With Mother's Day just around the corner, I think of my mom and my wife's mom and all they've done to inspire and encourage us to create our restaurant as a healthy, happy business - the go to place for special occasions. Moms around the world do so much for their children, they deserve special attention every day but, definitely on their own holiday. You'll want to show the moms that come to your own restaurant how much they mean to you, how thankful you are for them and offer them a relaxing day off.

What will you do for your own mom to show your respect and appreciation? We always host a special weekend of surprises when families come to dine with us. One of the top gift ideas for Mother's Day is to make reservations and take mom out for a meal she doesn't need to plan, prepare or clean up after!

Some ideas that we use
and you can incorporate in your own restaurant for all moms:

Have a brunch buffet at a reasonable cost. Brunch is very popular to take mom out so why not set up a brunch fit for a queen.

     Buffet planning ideas for Mother's Day include: 
* Several types of eggs - scrambled with fresh herbs, poached, mini omelets to name a few.
*Pancakes are fun to add on a buffet and can include several interesting and yummy toppings from maple syrup to fresh strawberries, blueberries, cherries or peaches with fresh whipped cream.
*Breakfast meats of bacon, ham or sausage.
*Potatoes can be roasted red b's, mashed, home fries or scalloped.
*Roasted turkey, pork loin, tenderloin or prime rib are always some of the favorite meat items to include on your buffet. Sauces and gravies that accompany your meats in a professional stainless steel chafing dish for banquets are the easiest way to serve them. If you can have your Chef carving at the table all the better!
* Good soups are always a favorite especially hot soup if the weather is cool outside or a chilled soup for cool weather.
* Shrimp and seafood - choose your favorite and saute or bake it with fresh herbs and lemon.
*Make a big bowl of salad for guests to help themselves too using as many in season veggies as possible. The sky is the limit with salad so consider tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot, onion, radishes, scallions, leeks, peppers, garbanzo beans, olives and celery. Don't forget your own homemade salad dressing.
*Lots of fresh steamed veggies are always a hit and we love fresh asparagus, fresh green beans with almonds, fresh carrots in butter and maple syrup, sauteed mushrooms and onions or stewed tomatoes or mixed vegetables.
* Create a platter of fresh fruit, cheeses, raw vegetables and crackers with fresh dips.
* Desserts: we love a variety of mini cheesecake desserts for guests or a bucket of brownies! If you make your own homemade desserts such as pies, cookies or cakes, offer them pre-plated on the dessert buffet.

Set your buffet with long tables, clean tablecloths and simple decorations that showcase all the great food you've prepared. Serve your guests as they arrive at the buffet, allowing ample food for everyone. We always serve beverages first before inviting guests to the buffet table and explain that we'll be serving them.

Happy Mother's Day to you and your family, friends and guests. Have fun, enjoy the day and as always:
Cheers!