Surviving the Summer Slump: Managing Cash Flow in Slower Months
When Sales Slow Down, Strategy Steps In
Summer can be a double-edged sword for restaurants. For beach towns and tourist spots, it’s the high season. But for many operators — especially in city centers or college towns — summer brings fewer regulars, emptier dining rooms, and tighter margins.
This “summer slump” doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right financial systems in place, your restaurant can stay steady and profitable, even when volume dips.
Here’s how to take control before the slowdown takes a toll.
Know Your Off-Season Numbers
Before the heat sets in, review prior years’ financials to identify when and where sales typically dip. Pull month-over-month sales, labor, and COGS to spot trends. Are weekends busier than weekdays in July? Does patio traffic help in June but die out by August?
Let your historical data guide your cash flow planning, inventory orders, and staffing decisions.
Forecast Cash Flow — and Update It Weekly
A 2-month cash flow forecast is your best friend in a slower season. Track expected inflows (sales, catering, events) and outflows (payroll, rent, vendor payments) in one clear snapshot. Then update it weekly.
This helps you:
Spot shortfalls before they hit
Time your payments more strategically
Avoid overdraft surprises
Need help setting one up? Take a look at our sample Cash Flow Forecast to get started.
Right-Size Labor and Inventory
As foot traffic slows, schedule your team based on actual volume — not your peak-season template. Cross-train staff to stay flexible, and rotate in lighter prep or deep cleaning days when it makes sense.
On the food side, focus on your highest-margin items and reduce ordering on slower-moving ingredients. Inventory that spoils is cash down the drain.
Want more tips? Check out our blogs on Labor Cost Tips and How to Control Food Costs.
Negotiate with Vendors & Control Fixed Costs
Now’s the time to revisit your vendor relationships. Ask about extended terms or discounts for early payments. If your dining room is quieter midweek, consider adjusting utilities usage, pausing recurring subscriptions you don’t need, or renegotiating linen or waste service contracts.
Need help negotiating terms with vendors? ACE’d Accounting Solutions equips you with everything you need at your fingertips — including a Restaurant Credit Application.
Lean Into Promotions, Not Panic
Slow months are a great time to get creative with your marketing:
Host themed nights or trivia events
Try happy hour specials or prix fixe menus
Partner with a local brewery or small business for a co-hosted event
You don’t need to slash prices to bring people in — you just need a reason for them to show up.
Need inspiration? Check out Toast’s summer slowdown guide, especially their clever “No-Peek Promotion”
Make the Most of Downtime: Operational Tune-Up
If your kitchen isn’t slammed, use the time wisely to get ahead on key areas you often postpone:
Prep for surprise Health Inspections
Review your Tech Stack and identify which tools are still serving your team — and which might need reevaluating
Optimize your menu pricing with Menu Engineering insights
Refresh training materials or update your SOPs
When peak season returns, you’ll be running leaner, smarter, and more profitably.
Take Some Time Off (Seriously)
You work hard — and summer’s a great time to recharge. If sales are slow, encourage your management team (and yourself) to take well-deserved time away. Just be strategic: stagger schedules, communicate plans clearly, and prep the team to run smoothly in your absence.
Looking for something restaurant-focused to do while you’re away? Check out our list of Top Conferences for Restaurant Operators to plan a working getaway.
Don’t Just Survive — Prepare to Thrive
The summer slump doesn’t have to mean slipping behind. With the right tools, planning, and perspective, you can use the season to strengthen your financials, improve operations, and set yourself up for a stronger fall.
At ACE’d Accounting Solutions, we help restaurants build cash flow visibility, control costs, and navigate seasonality with confidence. Whether you need a fresh forecast, support with vendor negotiations, or just a second set of eyes on your numbers — we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started!
