With the start of the holiday season on its way, November offers many chances for operators to market their foodservice programs. Here are four event ideas to consider for the month.
National Nachos Day kicks off the month with some crunch. Boston College in Boston served nachos at its cafe 129 in honor of the day last year. Students could customize the dish with toppings such as jalapenos, black olives and salsa.
Along with National Nachos Day, Nov. 6 also marks Election Day. Last year, Penn State University in State College, Pa., embraced the day by setting up a Twitter poll that asked students to vote on their favorite new fall menu item.
Operators can take the time to honor those who served in our armed forces on this day. This year, a public school district in Florida has invited family members who are veterans or active military to share a free meal with students. In 2018, diners with a military ID were able to eat at Florida State University’s Seminole Cafe or Suwannee Room for the reduced rate of $5.
Give thanks to your guests through meals on or before Thanksgiving. In the past, Atlanta Public Schools has invited parents to join students for a Thanksgiving lunch at its cafeterias the week before the holiday. Parents and students were served holiday classics such as roasted turkey with gravy, locally grown fresh sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce.
University of Florida’s solution for feeding students in the midst of construction of a new dining hall has turned out so well, it will almost be a shame to see it go.
The endlessly colorful cuisine of Mexico is always in season, but Cinco de Mayo is a great time to bring some new recipes to the party, starting with El Rio Picante, an alternative marg, and finishing with DIY churro sundaes.