Cravings are emotional, not based on time or temperature

Let’s use a simple analogy. When most people think of soft serve, they think of summer. In the same way, when people hear espresso, they think of mornings… but then, there’s the espresso martini, a drink that has dominated bar menus for the last several years. It’s very much a nighttime drink, even though it contains a significant amount of caffeine and is definitely not helping anyone get a good night’s sleep. This doesn’t make much sense. Why would someone choose a caffeinated drink so late at night? The answer is simple! Because cravings are emotional. If someone is out for the evening and an espresso martini is what they want, they’re going to order it regardless of what social norms say, because the experience matters more than the lack of sleep that comes with it. The same goes for soft serve ice cream. If it’s cold out but your heart wants a frozen treat, that’s exactly what you’re going to get! Sweet cravings don’t magically go away once the temperatures drop.

Winter changes the occasion, not the demand

Okay, so maybe you’re not currently walking through a grass-filled park with daisies in bloom while the Mister Softee jingle plays in the background, but you might be dining at your favorite restaurant, and the only thing that can truly complete your meal is a brownie à la mode. The occasion for soft serve may change, and the setting might look a little different, but the demand is still there. In winter, people tend to walk around less and spend more time sitting and staying at their favorite local spots. There is nothing better than settling into a warm, cozy restaurant, escaping the cold outside, and finishing a meal with a comforting dessert you love. (Just thinking about this makes our mouths water!)

Where does soft serve thrive in winter

Of course, we understand that some business models do not operate soft serve machines year-round. This is especially true for weather-dependent businesses such as ice cream trucks, beachfront vendors, and street fairs in colder states, just to name a few. That being said, there are many environments where soft serve machines continue to thrive throughout the winter. Indoor malls are a great example. Parents shopping with young children often look for easy ways to keep them happy and entertained, and nothing does the trick quite like an ice cream cone! The same applies to family entertainment centers, where guests are already planning to spend several hours indoors. Restaurants also have endless opportunities to utilize soft serve in winter by offering à la mode desserts, affogatos, sundaes, spiked shakes, and other creative menu items. Movie theaters are another strong fit. Guests are indoors for extended periods, warming up and indulging in classic comfort snacks, and when it comes to dessert pairings, salty and sweet never miss. Popcorn and ice cream truly are a match made in heaven!

We hope this article helped to shed light on a side of soft serve machines that often gets overlooked, the fact that they can remain profitable throughout the winter months. Just because temperatures drop does not mean people stop craving their favorite comfort foods, especially when they are spending more time indoors or enjoying shared experiences. If you own a Spaceman soft serve machine and are looking for ideas to keep it performing through the winter, be sure to check out our Instagram for seasonal tips and recipe inspiration. At the end of the day, it is all about keeping things delicious, fun, and memorable for your customers.