Let's face it, Florida and tourism go together like humidity and bad hair days. You can't swing a...
Remember those lovely snowbirds who clogged up your early bird specials and demanded decaf at 5 PM? They've migrated north, bless their sensible, seasonally-appropriate hearts. But fear not, a new breed has filled their place: the summer tourist. These fine specimens often sport socks with sandals, a vibrant shade of lobster-red, and a deep-seated belief that waiting more than five minutes for a table is a personal affront.
Expect a surge in requests for "something light and refreshing" (which usually translates to a gallon of sweet tea and fried everything), endless questions about what "local seafood" actually means (spoiler alert: it probably swam in the Gulf yesterday), and at least one person trying to pay with seashells. Just roll with it.
The daily thunderstorm: nature's way of saying "time for a drink (or three)." Just when you think you've hit peak capacity and your servers are about to combust from heatstroke spontaneously, Mother Nature will kindly intervene with the daily afternoon thunderstorm. It's like clockwork. Around 3 PM, the skies will turn a dramatic shade of purple, the heavens will open, and your patio seating demand disappears.
On the bright side, this is your cue for happy hour! Embrace the downpour. Offer discounted appetizers and umbrella-themed cocktails. Turn the weather into an excuse for people to linger longer and, you know, spend more money. Think of it as a forced siesta with a side of potential profit.
The eternal battle against the heat. The kitchen in a Florida restaurant during the summer is less a place of culinary creation. Your line cooks will resemble glistening marathon runners, the walk-in fridge will sound like it's on its last legs (because it probably is), and the phrase "it's hotter than hell in here" will be uttered approximately 7,432 times per shift.
So, what's the recipe for summer success? Patience, my friends. A whole lot of patience. Also, a well-stocked bar, a menu that caters to both the "I'm on vacation!" crowd and the brave locals who venture out despite the oppressive heat, and a staff that can handle anything from a spilled margarita to a rogue iguana wandering onto the patio (it happens).
Embrace the chaos. Embrace the humidity. Embrace the fact that you'll probably go home every night smelling faintly of sunscreen and deep-fried shoe. Despite the challenges, summer in Florida is a time when people are looking to relax, have fun, and indulge. And you, my friends, are in the perfect position to make that happen (and maybe make a little money while you're at it).
Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear the rumble of thunder... time for a strategic iced coffee break. Stay cool out there!
