Pepare your fish and chip business for the summer season ahead with help from Hopkins
Summer is the peak season for fish and chip shops in the UK, as tourists, holidaymakers, and locals flock to the seaside and high streets for a taste of this classic dish.. To ensure your business is ready to handle the summer rush, careful planning and preparation are essential to maximise your yearly profits.
Here are six marketing strategies and six general preparation plans, including servicing and maintenance, to help you make the most of the summer season. We have even included a list of possible photo shots to help you!
Marketing Strategies That Boost Your Sales
1. Launch a Summer Specials Menu
Create a seasonal menu with refreshing accompaniments like lemon-infused battered fish, lighter side salads, or seafood platters. Consider limited-time offers to encourage repeat visits.
2. Leverage Social Media and Online Presence
Increase your social media activity by posting mouth-watering images of your dishes, customer testimonials, and summer promotions. Engage with local influencers and encourage user-generated content through contests or giveaways, and most importantly, make it fun!
3. Partner with Local Events and Attractions
Collaborate with local events, beaches, or holiday parks to offer exclusive deals. Sponsorship or vendor presence at fairs, festivals, or sporting events can increase visibility and footfall. Attract attention and increase sales!
4. Offer Family and Group Deals
Promote discounts for families and large groups to attract tourists and day-trippers. Consider meal bundles that cater to different group sizes and dietary preferences.
5. Optimise Google My Business and Online Ordering
Ensure your business appears on Google Maps with updated hours, menu, and images. Streamline your online ordering system to reduce queues and improve customer experience. Make it easy for your customers to find you and order from you.
6. Introduce a Customer Loyalty Scheme
Encourage repeat business by rewarding customers with discounts or free items after a certain number of visits. A digital loyalty card or app can be an easy way to track rewards.
General Preparation Plans
1. Service and Maintain Equipment
Ensure all frying ranges, extractors, refrigeration units, and other key equipment are serviced before peak season. Clean or replace oil filtration systems and check gas and electrical safety.
2. Stock Up on Supplies
Anticipate increased demand and order bulk stock of fish, potatoes, oil, packaging, and condiments in advance to avoid shortages and benefit from supplier discounts. Capitalise on increased demand.
3. Increase Staffing and Training
Hire seasonal staff and provide training on customer service, food safety, and efficient frying techniques. Ensure employees are familiar with peak-hour processes to minimise delays. Great staff = happy customers!
4. Upgrade or Enhance Outdoor Seating
If space allows, add or refresh outdoor seating to accommodate more customers. Provide shade with umbrellas and ensure cleanliness to create a welcoming dining experience. People attract people!
5. Improve Speed and Efficiency
Analyse peak-hour operations and make improvements such as installing digital order systems, refining workflows, or introducing a dedicated collection point for online orders. fast service = happy customers!
6. Refresh Branding and Shopfront Appeal
Give your shop exterior a fresh coat of paint, update signage, and ensure lighting is inviting. Summer-themed window displays and promotional posters can attract passing customers. Get Noticed!
Photo Suggestions for Marketing
To enhance your promotional efforts, use high-quality images showcasing:
- – Golden, crispy fish and chips served with fresh lemon wedges.
– Happy customers enjoying their meals outdoors.
– Behind-the-scenes shots of staff preparing food.
– Sunset or beachside images featuring takeaway packaging.
– Special summer menu items or seasonal promotions.
– A clean and inviting storefront with clear signage. Perhaps even a beautiful flower display?
By implementing these strategies and preparations, your fish and chip shop can maximise profits and customer satisfaction during the busy summer months. Start planning now to ensure a successful season ahead.
Wishing you all a summer of growth, prosperity and thousands of happy customers!
At Hopkins we can help you with more than frying ranges, we also manufacture in the UK peelers, chippers, batter mixers and stand alone oil filtration units.
To find out more and to discuss your particular requirements please contact us on 0113 257 7934 or -mail info@hopkins.biz. You can also visit our website at www.hopkins.biz and our Facebook page by clicking here. Alternatively, scan the QR code below to visit the Hopkins Fish and Chip Shop Equipment.
