How we Prep for Winter
How Dad & The Frog Prepares for Winter: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Winter isn’t just a change in the weather—it’s a whole new season for running a café.
At Dad & The Frog Café in Surry Hills, we see it as an opportunity to fine-tune the experience for both our customers and our team.
Today, we’re lifting the curtain and giving you a peek at how we prepare our café for the colder months—from seasonal menu design to operations management and service tweaks.
Whether you’re a barista, café owner, or coffee enthusiast, here’s how we get winter-ready—and why it matters.
Seasonal Menu Strategy: Evolution, Not Revolution
When designing a winter menu, the temptation can be to reinvent everything.
We take a different approach: small, meaningful upgrades rather than complete overhauls. Here's why:
Consistency builds loyalty. Our regulars expect their favourites, and we’re careful not to alienate them.
Seasonality adds excitement. Instead of a full menu change, we rotate ingredients (think winter greens, pumpkin, citrus) and swap out a few key dishes to match the season.
Menu focus matters. This winter, we’re slimming down our drink offerings slightly to create room for a thoughtful alcohol menu rollout. It's about reducing overwhelm while enhancing quality.
Pro Tip: Always balance familiarity with novelty. People crave both—especially when the weather turns.
Comfort Through the Plate: Why Steam Matters
Winter food should feel visceral.
That’s why you'll notice a small but powerful shift at Dad & The Frog: baked dishes served hot and steaming from the plate.
Visual appeal. Steam rising from a dish immediately signals “fresh, hot, satisfying,” creating emotional impact before the first bite.
Emotional comfort. In colder months, food isn’t just fuel—it’s emotional support.
Operational advantage. Baked items are reliable for pacing service during busy winter weekends while delivering maximum impact.
We're refining some existing crowd favourites to hit those hearty, home-cooked notes without losing the playful spirit Dad & The Frog is known for.
Café Environment: Thermal Comfort Equals Customer Loyalty
If you’re running a café, don’t overlook the thermal experience.
When temperatures drop, people are highly sensitive to physical comfort.
Here’s what we do:
Scan for drafts. We check all entry points and seal any sneaky airflow gaps. Even one chilly breeze can make your cosy corner less inviting.
Heat containment. Strategic seating, room dividers, and subtle design tweaks help keep warm air circulating inside.
Visual warmth. We bring back our signature colourful blankets—a small detail that makes a big emotional impact.
Pro Tip: People will stay (and spend) longer when they feel physically comfortable. Energy management is revenue management.
Adjusting the Roster: Working With Natural Rhythms
Running a café well in winter means syncing your team with the environment.
Later start times. Dark, cold mornings mean slower customer flow early in the day. We adjust rosters to reflect actual traffic patterns rather than old habits.
Staff energy. Well-rested baristas mean better coffee and better vibes. Winter roster tweaks aren’t just about saving costs—they're about keeping your team sharp.
At Dad & The Frog, we believe in hiring for energy, then managing for sustainability.
Rosters that respect the seasons create happier teams and better service—something guests feel the moment they walk in.
Quality, Always: Hot Drinks That Deliver
No matter the season, our commitment to top-quality hot coffee and beverages never wavers.
In winter, the stakes are even higher. Customers expect:
Extra-hot service standards (served right, not scalded)
Perfect milk texture for colder temperatures (especially for alternative milks like oat and soy)
Fast, efficient service (nobody wants to wait in the cold)
Barista Tip: In winter, microfoam breaks down faster if the drink isn’t consumed quickly. Serve promptly and encourage guests to enjoy immediately for the best experience.
In Short: Winter at Dad & The Frog Means Intentional Upgrades
At Dad & The Frog, we don't just react to winter.
We design for it.
Seasonal menu upgrades, not overhauls
Thermal comfort tweaks
Team rostering for seasonal rhythms
Visual warmth with blankets and cosy touches
Always, outstanding coffee
Because winter isn't a challenge—it’s a canvas.
And every little adjustment we make is a brushstroke toward the bigger picture:
An unforgettable café experience that makes people want to stay, sip, and smile.
Come and experience winter the Dad & The Frog way in Surry Hills.
Visit www.dadandthefrog.com.au for our latest seasonal updates and menu sneak peeks.