Trends to watch for a successful summer

Summer 2023 in the Québec restaurant industry will be a celebration of freshness, creativity and unique flavours! Every year, there are certain trends to watch out for to ensure a successful summer season that will attract your customers and tourists. ARQ Info has picked out a few that you can add to your menu, your terrace or even your decor to help you stand out from the crowd in the coming sunny weeks!

With summer temperatures soaring, people are looking for light and refreshing dishes. Unique salads, fresh fruit bowls, vegetable carpaccio and seafood ceviche are all in demand. Chefs can also focus on using seasonal ingredients to create healthy and nutritious dishes. An innovative summer menu is a good way to attract customers with something new. What’s more, people are rediscovering vegetables as a centre of the plate option. The vegetable-centered approach can include animal proteins in small quantities, as long as the dish remains vegetable-focused.

In this line, mushrooms will be a key ingredient that can be used in broths, as protein, in teas and more. This ingredient is rich in vitamins, promotes cells development, helps the brain function properly, boosts the immune system and provides energy. Last December, Axiome carried out a survey for the Association Restauration Québec and HRImag on trends to be expected in 2023 in the restaurant industry and, above all, on the evolution of menus among 440 Québec restaurant owners. The survey revealed that fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables were identified as a major trend by 55.4% of respondents. Wild mushrooms were also featured with 20.3%. “Mushrooms are a very versatile food. We’ve noticed that they’re in demand with consumers and that more and more local producers are offering them. It’s a win-win situation,” says Philippe Veilleux, co-owner and dining room manager at Groupe La Tanière in Québec City (ARQ member).

SUMMER COCKTAILS: MOCKTAILS, MARTINIS AND HEALTH

Just like with food, the drinks menu needs to be imaginative. Try to keep abreast of beverage trends, which are constantly changing from year to year. An up-to-date drinks offer can generate significant additional revenue, especially in the post-pandemic context. “What we’re seeing is a significant rise in the popularity of cocktails and a slight drop in beer sales. So it’s important to have an interesting drinks menu to satisfy all our customers,” says Mathieu Villeneuve, co-owner of Le Sacrilège bar in Québec City. In 2023, trends will have less to do with glitz and luxury and more to do with simple concepts and healthy recipes based on tropical fruits and fresh herbs. Firstly, the data shows that everyone is now trying alcohol-free options. Revamp your drinks menu with a non-alcoholic mojito or Mai Tai, or replace Champagne with flavoured sparkling water.

Secondly, martinis are everywhere. We’re seeing more and more with peanut butter, espresso and pistachio. Stay on top of the trends by adding a refreshing martini to your menu. What better way to invite your customers to take beautiful photos of your establishment than with a martini that reflects your image.

Finally, healthier cocktails and ingredients that promote better concentration or have medicinal properties are very popular this summer. Make a matcha margarita, create a vegetable-infused cocktail or add digestive bitters or kombucha to any smoothie, cocktail or non-alcoholic drink to promote gut health. Also, in the survey carried out last December, the beverage trends to look out for that topped the list were creative homemade cocktails with 48.6% and Québec wines or spirits with 37.2%. To meet the growing demand for non-alcoholic products, more than a quarter of respondents (26.4%) cited the importance of offering alcohol-free products and even fermented products (6.8%).

Promoting Local Products

Quebecers are proud of their local produce and are prepared to pay more to support local food. Customers want to know where their food comes from and want to support local communities while enjoying fresh, delicious food. Focus on highlighting regional products such as maple syrup, local cheeses, berries, seasonal vegetables and meats from local farms. Customers will even look for the “Aliment du Québec” logo on the menu to prioritize their next outing. You can also add this value to your alcohol menu with ciders and spirits. “It’s important to promote our home-grown products, and customers are happy to see that we’re paying attention to them. We like to adapt our food menu as well as our cocktails, because it allows us to improvise and try out new recipes,” says Rebecca Moreau, Director of Sales and Events at Jatoba restaurant in Montréal.

Cut Down On Sugar

While healthy choices are at the top of the list, trying to limit sugar could also be worth your while. During the summer months, many customers watch what they eat, including their sugar intake. Offering fruit smoothies, teas, desserts and cocktails that don’t contain hidden syrups or sugars like caramel or simple syrup could be a popular choice. Low-fat margaritas and meals based on pure sugars, such as fruit, are also good options. You’ll be able to satisfy a new category of customers, including diabetics, and broaden the inclusion of your menu.

Creative Vegetarian And Vegan Dishes

Unsurprisingly, vegetarianism is on the rise in Québec. So it’s imperative to adapt and add options to the menu to satisfy this clientele. Where once a simple salad was enough, now you have to be creative and follow the trend towards lentils and plant-based proteins. Seasonal vegetables need to be showcased in elaborate preparations, such as grilled vegetables with bold marinades, gourmet veggie burgers and vegan pizzas with mouth-watering toppings. “We’ve noticed a huge demand for vegetarian and vegan dishes. We have to adapt so that we can offer something for everyone,” says Mr Veilleux, Co-Owner and Dining Room Manager at Groupe La Tanière in Québec City. In the survey conducted by Axiome, the concepts, approaches and priorities that will have the greatest impact in the coming months are vegetarian dishes with 39.2% of the votes, which is followed closely by gluten-free dishes (32.4%) and vegan dishes (20.3%).

GET HOT THIS SUMMER!

While hot sauce may not seem synonymous with summer, incorporating it into many of your dishes will add consistency and a unique flavour to your menu. It has multiple functions. It can bring complex and interesting flavors to your menu and it can be appealing to customers who like spicy dishes. Different brands offer different degrees of intensity, as well as a variety of flavour profiles. According to the 2023 Menu Trends Survey, 22.8% of restaurant owners considered hot flavours and sauces to be a key element of a menu. Blending several spices, these ready-to-use sauces are perfect for experimenting with your appetizers, main courses, dressings, soups and even cocktails. In a recipe, they infuse their flavors throughout the dish rather than staying on the surface, giving each bite a little kick. What better way to stand out this summer!

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD WITH YOUR DECOR!

It’s not enough to offer a tasty menu and quality service to satisfy your customers. Your restaurant also needs to be visually appealing! This summer, there are a few things you can do to make your restaurant stand out from the crowd.

Firstly, rattan is back in force! It can be used for furniture, hanging lamps, wicker screens and more. These elements will add softness to your decor, while being affordable and easy to maintain. To make it stand out, arrange it with green plants. “It’s amazing what natural plants can do for the visual effect of a restaurant. They create a superb atmosphere and bring a zen feel to the terrace,” explains Rebecca Moreau Director of Sales and Events at Jatoba restaurant in Montréal. They are essential for bringing your terrace to life. They add freshness and color. You can also install hanging pots on your walls or beams for a bohemian effect.

Finally, hanging lights are an essential element in adding character to your terrace this summer. You can install strings of lights on your walls or around your sunshades for a welcoming look. “We often do renovations and adding small lights in the glass roof adds a very warm touch. It’s an atmosphere we want for the warmer months,” adds Mathieu Villeneuve, co-owner of Le Sacrilège bar. A great atmosphere will encourage your customers to share their experience on social media and give you publicity! #Foodie.

The industry has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years. And the same goes for your menu, the trends, the layout and decoration of your restaurant. This summer, you will need to offer a varied menu, with plenty of options to satisfy your customers. The warm season is a good opportunity to play with flavours and try out new recipes. What’s more, think about the things that will make you stand out from the crowd. Get inspired by the latest trends and keep up to date on social networks.