Father’s Day: Restaurants Won’t Fear the Sear
This Father’s Day there will likely be more than few “Grill Heroes” who want their special Sunday day off. And yet, the allure of smoke will still be strong. Not every restaurant is a bona fide BBQ joint but there are still ways to make sure you’re top of mind for a reservation for those craving BBQ.
Get Inspired by Google
Home cooks everywhere are looking up ideas for new foods to get their grill marks on. Eat This, Not That highlighted the top searches for BBQ recipes by state https://www.eatthis.com/most-popular-grilling-recipes-every-state/. Pineapple was popular in Alaska and Kentucky. Connecticut and Arizona wanted to know how to do lobster tails on the grill. Shellfish was also big with Ohio wanting the skinny on crab legs and Washington State getting intel on cooking oysters. What’s trending at home could be some welcome inspiration for your Father’s Day menu this year. Perhaps it’s time for your chef to get adventurous on the grill along with tried-and-true steaks or burgers.
BBQ To Go
Some fathers will never surrender the tongs and platter under any circumstances. The perfect gift for them could be a basket your restaurant can pull together to be taken away and cooked at home. This could be four marbled steaks with seasoned butters, some garlic bread, and asparagus or other veggies for the grill. Or what about swordfish steaks, corn on the cob, and sweet potatoes all sliced and seasoned? Dessert could include sliced pineapple to grill with a spiced caramel sauce for drizzling on top. Simple instructions could accompany the basket to reassure the grill master on the receiving end.
Add Some BBQ Décor for the Day
Consider some temporary touches to add as a counterpoint to the décor you have now. Play up the rustic and maybe even add some metal and distressed wood to create an industrial farmhouse vibe. Character counts. Whiskey barrels could find a special spot or two. And since so much of BBQ is eaten by hand, think about brown paper table covers or maybe check patterned napkins or recycled paper towels with a stone on top to keep it simple. Do you want to serve the BBQ on tin sheets? Can you hang a temporary art piece that’s a stenciled pig or steer? Or is there room for rope, cowboy hats or horns?
Park Some Grills on Your Patio
Maybe a smoker and grill could find their way into plain view at your restaurant for Father’s Day weekend. The unmistakable scent will have people lining up. Remember that the smoke alone may be all that’s needed to flavor subtle fish dishes, or you may want to go all-in on a traditional southern barbecue menu for visiting dads. You could even stage a prix-fixe meal that offers several BBQ courses to keep things simpler for your chef. Something like steamed clams on the grill for a first course. Follow it up with grilled butterflied lamb as a main course, or pork and beef from the smoker that’s been going for hours. Seared heads of romaine can be slathered with a choice of blue cheese or honey mustard dressing. And of course, you’ll want dedicated grill space for corn on the cob. There’s nothing limiting you when wood, coals and gas take center stage.
Keeping dad happy on his day is what it’s all about. We know a thing or two about helping dads hang out contentedly on the patio. You may have questions about maximizing the outdoor season for your restaurant. Or maybe you want to add a roof structure or patio enclosure to keep your customers more comfortable. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience and can guide you toward high-quality materials and designs that hold up to some of the worst days nature dishes out. We’re happy to answer questions, anytime.
To all the dads out there, congratulations on guiding the next generation to help us all create a better world. Fire up the BBQ and celebrate your day!
