Patio Season is Here: How Yellowknife Restaurants Can Prepare for a Successful Summer

Summer in Yellowknife is short but sweet, and for local restaurants, it's one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year. When the sun finally comes out, customers flock to patios for cold drinks, grilled food, and long northern evenings. But are you ready to take full advantage of the season?

At Northbest Distributors, we've worked with restaurant and food service clients across the Northwest Territories for years. Here are a few essential things to focus on to make the most of patio season — and how partnering with a local wholesale food distributor can give you a leg up.

1. Refresh Your Menu with Summer Favorites

Summer menus call for fresh, seasonal ingredients and lighter fare that work well in the heat. Think:

• Grilled meats and seafood

• Fresh salads and vegetable sides

• Frozen desserts and cold appetizers

• Summer inspired cocktails and mocktails

We stock a full range of meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, dry goods, and frozen food so you can experiment with new dishes or expand your offerings. Not sure what's trending? We're happy to help you spot what's moving with other local operators.

2. Get Your Supplies in Order

There's nothing worse than running out of the essentials during a weekend rush. Before the patio fills up, make sure you're fully stocked on:

• Cleaning supplies (essential for high-turnover patio tables)

• Napkins, disposables, and small wares

• Condiment kits and serving utensils

• Coolers and ice storage

As a one-stop shop for restaurant supplies in Yellowknife, we make it easy to keep your operations running smoothly.

3. Prep for Volume and Speed

Patio season brings foot traffic and fast-paced service. Your kitchen and bar need to be able to keep up. Consider:

• Pre-prepping high-demand items

• Offering shareable plates and combo specials

• Making use of pre-portioned frozen goods or pre-marinated proteins

With the right mix of wholesale frozen products and ready-to-serve items, we can help you reduce prep time and serve more guests without sacrificing quality.

4. Be Ready for the Unexpected

Northern weather is unpredictable. One day, it's 25°C and sunny; the next day, it's cool and rainy. Make sure your supply chain can adapt quickly:

• Flexible delivery schedules

• Quick turnaround on restocks

• A local team that understands the urgency of short seasons

Because we're based in Yellowknife, we know how to support businesses through the ups and downs of a northern summer.

5. Boost Your Beverage Game

Summer is prime time for cold drinks. Whether you're offering iced coffees, specialty lemonades, or locally-inspired cocktails, make sure your bar is stocked with:

• Juices and mixers

• Dairy and alternatives

• Glassware and bar tools

We can also help with back-of-house supplies like cleaning solutions and food-safe storage to keep your beverage station efficient and compliant.

Ready for Patio Season? We've Got Your Back.

Whether you're just opening your doors or gearing up for your 10th patio season, we're here to help. As a trusted wholesale food supplier in Yellowknife, we offer everything from frozen seafood and dry goods to cleaning products and restaurant small wares — all with the local expertise to keep your business running smoothly.