As kids, we all loved snow days: skipping school, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, building snowmen. But as adults, a snow day can mean foot traffic at restaurants and bars is harder to come by. Beat the snow-day slump by turning your place into a hot destination on cold winter nights.

Get Cozy

The weather outside might be frightful, but that’s all the more reason to make your eatery as warm and inviting as possible. If your restaurant doesn’t have a fireplace, a freestanding electric one can add ambiance and warmth. Dim the lights and place candles on tables to up the coziness factor.

For covered outdoor dining spaces, complement your patio heaters with throws for guests to warm their laps with. Christmas may have come and gone, but leaving garlands and wreaths on display will help maintain the festive atmosphere.

Season’s Drinkings

Even in the era of remote work, some folks still score a day off when the flakes start falling. Pull them in with irresistible snow-day drinks specials — think cozy, creative cocktails alongside classic deals, like $2 PBRs.

Upsell guests on adult hot chocolates, spiked apple ciders, Irish coffees, and hot toddies. Mulled wine — a festive mix of red wine, oranges, and spices — is the perfect way to warm people up on a snowy day. Make it in batches ahead of service and warm as needed.

Consider selling these hot drinks in a commemorative mug that will remind guests of the fantastic day spent with your brand. If the law in your area allows, promote these drinks as take-aways on social media.

Load Up

Lately the après-ski trend has been lighting up fashion magazines and social media. Embrace this trend by offering dishes that would be right at home at a ski lodge in the Alps. Think slow-simmered stews and tender roasts, as well as loaded fries, melty fondues, and filling schnitzels. After braving the cold, who wouldn’t want to tuck into a hearty beef stew or savory chicken noodle soup?

To borrow a recipe from our neighbors to the north, try your hand at Entice® White Cheddar Cheese Curd Poutine. Made with Entice White Cheddar Cheese Curds, Luigi® French Fries, and Nature’s Best Dairy® Butter, this creamy dish will stick to your ribs and go down easy.

And don’t leave dessert out in the cold. Sweet Encore® Layered Cakes — like a decadent Chocolate Overload Cake with rich chocolate mousse or a Milky Caramel Cake swirled with malted mousse and caramel marshmallow crème — will bring an evening to a sweet conclusion, especially when paired with a dessert wine like Port or Sauterne.

Have S’more(s)

You know the drill: If there’s snow on the ground, you’ll field seemingly endless phone calls asking whether you’re open for business. Save yourself some hassle by posting about it on social media.

But don’t stop there. Promote your snow-day specials! An image of a hot toddy sitting in front of a roaring fireplace might very well convince guests to brave the cold and enjoy a cozy evening in your establishment. Come up with a catchy hashtag and offer giveaways — such as a free drink or a pre-made s’mores kit — at random for people who use it.

With the right mix of warmth, flavor, and fun, your restaurant can turn a snow day into a reason to celebrate. After all, snow days don’t have to mean slow days when your space is the ultimate winter retreat.