points and cash rebates. Even if an item is sourced locally, check if your distributor can handle the order for you, keeping your procurement efficient and your rewards intact.

Balancing your distributor relationship with smart local sourcing gives you the best of both worlds—consistent supply, predictable costs, and the flexibility to feature seasonal Canadian products. Keep your distributor at the core, and use local sourcing as a strategic add-on to strengthen your menu and your margins. Learn more about our distributors and find the one closest to you here!

Patio Panic? Turn Empty Tables into Tonight’s Hot Spot

Nothing hurts more in peak summer than seeing empty patio tables on a warm evening. The good news? You don’t always need weeks of planning to fill them. Nimble, last-minute marketing tactics, paired with quick-turn menu ideas, can transform a slow night into a profitable one.

With the right approach, same-day promotions can lead to same-day profits, giving you the flexibility to adapt to weather, staffing, and demand.

Why Nimble Patio Marketing Works in August

Summer creates a perfect storm for short-notice marketing:

• Unpredictable weather means diners often decide where to eat just hours in advance.
• Last-minute plans are common as people look for casual, no-reservation options.
• Patio dining is seen as a treat—and guests are often more spontaneous about it.
• Staffing levels fluctuate, so you can plan event size around who’s on shift.

Your Last-Minute Marketing Playbook

• Use Instagram Stories & Facebook Events – Post vibrant, real-time photos or a quick video of today’s patio setup. Announce the special, band, or menu in under 15 seconds.
• SMS & Email to Loyalty Guests – A quick “Flash Patio Happy Hour: Tonight Only!” can reach your most engaged customers and drive immediate response.
• Geo-Targeted Ads – Use Google or Meta ads to target mobile users within 10 km. Simple creative with “Tonight Only on the Patio!” and a mouthwatering image works best.
• Leverage Local Partnerships – Call your craft brewery rep, local musician, or nearby business to help promote to their audience for free.

Smart, Fast Event Ideas That Work

Choose events that are simple to execute and don’t require extensive prep:

• 2-for-1 App Hour – Focus on high-margin, easy-to-share items.
• Sunset Sliders & Sips Sampler Menu – A few small slider varieties and a flight of cocktails or mocktails.
• Local Brewery Feature Night – Pour one partner brewery’s lineup, offer tasting notes, and let them promote it.
• “Bring Your Dog” Yappy Hour – Dog-friendly treats and water bowls add charm and social media buzz.
• Acoustic Soloist or Trivia Host – Compact entertainment that doesn’t require major setup.

Operational Tips for Same-Day Patio Events

Even a pop-up event needs structure to run smoothly:

• Prep Menus & Signage Early – Have a few laminated “pop-up” menus ready to go for easy swaps.
• Limit the Menu – Focus on items that can be prepped quickly and executed consistently.
• Assign a Patio Lead – One person should oversee seating, pacing, and guest experience.

Promote Your Canadian Vibe

Use these events to highlight Canadian ingredients and suppliers:

• Host a “100% Canadian Tap List Night” featuring local craft beers.
• Create an “Ontario Harvest Patio Pairing” with seasonal produce and regional cheeses. Browse some delicious cheese options from ADL here.
• Work with your Canadian-owned foodservice distributor to source and showcase products that reinforce your “buy local” message.

These touches not only support the local economy but also give guests a story to share.

Empty seats don’t have to stay empty. Quick thinking and same-day marketing can make your patio go from quiet to buzzing in just a few hours. Want to learn more about how to increase patio profits? Click here to visit our post highlighting 5 ways to boost profits and keep guests on the patio longer! Keep the summer going, and the margins growing!

No Sweat! Your Summer Takeout & Delivery Playbook

As off-premise dining continues to be a major revenue stream for Canadian restaurants, summer brings its own set of takeout and delivery challenges. Heat, staffing shortages, and peak dine-in crowds can push operations to the limit, leading to soggy fries, incorrect orders, or late deliveries.

The good news? With a few checklist-driven tweaks, operators can tighten systems, protect food quality, and keep customer satisfaction high, without adding significant cost or complexity!

Why Summer Adds Complexity

While takeout and delivery have become year-round staples, summer conditions can magnify operational issues:

• Heat affects food temperature and freshness – Fries lose crispness, ice melts in drinks, and hot entrées cool too quickly.
• High dine-in traffic strains kitchen timing – Orders for tables can slow prep for off-premise customers.
• Staff shortages increase order errors – Rushed packing often leads to missed items or incorrect modifications.
• Longer delivery distances in cottage-country or tourist zones raise the risk of spills, waste, and cold food.

Your Takeout & Delivery Quality Checklist

• Use ventilated containers for fried or hot items to prevent steam buildup.
• Separate hot & cold foods in packaging for better temperature control.
• Include reheat instructions or QR code videos for at-home enjoyment.
• Seal all bags to prevent tampering and reassure customers.
• Label every item clearly, especially when substitutions or modifications are made.

This checklist can be printed, laminated, and posted at the packing station so it becomes part of every order’s final inspection.

Packaging Isn’t the Place to Cut Corners

Cheap packaging can ruin a customer’s meal experience, leading to negative reviews or lost repeat business. Soggy containers, poor heat retention, and leaks make a lasting bad impression.

Instead, invest in compostable, durable, brand-forward packaging that reinforces your restaurant’s quality standards. Bulk-buying or securing supplier discounts through your foodservice distributor—or loyalty programs like Brand Points PLUS—can keep premium packaging affordable.

Kitchen Tips for Order Accuracy & Speed

A few operational changes can drastically improve takeout execution:

• Dedicated Takeout Station – Assign a section of the kitchen or a small table for bagging and quality checks.
• Double-Check Protocol – One staff member packs the order, another verifies against the ticket before sealing.
• Order Confirmation During Prep – Train staff to verbally confirm modifications to avoid missed instructions.

Insights Tip: Promote Add-Ons & Combos

Upselling in off-premise orders is easy when built into the ordering process:

• Offer pre-set dessert, drink, or side bundles on mobile ordering apps.
• Run “add this for $X” prompts at checkout.
• Prep grab-and-go add-ons (cookies, bottled drinks) ahead of time for speed.

Bundling increases average order value while providing a more complete customer experience.

Summer’s heat and high traffic don’t have to derail your takeout and delivery game. With the right systems, smart packaging, and a focus on accuracy, you can keep orders fresh, fast, and frustration-free. Looking for more tips and tricks for your takeout process? Click here to read more about the best takeout foods!

Drink Up the Profits: Upselling Made Easy

From Small Talk to Big Margins: Mastering the Art of the Upsell

In today’s climate of high food costs and cautious diners, boosting your average cheque size is a smarter strategy than chasing more guests. The key? Training staff to confidently and naturally upsell sides, drinks, and add-ons that deliver value to both your customer and your bottom line.

Why Upselling Matters More Than Ever

According to the 2025 Canadian Restaurant Profitability Outlook, even a modest 10% increase in average ticket size can offset a 5% dip in traffic that is common in slower late-summer weeks.

Upselling isn’t about being pushy, it’s about suggesting options that your guests didn’t know they wanted… yet.

The High-Margin Heroes: Drinks & Sides

1. Signature Cocktails and Mocktails
Encourage staff to describe your premium drinks with enthusiasm. Highlight house infusions, Canadian spirits, or seasonal garnishes. A compelling description can convert a water drinker into a $14 cocktail order.

2. Premium Sides and Shareables
Train servers to recommend an elevated side or appetizer. “Would you like to add our house truffle fries for the table?” is an easy ask that often results in a yes.tisfaction.

3. Beverage Pairings with Mains
Create suggested pairings and print them on menus or daily specials boards. Staff should be prepped to suggest a pairing that complements the dish—not just adds to the bill.

4. Dessert Drinks or End-of-Meal Add-Ons
One final espresso martini or house-made gelato can boost table revenue without slowing service.

Practical Tips for Success

• Keep recommendations short and specific. “Our basil lemonade pairs perfectly with that.”
• Use the power of suggestion. “Guests love to add our garlic naan with this curry.”
• Train with tasting sessions. Staff should know what they’re recommending.
• Track upsell wins. Run low-cost contests to encourage team-wide participation.

INSIGHTS Tip: Menu Design Matters

Strategically design your menu with upsells in mind. Highlight high-margin items with boxes, colour, or icons. Use enticing descriptions and tiered options (e.g., “Classic” vs. “Signature”) to prompt guest curiosity.

Upselling isn’t just a sales tactic; it’s an opportunity to enhance your guests’ experience while boosting your margins. With the right training, menu design, and a sprinkle of enthusiasm, every interaction can turn small talk into big profits.

Need ideas for feature menu items and cocktails? We’ve got you covered! Click here for some delicious dessert ideas, and click here to explore 2025 cocktail trends that you won’t want to miss!