Skip to content

All articles

Innovative Restaurant Dining Experiences to Activate this Fall

Cover Image for Open lawn area with string lights and people sitting on blankets and benches at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
By Tock Staff

As the summer season comes to a close, now is the time for restaurants and wineries to plan for fall. Positioned right before the bustling holiday period, autumn presents a window of opportunity to showcase offerings that will encourage new visitors and delight your frequent guests. From curating standout game day experiences to celebrating the harvest period, below are a few strategies that can drive incremental revenue to your business this fall.

Cater to football enthusiasts, both in-house and at-home fans, with exclusive game day deals.

Transform your business into a game-day destination with TV screens and projectors to play that week’s action. Engage with your followers via social media and poll them to predict the winner (while also inviting them to watch at your business). And, when they arrive at your establishment, offer burgers, wings, and BBQ game-day specialties paired with select beers and cocktails.

For an elevated game day special, Brickside Grille & Tap had just the ticket. The Minnesota-based restaurant offered a beer tasting during the game, paired with a savory menu of specials from their head chef.

And while plenty of patrons will be looking for a place to watch their favorite team, many sports lovers will opt to catch the game at home. Consider offering pick-up, delivery, and catering packages. Think wing platters and dips alongside pre-seasoned meats ready for grilling. Round out your offerings with a curated selection of seasonal beers or batched cocktails as an add-on.

A Neapolitan-styled pizza being pulled from an oven
Fairmont Grand Del Mar (San Diego, CA)

Mark the end of summer with Labor Day celebrations.

Embrace the long weekend as an opportunity to indulge guests looking to bid farewell to summer.

The Grand Social | Fairmont Grand Del Mar will celebrate the long weekend with a Grand Garden Party on their open-air lawn this Labor Day. Guests will be treated to a live concert with a walk-up bar featuring a wide selection of beers, wines, cocktails, plus wood-fired dishes from the kitchen. For entertainment, guests can relax and play a game of croquet, bocce, or cornhole, along with other lawn games. The family-friendly event will offer a kid’s corner filled with popcorn, cotton candy, and sweet treats. With Tock’s premium pricing capabilities, the luxury resort and spa is selling a range of tickets to reach various customers and price points. General admission tickets start at $20 and include a complimentary drink. But, for more privacy, the hotel is offering firepit seating for up to four people for $50 and a cabana seating for up to eight people for $150.

Many guests will also be making the most of the weekend by gathering at home with their loved ones. Be at the forefront of your guest’s celebrations by preparing take-home kits for pick-up and delivery. This is an excellent opportunity to promote a new fall menu. Releasing a new line of fall beverages? Promote the selections on social media and invite guests to purchase their favorites as add-ons to their takeout meals.

Outside image of Zinnia
Zinnia (Silver Spring, MD)

Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest with German fare and beer specials

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival. Starting in mid-September and running over three weeks, the German-based beer festival has found a foothold in the US, with plenty of restaurants and breweries hosting their own stein-drinking celebrations as a nod to the holiday.

Last October, Zinnia in Silver Spring, Maryland, used its historic grounds to host their all-out Oktoberfest celebration: Oktoberfest in the Gardens. Local breweries showcased their German-style beers while attendees dined on bratwurst, smoked chicken, and pretzels. The day-long party also included various lawn games to keep patrons entertained.

Even establishments with limited space can partake in the holiday. Feature German beers on your taps and educate guests by listing the style and history behind each one. Partner your beer offerings with German cuisine to add a bit of authenticity.

Three wine glasses (from left to right: a white wine, rose wine, and a red wine) sitting on a wooden ledge overlooking a vineyard
Bovino Vineyards (Templeton, CA)

Honor the changing of the seasons with a harvest festival.

The coming of fall marks the harvest season for wineries. And what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than with a celebration? Bovino Vineyards in Templeton, California, is doing exactly that with their Bovino Harvest Barn Dance & Wine Club Pick Up Party. Soon to be held in their historic Twist Ranch Barn, the winery is inviting guests to enjoy country tunes while tasting their newly released wines. The $25 ticket includes the wine tasting and food will be available for purchase. Wine club members will receive a discount at checkout as a special perk for loyal customers.

However, the harvest season isn’t just a time for vineyards to shine—restaurants and bars can also create exceptional experiences. Feature a flight of fall wine releases at your bar paired with specialty snacks from the kitchen. New cocktail menu? Film your lead bartender shaking up a few creations and post on Instagram or TikTok to draw in guests.

Restaurants can embrace the full bounty of the season by presenting a dinner of fall vegetables sourced from local farmers and purveyors. Collaborate with a local winery for an exclusive pairing to make it a memorable evening. For an added touch, invite the winemaker to guide guests through each tasting throughout the meal.

Are you ready for fall? We are eager to help you get your experiences up and running. 

Start planning

More Stories