Grab your gourds and hold onto your beans. Though temps may still be high, it’s nearly fall–which means that renewed coziness and seasonal coffee cravings are just around the corner.
So how do you transition from hot to cool without leaving your clientele cold? Here are some tips and tricks to make your cafe fall-ready and seasonally sensational.
Go beyond PSL, pumpkin..
Does fall conjure up flavors of pumpkin, spice, and everything nice? Yes.
Are there other great fall flavors? Also yes.
Seasonal ingredients evoke the warmth and nostalgia of autumn. Transform a typical cup into a fall masterpiece with flavors of cinnamon, apple, nutmeg, caramel, and yes, pumpkin. Use the best flavored syrups and sauces to create fall-centric lattes, cappuccinos, cold brews, and pastries. Looking for some instant inspo? Check out our fall-ready coffee shop recipes.
Put fall on the menu. Like, actually.
Creating fall favorites is step one. The second step? Putting them front and center on a curated menu.
Launching a dedicated fall menu invites new customers and welcomes back regulars, encouraging them to sample the season’s finest. Highlight seasonal drinks such as Caramel Apple Cider or Maple Pecan Coffee. Don't forget to offer options for those who prefer non-coffee beverages, such as spiced hot chocolates or chai lattes with a hint of fall spices. When it comes to fall, spice is the spice of life.
Underground tip:
Fall for more than just coffee.
Don’t forget to offer dietary diversity for people who like their fall flavors without coffee, dairy, gluten, or sugar. Check out these fave flaves.
Channel sweater weather.
Don’t just get cozy. Make cozy by bringing seasonal coziness to your coffee shop’s ambiance. Consider adding warm lighting, rustic decor elements like pumpkins or fall leaves, and perhaps even blankets for outdoor seating areas. Creating a welcoming space where customers can relax and enjoy their fall-inspired drinks bring them in–and keep them coming back for more.
Improve your promoter score.
Get the word out by promoting your fall flavors. Use social media, chalkboards, or even flyers to promote your fall specials and seasonal drinks. Engage with your community by hosting tasting events or offering limited-time discounts on fall beverages. Encourage customers to share their experiences online with branded hashtags, further increasing visibility and engagement.
Share local love
Know what’s always in season? Supporting local business–and giving customers local flavor. Partnering with local farmers or artisans can not only ensure the freshness and quality of your ingredients but also foster community spirit. Consider sourcing apples or pumpkins from a nearby farm or using locally made caramel for your drinks. This supports local businesses while enhancing the authenticity of your fall offerings.
Take stock of your stock of fall flavors.
While fall lovers are leaf-peeping, take a peek at last year’s sales. What items were the big sellers? What syrups, sauces, teas, and other ingredients did you run out of? What did you wish you had tried? This look at the past will help you plan for the future. Even better: you can get everything you need delivered right to your door. (No wonder so many people fall in love with Barista Underground.)