As the cold winter air seeps through the windows and the snow begins to fall, diners begin to crave hearty dishes that can comfort and warm them up all winter long.  Smart restaurants and restaurant business plans include taking stock of the season and create a menu that add little heat to the winter doldrums and brings guests back for more.

At VSAG, we use our menu development expertise to create specialized winter offerings that work well within the confines of any restaurant’s branding.  We believe that every season – just like every restaurant – has its own culinary direction. Spring and summer menus are filled with lighter fare that appeals to the freedom of being outdoors, with freshly picked fruit being a main ingredient. And the fall harvest prepares us for the forthcoming chill in the air, with apple, pumpkin and other hearty produce taking center stage.

Not sure what’s in season?  Take a look at Epicurious’ Winter Seasonal Produce Map or Local Harvest to get a sense of what’s in season when near you.

This winter let us help create the perfect seasonal menu for your restaurant. Our innovative chefs have the experience and the seasonal culinary know-how to satisfy your guests’ appetites for creative menu items.  Warming up your restaurant this winter with a seasonal menu your guests has never tasted so good.

The holiday season is finally upon us. It’s the time of the year where people gather around to share gifts and love for one another. It’s a joyous time filled with great food and drink, and it’s an excellent time for restaurants to market specialty items and selections geared toward the holiday season. So what can restaurants do to help their cause?

If you’re not using social media as part of your restaurant business plans, you may be missing out. Retailers know this and capitalize on it during Black Friday. It’s estimated that those with smart phones access the Internet through smart phones at least once a day. Many will use Twitter or Facebook to let friends and followers know the hottest current deals. Retailers are using these sites and others to reveal special promotions and other pieces of information to these savvy tech users.

Restaurants can do the same thing. Having a strong online presence can widely promote restaurant deals, new products or whatever else there is to promote. Restaurant consultants are constantly pointing to the importance of social media. As millions of shoppers are out there buying for their loved ones, they will need to eat somewhere (they even can buy a gift card from a restaurant as a gift). In that same regard, as friends and family greet each other after a long absence, they will need to have somewhere to congregate. A restaurant which capitalizes on social media promotions will certainly gain an edge for those who are looking to dine during the holidays.

More and more people are using social media sites as a go-to source for new places to visit – including new dining spots. Active participation in social media may be the tipping point for restaurants to enjoy a fruitful holiday season. Make social media an active part of your restaurant business plans. Happy Holidays!