How To Devise A Wise Back To School Menu At Your Restaurant

In about two weeks’ time, a new school year will be underway for students of all ages all across Canada. As a restaurateur, this is a very interesting time of year for you. The back to school shopping season is a busy one. So what does that mean for your eatery? Firstly, there are many shoppers out and about who are bound to get hungry. Secondly, in the coming weeks, students will be looking for places to eat before and after school as well as during lunch periods.

How can you devise a wise back to school menu at your restaurant?

Offer brain-boosting breakfasts.

For young minds, a nutritious and hearty breakfast is vital. Kick their mornings into high gear by offering options that fuel their brains. We’re talking about meals that incorporate ingredients that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Avocado toast with a side of smoked salmon comes to mind. As well, add such choices as oatmeal bowls with whole grains, berries and nuts to deliver an extra dose of brain power. It’s wise to create a “Back-to-School Power Breakfast” combo that includes a balanced mix of protein, fibre and healthy fats.

“A healthy breakfast can significantly impact cognitive function, academic performance, and daily productivity,” communicates Rogers Foods, “Breakfast is considered the day’s most important meal, yet it is often overlooked or skipped altogether. Many individuals falsely believe that skipping breakfast can aid in weight loss or save time, but research demonstrates that having a healthy breakfast each day is essential for optimal physical and mental performance.”

Create kid-friendly lunch combos.

There’s no question that lunch time is a busy time during the school year. It’s a good idea to ensure that your eatery has plenty of delicious and healthy lunchtime options that will appeal to younger palates. Why not offer mini versions of such popular items as sliders, pizzas or grilled cheese sandwiches? You can also offer mix and match options that include fruits, veggies, proteins and dips in an effort to cater to picky eaters.

“School lunches are vital for student health and well-being, especially for those in need,” says Food For Good, “They provide needed nutrition that helps students learn all day. Research has shown these meals reduce hunger, lower obesity, and improve health.”

Design homework-friendly dining areas.

In addition to offering delicious eats, your establishment should also serve as a great place for students to unwind after school. Better yet, can your restaurant offer a spot for them to complete their homework? During dinner hours, why not offer free Wi-Fi and designate a quiet area with comfortable seating and good lighting? To complement this offering, introduce study-friendly menu items like smoothies, coffee and light bites that keep energy levels up.

“If you have a good Wi-Fi connection, you can put up signs that advertise your free service,” Canquest encourages, “This will let people know that they can come to your restaurant to get online. They may not have considered coming to your restaurant before, but they’ll be more likely to give it a try if they know they can get it online.”

Could you use some help promoting your restaurant’s new back to school menu?

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