Tips / How to make the most of increased demand over the August bank holiday weekend

How to make the most of increased demand over the August bank holiday weekend

Tips

The 15 August bank holiday weekend is one of the busiest periods of the summer for the hospitality industry. Discover how to make the most of the increased footfall with an appealing offer and a well-planned strategy.

The Assumption Day bank holiday, celebrated on 15 August, marks one of the busiest periods of the summer for much of the HORECA sector. Beaches, coastal towns and tourist destinations welcome large numbers of visitors over these days, filling terraces, cafés and restaurants as well as hotels from early morning until late at night.

Making the most of this increase in footfall is a significant opportunity, and it is not simply a matter of having enough product available. It is also important to present products at their best, communicate their qualities and adapt the offer to summer consumers who, as we have seen in other articles, prefer to make purchasing decisions quickly.

That is precisely why a small adjustment to your offer can make the difference between simply meeting demand and turning the increase in customers into a higher average transaction value. Here are some ideas you can put into practice over the bank holiday weekend.

A special offer for the bank holiday weekend

Limited-time offers work particularly well because they create a sense of opportunity. You do not need to redesign your entire menu to benefit from them: simply highlight a few specific options that customers will recognise as exclusive to that weekend.

One effective option is to create a special bank holiday combo. For example, pair a sandwich made with a delicious bread such as Súper Barra Rústica Mediterránea, Barra Especial Express or Baguette Parisienne with a drink; or offer a coffee with a pastry such as Palmera Croissant Canela, Hojaldre de Manzana, Muffin estilo Dubai or Pepito Azucarado at a fixed price. These offers simplify the purchase decision and help increase the average value of each sale.

You can also highlight a ‘bank holiday special’ on a chalkboard or a small sign beside the counter, such as Cuadrado de Pollo Curry or Cuadrado Burger. Putting the spotlight on a specific product generates curiosity and directs customers’ attention towards the items you want to promote during these days.

What about customers on the move?

During the bank holiday weekend, many consumers look for practical options to take with them: breakfast before setting off on a day trip, lunch for the beach or a quick bite during a journey. It therefore makes sense to give greater visibility to products that are easy to carry and enjoy anywhere—products that can be prepared simply, conveniently and profitably thanks to the benefits of frozen dough.

Sandwiches once again take centre stage. Pitufo Express, Tiernecito 100% Integral and Hogacitas Trío Mediterráneo are ideal for creating convenient, portable options with fillings such as Serrano ham and tomato, grilled chicken with cheese and salad leaves, Spanish omelette, tuna with hard-boiled egg, or a plant-based option with hummus and roasted vegetables. Other products such as Mini Hoops Glaseados or Mini Hoops Bombón allow customers to round off their purchase with a sweet treat to enjoy later, whether on a hike, during a stroll or on a day by the sea.

Choose versatile products

During a weekend when demand can fluctuate significantly, flexibility is a major advantage. This is why working with frozen dough is so valuable: production can be adapted to the level of demand, with replenishment only when required, helping to reduce food waste.

It is also important to prioritise products that work at different times of day. The same bread can become a mid-morning sandwich, a takeaway lunch or an informal evening meal. Likewise, a pastry can be served at breakfast or enjoyed as an afternoon treat.

Communication also drives sales

In this context, customers spend very little time reading a long menu, but they respond well to messages that are clear, visible and easy to understand. A chalkboard featuring selected offers, small signs in the display case or prompts beside the till can guide purchasing decisions without the team having to explain every option. Messages such as ‘perfect for the beach’, ‘ideal for a day trip’ or ‘our bank holiday favourite’ attract attention and make choosing easier.

Practical tips for making the most of the August bank holiday weekend

  • Create a limited-time offer. A special combo or a ‘weekend special’ will attract attention and encourage impulse purchases.
  • Put takeaway products in the spotlight. Position ready-to-eat options where they are clearly visible and use concise messages to reinforce their appeal.
  • Make choosing easy. Limit the number of promotions running at the same time and communicate each offer clearly and directly.
  • Replenish regularly. Keeping the display attractive throughout the day enhances the perception of quality and encourages purchases.

The August bank holiday weekend is an exceptional opportunity to attract new customers and increase revenue. Now that you have the key ideas for making the most of it, all that remains is to put them into practice and turn these days into one of the most profitable periods of the summer.


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