Winter often brings slower trade for the hospitality industry, yet this year’s data has shown a different story. Lightspeed data from more than 10,000 Australian hospitality merchants during the winter months indicates that Australians have been spending more per visit at restaurants, cafés, and bars compared to previous years.
Average winter transaction values* in 2025 are estimated to be around 9% higher than in 2022 and about 5% higher than in 2024. This consistent lift shows encouraging momentum heading into spring and summer, when longer days, outdoor dining, and a busy calendar of social events often inspire people to dine out.
The months ahead are typically the busiest period for the hospitality industry. Venues that harness the positive signals from winter can use them as a springboard for even stronger performance. Preparation is key, and certain areas stand out as opportunities to build on this growth.
Optimising space for summer trade
Outdoor dining has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s hospitality scene, especially as warmer weather draws people out to enjoy food and drinks with friends and family.
Reviewing layouts ahead of peak months ensures a comfortable and efficient flow for guests while giving staff the space they need to serve effectively. Shade, airflow, and weather protection are straightforward improvements that can make outdoor areas more inviting and help venues maximise seating capacity.
Refreshing menus with seasonal highlights
Spring and summer offer a timely chance to bring variety and freshness to menus. Analysing past performance can guide decisions on which dishes or drinks deserve more attention, while seasonal produce and ingredients add vibrancy and appeal.
Many diners expect venues to offer sustainable food sourcing (34%), as revealed in our Hospitality Insights and Dining Dynamics 2025 report, and seasonal specials can reinforce this connection. Lighter meals, refreshing beverages, and creative pairings can give customers a reason to return regularly. Local partnerships, from craft breweries to dessert makers, are another way to introduce variety and community appeal.
Building strong teams and experiences
A successful summer season relies on people as much as it does on products. Hiring and training seasonal staff early helps venues be ready for higher traffic. Keeping teams motivated through recognition and support contributes directly to the quality of service.
Technology can also elevate experiences by making service faster and smoother. QR code ordering, handheld POS systems, and integrated payments can help reduce wait times and errors, giving staff more room to focus on hospitality. At the same time, a polished online presence with up-to-date menus, images, and booking options allows venues to capture diners at the very moment they’re deciding where to eat.
Riding the seasonal high
The momentum from winter provides a solid foundation. Spring and summer allow venues to extend that growth, deepen customer loyalty, and set the tone for the year ahead. For many operators, the choices made now —such as how to prepare, where to invest, and which experiences to highlight —could shape the long-term trajectory of their business.
*Note: The provided winter figures are based on Lightspeed’s Australian spend data from more than 10,000 hospitality merchants. The averages for June and July were calculated across 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, followed by percentage comparisons to measure changes in spend between certain years.
