More guests despite Lent? Here's how!

During Ramadan, people fast during the day, but the real fun starts after sunset: hungry guests flock to restaurants and cafés for the iftar, the meal to break the fast, to celebrate breaking the fast together. But it is not only Ramadan that influences eating habits. During Christian Lent, many guests also consciously choose meat-free dishes and avoid alcohol and sweets. During this time, restaurateurs can score points by offering flexible opening hours, adapted menus and iftar buffets.

Flexible opening hours

When the sun goes down, demand increases – often lasting well into the night. Many guests take their iftar very seriously, so restaurants with longer opening hours in the evening can meet demand. If you have fewer guests at lunchtime, you can consider adjusting your opening hours, for example by extending your lunch break or opening later in the afternoon.

Adjusting staff planning

In businesses with Muslim employees, it may be useful to adjust shift schedules during Ramadan. Fasting employees should preferably work shorter day shifts or later in the evening when they can eat and drink again. At the same time, staff can be spared during the usually quieter lunchtime, while more support should be planned in the evening when demand increases.

Offer special menus

During Lent, dishes should be easy to digest, nutritious and filling. It is important to take different dietary habits into account. During the Christian fasting period, the focus is on vegetarian, vegan and light fish dishes. Plant-based products in particular such as vegan schnitzel or jackfruit goulash can be easily integrated into existing dishes as alternatives. For guests who avoid sugar, alternatives such as chia pudding, fruit compote without sugar or spelt biscuits are available. At iftar, filling but light dishes such as lentil soup, couscous with vegetables or grilled chicken with yoghurt dip are popular. And if temptation gets the better of you, sweet (albeit somewhat less easily digested) specialities such as baklava, honey and sesame bars or rice pudding round off the menu.

Cooperating with delivery services

During Ramadan, the demand for food deliveries can increase in the evening. Working more closely with delivery services helps you to reach more guests. In addition, it is worth cleverly marketing your offers on social media. Exclusive Ramadan offers, discount promotions or combo meals for families can increase the number of orders. Networking with local mosques or Muslim communities can also help you to draw attention to your offers.

Offer special drinks

During the Christian fasting period, alcohol is often avoided. Therefore, non-alcoholic cocktails , fresh smoothies or special teas such as Moroccan mint tea, turmeric latte or cinnamon cardamom tea can be added to the drinks menu and offer a suitable alternative. After a day without food or fluids, dates, water and warm drinks such as tea or ayran are an integral part of iftar.

Organise community events

A shared veggie weekend or iftar meal during the fasting period creates a special atmosphere and brings guests together. In regions with a Muslim customer base, iftar buffets are a good option. They make it easier to break the fast together, offer a wide selection of traditional dishes and appeal to different tastes. Since many guests come in groups, it can also take the pressure off staff, as the buffet concept ensures quick service and reduces waiting times.

Setting up large tables

Periods of fasting, such as Ramadan or Lent, are not only a time of conscious abstention, but also of community. In particular, iftar brings families, friends and even entire neighbourhoods together to eat. Restaurateurs should be prepared for this by setting up larger table groups and special group offers in advance.