Rain or shine, humidity or snow, food delivery is a year-round business. But for restaurants that offer delivery, the same rules that apply to wintertime meal transportation don’t always hold during the summer. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for summer restaurant deliveries.

Food delivery in the warmer months presents new opportunities and challenges. Here are a few ways to capitalize on the sunshine and keep your delivery cool during the summer rush:

Create a summer delivery menu

The warmer months bring new seasonal ingredients, making it a great time to update your menu. Investigate what local ingredients are in season and feature them in your summer dishes. Many customers will be in search of summer menu classics like cold drinks, fresh fruit, barbecue and seafood. Adding light and fresh dishes to your menu can make your restaurant the go-to summer spot.

Run a summer promotions

Nothing gets a customer more excited to place an order than a good deal. This summer, take advantage of the summer rush by offering exclusive promotions that highlight your seasonal offerings.

Looking for ideas to promote your restaurant on social media? Consider using social media holidays to give customers a reason to celebrate your cuisine. Pick a food holiday that coincides with your menu offerings, and run a discount on that item to celebrate the holiday. On National Ice Cream Day (July 16), give out a free cone with every purchase. Posting about your promotions on social media using hashtags like #NationalIceCreamDay will help spread the word.

With more potential customers out and about, summer is a great time to double down on advertising. Emails, billboards, fliers, social posts and delivery inserts are all great ways to let diners know about your promotions.

Assemble a bike delivery staff

Sunshine and mild temperatures open up a whole new food delivery alternative: bikes. Consider augmenting your existing pool of delivery drivers with cyclists who can fulfill nearby orders. But when it comes to long-distance deliveries, sushi and smoothies still hold up better in an air-conditioned car than on two wheels.

When you partner with Grubhub, your restaurant can get access to our experienced drivers who can be trusted to get your dishes to customers safely. Learn more about how Grubhub delivery protects your restaurant’s reputation. 

Stock up on the right packaging

In the summertime, food delivery packaging needs to control for seasonal variables like humidity and scorching heat along with everyday challenges like potholes and other road turbulence. When it comes to popular warm weather menu items  – such as salads – make sure delivery drivers are equipped with plenty of ice to keep the salads fresh. Similarly, you’ll want durable drink packaging on hand so cold beverages aren’t lukewarm by the time they’re delivered.

Take a look at these tips on how to select packaging that is both high quality and sustainable.

Accommodate catering delivery

For a lot of diners, summer means picnics in the park, backyard BBQs and neighborhood block parties. If you don’t already, now might be the time to offer food delivery for larger group and event orders. Your restaurant can offer full-service catering for events, or opt for delivery and drop-off catering for a cheaper price. Adding catering to your restaurant is a great way to diversify your revenue this summer.

Before promoting this specific service, be sure to accumulate the right hot/cold packaging (and insulated travel bags or boxes) that can handle bulk orders.

Partner with a food delivery service provider

More likely than not, your existing delivery employees will be requesting time off this summer for their own vacations. By outsourcing your food delivery to a service provider like Grubhub, you can guarantee access to a steady stream of drivers whenever orders come through – and save yourself the scheduling headache.

Ready to reach new customers and grow your business with Grubhub? Sign up today!