Warm weather is calling — and so are patrons craving great company (and greater meals) al fresco. But while businesses prepare patios and outdoor menus, there's another way yours can thrive this summer.
According to a 2023 survey by Chinet and SWNS, respondents said they planned to attend an average of three outdoor social events over the summer, where they'd indulge in sandwiches (62%), fresh fruit (54%), and cocktails (45%). Providing outdoor-friendly offerings, like smart packaging for your best picnic foods or bulk delivery for last-minute planners, can boost your profits and spread joy wherever customers gather.
Whether you're in the food or flower business, here's how to show up and stand out at outdoor gatherings this summer.
How restaurants can serve the best takeout picnic food this season
Outdoor dining isn't limited to patios — it also means picnics in the park, backyard parties, and a slew of other open-air events best paired with food. Take down these tips to position your restaurant as having the best takeout picnic food.
Build a picnic-friendly menu
Dishes that travel well and taste great at room temperature are a match for outdoor delivery. Think: hearty sandwiches, wraps, cold pasta salads, and grain bowls. And don't forget to cater to dietary preferences with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — thoughtful touches that can boost order volume and encourage repeat business.
Invest in smart packaging
Packaging matters more than ever when meals are headed into the wild. Opt for eco-friendly, leak-proof containers that keep food fresh and secure. And don't forget the essentials — utensils, napkins, and even wet wipes — to make on-the-go dining easy and mess-free. Bonus points for branded packaging or custom stickers that add a polished, Instagram-worthy touch!
"You have to have the right container. A sandwich can't be in a container that's too big, because it's going to slide around and fall apart. Toasted sandwiches should have a container that can breathe so they won't get soggy as they continue to steam inside."
Promote group meals
Outdoor events usually mean groups of hungry guests, so it's smart to offer shareable meal bundles built for a crowd. Add group-friendly combos that feature appetizers, snackable sides, or family-style portions of your best picnic foods to your takeout menu. You can even sweeten the deal with free items or discounted meal bundles using DoorDash Promotions.
"We did a BOGO [buy one get one] margherita pizza promotion that absolutely crushed it."
How alcohol retailers can deliver picnic-perfect drinks for outdoor events
Sunshine sipping is a summertime staple, and restaurants and alcohol retailers can win big by offering portable, outdoor-ready options. From concerts in the park to backyard BBQs, here's how to lead the pack in picnic-perfect beverages.
Offer canned and portable cocktails
Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages like canned wine, hard seltzers, and pre-mixed cocktails are ideal for outdoor consumption — they're lightweight and require no extra glassware or mixers. Stock a range of options to cater to different tastes, from crisp rosés to bold IPAs.
Highlight seasonal pairings
Outdoor events are best paired with a good meal — but what's a meal without the right drink? Help customers find their match with seasonal pairings, like a crisp Pinot Grigio alongside charcuterie.
Stay compliant with delivery laws
You know the drill: alcohol delivery comes with strict local and state regulations. That means verifying age at both checkout and delivery, using proper labeling, and securing packaging to prevent tampering. Learn how DoorDash helps merchants who offer alcohol delivery maintain compliance with local regulations.
Tip: Tasty drinks sans alcohol are in demand. Stock up on canned mocktails and alcohol-free spirits to boost sales — without the need for a liquor license.
How grocery stores can prepare for the summer picnic season
Grocery stores are a go-to for spontaneous picnickers and seasoned event planners alike. Make yours the ultimate one-stop shop by offering grab-and-go options, bulk deals, and convenient delivery for every kind of summer spread.
Feature grab-and-go kits
Help customers save time by offering pre-packed, insulated picnic kits filled with ready-to-go meals and snacks. Include essentials like cheese, crackers, fruit, drinks, and reusable ice packs to make outdoor dining easy to transport (and even easier to enjoy).
Sell themed snack bundles
Get creative with themed bundles like "Summer Sips & Snacks," "Family Picnic Pack," or "Sunset Charcuterie Kit." Curate complementary items, group them together, and feature them in-app to add value and simplify decision-making for busy shoppers.
Offer bulk delivery options
Not everyone has time to plan ahead for picnics. Support both planners and procrastinators by offering flexible grocery delivery options. Stock up on picnic-ready items in larger quantities — like cases of drinks or party-size snacks — so customers can easily prepare for any outdoor gathering, big or small.
How flower shops can brighten up any picnic or outdoor gathering
Flowers aren't exclusive to formal occasions — they can add a touch of charm and celebration to even the most casual outdoor get-together. Here's how to put your summer delivery orders in bloom.
Offer seasonal mini bouquets
Create small bouquets featuring hearty, seasonal blooms that are as travel-friendly as they are charming. Perfect for picnic spreads or a thoughtful host gift, these arrangements add a pop of color to any outdoor setting. Be sure to keep the price point accessible to encourage easy, last-minute add-ons.
Bundle flowers with gifts
What's better than a mini bouquet? One that comes with a little something extra. Pair your arrangements with sweet add-ons like chocolates, candles, or small jars of jam for the ultimate ready-made gift that's perfect for date nights, birthdays, or simply celebrating summer with friends.
Provide same-day delivery
Offer same-day delivery to make your flower shop the go-to for last-minute summer gifting. Prep the perfect grab-and-go arrangements on DoorDash and let Dashers take care of the rest.
How delivery helps businesses reach more customers in warmer weather
The takeaway? When customers head outside, your business should too.
Delivery makes it easy to reach people enjoying picnics in the park, backyard gatherings, or porch hangs. You can encourage more delivery orders by updating your photos, bundling picnic-friendly items, and using keywords — like "picnic" or "summer-ready" — that help customers find you all season long.
Warm up to seasonal business opportunities
'Tis the season for bright offerings and creative seasonal marketing. By preparing your menu with the best picnic foods and merchandise to meet outdoor delivery needs, you can delight customers and amplify sales all summer long.
Want more warm weather prep tips for businesses? Check out our guide to preparing your restaurant for outdoor dining.
