3-minute read ---

Summer is synonymous with grill-outs: laid-back afternoons where the smell of charcoal and the clink of ice in a glass set the scene for good times. Guests partying at home are flipping burgers, searing steaks, or charring veggies, eager to enjoy their own outdoor dining or host friends for a summer BBQ party. But pulling off the perfect BBQ can often feel like a juggling act. That’s where local restaurants come in to relieve busy customers with takeout, pickup, or delivery. These readily available options are a great opportunity for restaurants to step up and enhance customers’ at-home grill-outs with food and drinks that complement their efforts.

​Here’s how restaurants can promote their offerings to turn backyards into the ultimate summer hotspot.

1. Sides That Complement the Grill
Grilling the main course is where most hosts shine. But sides are often the unsung heroes that take lots of prep work, time, and effort to get just right. Restaurants can seize this opportunity by promoting their takeout sides as must-have grill-out companions. Offering them in family-sized or party-sized portions make it easy and especially attractive for larger gatherings.

• Tubs of tangy coleslaw that cuts through the richness of grilled ribs
• Batches of garlic-roasted potatoes pair perfectly with a juicy steak
• Chilled cucumber salads add a refreshing crunch to smoky flavors

Restaurants should market these as “BBQ-ready sides” with messaging like, “You grill, we’ll handle the rest!”

2. Sauces and Marinades to Wow Guests
Nothing elevates grilled food like a killer sauce or marinade, and restaurants can position themselves as the secret to BBQ success. Promote house-made options as takeout or delivery add-ons. These can come in small jars or packets, ready to slather on chicken, drizzle over veggies, or serve as dipping sauces.

• Smoky chipotle BBQ sauce
• Zesty citrus glaze
• Bold herb rub
• “Sauce flights” with multiple options for even more grill-out fun

Highlight their versatility with a pitch like, “Take your grill game up a notch with our chef-crafted flavors.”

3. Drinks That Keep the Party Cool
A summer grill-out demands cold, refreshing drinks, and restaurants can capitalize on this with creative beverage offerings. Beyond soda and water, try options like:

• House-made lemonades with seasonal twists (lavender, blueberry, or strawberry)
• Iced teas infused with peach or mint
• Build-at-home cocktail or mocktail kits (where state regulations allow)

A “Grill-Out Drink Bundle” could include a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, delivered straight to a customer's door. Promote these as the antidote to summer heat with a tagline like, “Stay cool while the grill heats up!” For an eco-friendly touch, offer them in reusable mason jars or pitchers for pickup orders.

4. Desserts That End on a Sweet Note
After the last burger has been devoured, dessert keeps the good vibes going. Restaurants can tempt grill-out hosts with portable sweets that don’t require you to turn on the oven.

• Trays of mini key lime pies
• Boxes of fudgy brownies
• Peach cobbler packed in a to-go container that’s ready to serve

These treats travel well and add a homemade feel without the work. Market them as “grill-out closers” with a promise of convenience: “No baking, just celebrating!”

5. Crowd-Pleasing Add-Ons for Big Gatherings
As the guest list grows, feeding everyone can get tricky. Restaurants can promote family-style takeout or delivery platters as the perfect solution.

• Trays of sliders
• Buckets of crispy wings
• Bowls of grilled veggie medleys that supplement your BBQ spread

These pre-prepped options save customers from overworking the grill and ensure no one goes hungry. Pitch them as “BBQ crowd-pleasers” with a focus on ease: “Hosting a big crew? We’ve got you covered.”

6. Bundles for the Ultimate Experience
Why stop at individual items? Restaurants can create “Grill-Out Enhancement Kits” that bundle sides, sauces, drinks, and desserts into one easy order. Tailor them to different themes for attention-grabbing promotions:

• “Southern BBQ Boost” with baked beans and sweet tea
• “Fiesta Grill Pack” with housemade salsa and margarita mix

Promote these via social media or email blasts with visuals of happy grillers enjoying the extras, driving home the message: “Make your BBQ epic with one simple pickup.”

Why It’s a Game-Changer
Restaurants offering takeout, pickup, or delivery as grill-out enhancements aren’t just selling food, they’re selling convenience, quality, and a chance to stand out as a BBQ party host. Let customers focus on the fun parts of grilling while your restaurant handles the smaller details. With a quick order in-store or online, be the superhero restaurant that turns backyard BBQs from great to iconic.

Market your summer BBQ offerings with:

• Multi-media visuals on Customer-Facing Display screens
• Visually appealing and QR code accessible Masa+ Online Storefronts and Online Ordering
• Multi-Store Masa+ Loyalty Rewards, Gift Cards, Promo Cards, and Coupons – support physical and/or digital programs!

Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410

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​Restaurants that use ultra-competitive
Aldelo Pay or Aldelo Partner Merchant Services
obtain access to
a Centralized Multi-Store Restaurant Technology Platform
that includes Masa+ Online Ordering,
Unlimited Software Releases,
​Unlimited Software Upgrades, and 24/7 Technical Support!


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Please contact an Aldelo representative today for more details, 
including a free Aldelo Express POS demo trial

[email protected] | 877-639-8767 | [email protected]

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