As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves turn into a pumpkin spice palette of charm, college campuses reawaken with the hustle of students loaded with textbooks, school spirit, and bustling itineraries.
This autumn, it’s time to embrace back-to-school season like it’s the latest Taylor Swift album and jump on the hottest trends, while harnessing labor-saving initiatives that work close to college campuses.
Patio Perfection
Offering outdoor seating during warm weather is a great way to elevate any menu, boost camaraderie, and encourage students to spend their dining dollars on-site. As the trend of pop-up patios grows, you can capitalize on this practice by offering unique or temporary dining experiences at your location. These spaces are often designed with creative and seasonal themes, providing a fresh and exciting option for diners.
For inspiration, look to special occasions like family weekends, one-off events like a rivalry tailgate, live music, or trivia night. Overall, any foodservice innovation tied to “patio season” is sure to create buzz on campus and draw in more diners.
Bring ‘Em In
During the weeks leading up to the start of classes, give away sunglasses or paddle fans in the student center, to build excitement. Utilize QR codes with your social accounts that make it easy for potential patrons to follow you. Post photos of new menu items as a teaser of what’s to come. Add your patio or dining location for easy, searchable photo tagging, enticing viewers with potential photo opportunities.
Tie patio dining to the campus calendars for special events and catering opportunities, such as homecoming, parents’ weekends, or graduation. Offer beverage pairings to round out the experience — think flavored iced coffees or bubble teas at brunch, with sparkling waters or agua frescas to pair with grilled items. Looking for loyalty? Encourage repeat visits with a “Patio VIP” loyalty card, exclusive to students at surrounding universities.
Brunch Vibes
Leveraging unique brunch dishes is a trend that connects with students as well. Studies show that 94% of Gen Z consumers eat brunch, higher than any other generation. It's all about merging breakfast favorites with lunchtime indulgence. A must-have feature is the classic combo of fluffy pancakes or waffles served with a drizzle of maple syrup, alongside crispy bacon or sausage. Avocado toast has become a staple, topped with poached eggs that ooze golden yolks when pierced. Fresh fruit platters offer a refreshing contrast, while yogurt parfaits provide a creamy, tangy treat.
All About the Benny
For those seeking heartier fare, brunch wouldn't be complete without eggs Benedict — perfectly poached eggs perched atop English muffins, draped in velvety hollandaise sauce. Items like Custom Culinary® Ready-To-Use Frozen Hollandaise Sauce puts a delicious twist on Benedicts, entrées, and handheld favorites with simple ingredient add-ins that take your signature secret sauces to the next level.
A classic “Mother Sauce,” this clean label hollandaise delivers the authentic emulsification of egg yolk, clarified butter, and lemon you would expect to find in a scratch preparation, with just the right level of cayenne pepper. Custom Culinary® offers an even more in-depth selection of products perfect for patio season, helping menu offerings stand out. Their Gold Label includes speed-scratch-inspired sauces and bases, bringing classic flavors to the table with ease. They’re versatile, easy-to-use, and come in a convenient frozen format — just thaw, heat, and serve!
Hollandaise Your Way
Secret sauces are booming on menus. Studies show that sauces are up 78% in fast casual dining and 83% in fine dining. Leveling up with hollandaise might be the secret for success. This luscious, silky sauce can be easily customized with several different dishes and cuisines, such as spicy and Hispanic-inspired fare, popular with Gen Z. Experiment with making a more unique hollandaise by adding anything from chilies and gochujang for a kick of heat, to fresh orange or lime juice for a touch of citrus sweetness.
According to research, nearly 95% of menus feature sauces. Make hollandaise the most versatile sauce on your menu with innovative mashups, including:
- Maple Syrup + Whole Grain Mustard = Maple Whole Grain Mustard Hollandaise Sauce
- Truffle Oil + Minced Fresh Chives = Truffle-Scented Hollandaise
- Char-Grilled Corn + Cilantro + Lime Juice + Tajin® + Cotija Cheese = Eloté Hollandaise Sauce
Smash Hit
Not limited to creative mashups, hollandaise can also take center stage as a main offering. Try adding a Breakfast Benny Burger featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Hollandaise Sauce — a smash burger topped with American cheese, hashbrowns, Canadian bacon, and a poached egg on a toasted brioche bun, with everything bagel “secret sauce.”
Looking for a seafood option? Guests will be making waves on the patio after the Brunchy Lobster Roll — a buttery toasted brioche roll stuffed with lightly dressed fresh lobster meat, drizzled with Gold Label Hollandaise Sauce, a dash of lemon juice, and a tarragon garnish.
Fall patio dining around college campuses presents a unique opportunity to captivate both undergrads and locals alike. By crafting menus that feature seasonal favorites and embracing trends like brunch, restaurants can create a welcoming atmosphere that draws students, alumni, and fans to your location.
Content provided in collaboration with Custom Culinary®.
