With these quick ideas, cafes and restaurants can jump on the Halloween bandwagon and attract customers looking for a festive experience.
Halloween doesn’t have to mean big prep—small touches and themed items can create a memorable atmosphere and boost sales as more customers get in on the act.
There’s still time for cafes and restaurants to add a little last minute spooky fun and attract customers with themed experiences and seasonal treats. Here’s a quick guide with ideas and recipes to help make the most of Halloween, even with little time to prepare.
1. Add Easy, Spooky Items to Your Menu
A few quick adjustments can give your menu a Halloween twist without needing major prep.
Mummy Meatballs: Wrap frozen or pre-made meatballs in puff pastry strips to create a “mummy” look. After baking, add dots of cheese and olives for eyes and serve with marinara sauce for a gory touch.
Ghostly Brownies: Top pre-made brownies with marshmallow “ghosts” by using chocolate to dot on eyes and a mouth. These treats take only minutes to assemble and are a hit on social media.
Goblin Muffins: Take your chocolate muffins to the edge with shocking green or orange icing, add a little red food colouring for blood shot eyes, and voila!
2. Offer Festive, Halloween-Themed Drinks
No need for a complete drinks overhaul—a few quick touches can go a long way.
Blood Orange Punch: Combine cranberry or pomegranate juice with some soda and garnish with “floating eyeballs” (lychee fruit filled with blueberries). Add a shot of rum or vodka for an adult twist.
Pumpkin Spice Frappula: Take your pumpkin spice latte up a notch by adding “bloody” strawberry syrup drizzles. Perfect for a spooky sip, it’s easy to make hot or iced.
Zombie Matcha Latte: Create a layered matcha latte with a hint of black food colouring for a “zombie” look. A sprinkle of black sugar or a dark chocolate drizzle can give it an extra eerie vibe.
3. Host a Simple Halloween Event
Get customers in the spirit with a simple event like a costume contest or a themed happy hour.
Quick Costume Contest: Announce a costume contest on social media, offering a gift card or free dessert to the best costume. Even if it’s last minute, people love the chance to dress up and win!
Halloween Happy Hour: Offer a few drink specials during the evening, like the Blood Orange Punch or Pumpkin Spice Frappula. Simple decorations like cobwebs and black tablecloths create an instant Halloween vibe.
4. Put Together a Halloween Treat Box
For customers celebrating at home, offer a last-minute treat box from your cafe menu. Use items you already have, such as brownies, cookies, or cupcakes, and add simple decorations.
Halloween Treat Box: Pack brownies with marshmallow ghosts, mummy meatballs, and mini pumpkin cookies for an easy, themed box. These are popular for families and can be pre-packaged for quick pickup.
5. Add Quick Halloween Decorations
Even a little décor can go a long way. Drape fake cobwebs around the entrance, add a few pumpkins or skulls, and turn the lights down for a spooky ambiance. Halloween music or a few sound effects can also enhance the atmosphere with minimal effort.
