thread Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business? in Food & Beverage

How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

Lovewell — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:14:53 GMT

For our coffee shop the beginning of the year tends to be slower. These first couple of months are when we do deep cleaning, little projects, and just take it all as it comes. Do we stress out? 100%.

Curious if you have fun ways to bring people in or special projects you work on when it's slower?

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

Doran — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:57:54 GMT

This time of year is always slow in my business. So I moved locations this year during the slow season. It was great. I didn’t have as much pressure to get opened fast.

usually I focus on a take a class. A new skill or marketing zoom have been great for me then I focus on that thing for the year.

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

lilisalazar — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:25:04 GMT

It's the slow season for sure! We set time aside to plan our marketing strategy for the year, especially around special dates like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc.

This month we hosted a Tequila / Whiskey tasting event and invited a small group of guests to try new items we're exploring to add to the menu. It definitely helped get over the fear of doing hosting a "special event" outside of business hours!

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

Lovewell — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:04:54 GMT

This is beautiful! Definitely going to think about a little customer get together 💛

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

Lovewell — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:05:28 GMT

Love this use of time! Thanks for sharing 💛

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

SVLFever — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:14:23 GMT

Historically, we used to do a lot of our maintenance and facility upgrades during the slower time of year. Then it occurred to me that I should be doing that when we are busier (not slammed busy), as it allow my regular customers to see me re-investing into the facility, which is a part of our success.

We do make menu changes, price changes, and training/educational opportunities for the team when we are slower though.

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

LukeNieuw — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:07:37 GMT

Events are always a good way to spark some interest in slow times. I am mainly use it to level up skills and plan out (as best as possible) the rest of the year through some goal setting and projects we may want to take on.

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

perkits — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:30:29 GMT

Our business is very seasonal. March thru September we are wide open. We actually close for about 12 days in December, and now we have lost several days this year due to weather. We have tried several different things like Gift Card incentives, happy hours etc. with minimal response. One thing that has help is Fundraiser events for different groups. We will donate 20% the sales back to the group for customers who mention the event. While this takes from the bottom line, we are getting people in the door. Also social media ads are cheap. DoorDash and Uber Eats ads don't help us much.

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

Lovewell — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:11:26 GMT

Love the fundraiser idea! Thank you so much for sharing + your honesty.

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

Lovewell — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:16:07 GMT

100% love this.

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

lilisalazar — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:37:56 GMT

Love this as well! It's a win win for both you and the group you're supporting! 🙌

Re: How do you use slow seasons to better your business?

OakCityPizza — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:38:00 GMT

I'm about to do the Percentage of Purchase with a few groups. Was there a way to code it in your system, or did you just have to write custom notes on the purchases?