12. Go ethnic
The great melting pot of American culture has brought a remarkable diversity of ethnic foods to our shores, and travelers can find great ethnic food in cities big and small. Traditional group meals have tended to stick to mainstream American food, but some of the most exciting culinary experiences await in internationally themed restaurants. Treat your group to some authentic Mexican enchiladas, Korean barbecue, Indian naan or other ethnic specialties, often created from family recipes. If you need suggestions, ask your CVB contacts where they go for great ethnic food.
13. Get your game on
Who says that mealtime can only involve food? Creative restaurateurs around the country have found ways to integrate fun and games into diners’ experiences. Whether it’s a minigolf course, an arcade or a couple of bowling lanes, these restaurants offer groups an opportunity to build some friendly competition into their meals. Tour operators find these experiences especially popular with student groups.
14. Eat at the farm
Farm-to-table dining is all the rage in the culinary world, offering diners food that has been grown in the same area as the restaurant where it is consumed. Groups can take this trend one step further by arranging to have full meals at the farms they visit. One of the most exciting aspects of agritourism is the opportunity to taste the goods, and many farms around the country have on-site restaurants that serve their products. Some also offer special dining programs for groups that feature chef demonstrations and other experiences.
15. Include drinks
Eating and drinking go hand in hand, so why do many “included” tour meals exclude drinks? You can win a lot of favor with your travelers by including soft drinks and iced tea in your meals, and you get extra bonus points if you package in some alcoholic drinks. You can do this without breaking the bank: Limit the selection to beer and wine, and offer a single variety of both; or have the restaurant make up several pitchers of a signature cocktail.
