Seasonal Inspiration
Thursday, 17 July 2025
From set menus to BBQ buffets – what’s hot for Father’s Day 2025
Featuring:
Tanoy Biswas, Group Executive Chef Laundy Hotels
Father’s Day falls on the first Sunday in September, right at the start of spring in Australia. It is the perfect occasion to showcase new menu ideas, draw families in, and give every Dad a dining experience worth celebrating.
Every kind of venue – from five star hotels to stand-alone cafés and QSRs – can boost profits and increase bookings with a Father’s Day menu. But for many families, a pub or a craft brewery is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or relaxing dinner.
Special offers for a special guy
Tanoy Biswas, Group Executive Chef of NSW’s Laundy Hotels, says Father’s Day is a key date for each of the group’s 40-plus pubs. “All of our venues put on an offer for Dad, from set menus to bistro food specials, depending on the style of the venue,” he tells InSeason.
“For example, Sinclair’s Restaurant in Penrith will be hosting a $95pp four-course set menu with a beer on arrival, and The Marsden Brewhouse will have a $80pp BBQ Inspired Buffet Lunch on level one.”
Smokin’ hot dishes
You can’t go wrong with a Sunday roast or lavish seafood platter, but the hottest menu items right now are smoked and barbequed meats, paired with bold and spicy condiments, and of course ketchup and tomato sauce.
Although the Laundy hotels each have menus tailored to their customer base, every year there is a food special at group level available in all venues for the day, explains Tanoy.
“This year we’re looking at a ‘Dad’s Feast Plate’ with New York steak, smoky BBQ pork ribs, sausage, roast potatoes, seasonal greens, pepperberry chimichurri and bush tomato chutney,” says Tanoy.
The group is also leaning into native flavours in a big way this year, as seen in this twist on chimichurri using Australian pepperberry.
This year we’re looking at a ‘Dad’s Feast Plate’ with New York steak, smoky BBQ pork ribs, sausage, roast potatoes, seasonal greens, pepperberry chimichurri and bush tomato chutney
Make the most of lunch and dinner
Tanoy finds that lunch service is the busiest for the pubs. “Lunch is definitely a busier crowd, with all of the families out enjoying themselves.”
If you are finding lunch is selling out quickly, try having an early start at 5pm for the dinner to suit younger diners. Also experiment with stretching out the good cheer over the whole weekend, with a ‘Father’s Day Eve’ special on the Saturday for families who just want to get together and don’t mind which day it is.
Many operators offer a set menu with optional upgrades, like beer paddles or dessert add-ons, which is a smart move to increase the average spend.
Chef to Chef: Final Advice
Father’s Day is a big one on the hospitality calendar, and in general it’s easy to keep family groups very happy, especially with a great meat offering and plenty of chips.
“Keep it classic and do it your way,” says Tanoy.
Go bigger on the portions and flavour
Tanoy agrees on this recipe for success.
“I think having some sort of smoked meat paired with a beer is always a must-have to keep Dad happy,” he adds.
That’s why the pub is the perfect place for Father’s Day!
- With a longer hold time and exceptional crunch, McCain Sure Crisp Fries are the perfect choice for Father’s Day platters and buffets.
- McCain Sure Crisp Steak Fries are the ideal accompaniment for smoked meats and specialty sausages as well as a great steak.
Surecrisp Steak Fries
6 x 2kg
- Heinz BBQ Sauce is the best partner for any smoked or barbequed meats, having a delectable smoky flavour with slight tartness. Diners love dipping or drizzling it, while chefs love adding it during cooking to boost flavour.
- What an Aussie classic – Heinz ‘Big Red’ Tomato Sauce is the natural partner of meat pies, burgers, steak and hot chips. Best of all it has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and is gluten free.
- For trending American-style cuisine, use Heinz Ketchup for a thicker consistency and sweeter flavour. Ideal for sticky ribs, burgers, or dolloping over fries.
Big Red Tomato Sauce
3 x 4L
Featured Products
10mm Cream Flesh Straight Cut
6 x 2.5kg
Original BBQ Sauce
3 x 2L
10mm Stay Crisp Fries
6 x 2kg
Caramel Flavoured Syrup
4 x 3L
10mm Straight Cut Chips
3 x 5kg
Chocolate Flavoured Syrup
4 x 3L
10mm Sure Crisp
6 x 2kg
Maple Flavoured Syrup
4 x 3L
13mm Straight Cut Chips
3 x 5kg
Strawberry Flavoured Syrup
4 x 3L
13mm Sure Crisp
6 x 2kg
Vanilla Flavoured Syrup
4 x 3L
9mm Surecrisp Skin On
6 x 2kg
Vanilla Flavoured Custard
12 x 1L
Beer Battered Fries 10mm
6 x 2kg
Soy Sauce
3 x 4L
Beer Battered Onion Rings
6 x 1kg
Worcestershire Sauce
3 x 4L
Beer Battered Steak Fries
6 x 2kg
Apple Juice
6 x 2L
Broccoli
6 x 1.5kg
Australian Pineapple Thins in Syrup
3 x 3kg
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots & Beans
6 x 2kg
Diced Beetroot
3 x 3kg
Carrot Rings
6 x 2kg
Orange Juice
6 x 2L
Cauliflower
6 x 1.5kg
Pineapple Juice
6 x 2L
Clear Cote Spirals
6 x 2kg
Sliced Beetroot
3 x 3kg
Corn Kernels
6 x 2kg
Whole Baby Beetroot
3 x 3kg
Hash Brown Ovals
4 x 2.6kg
Chicken Gravy
7.5kg
Hash Brown Triangles
6 x 2kg
Rich Brown Gravy
3 x 2.5kg
Mixed Vegetables
6 x 2kg
Rich Brown Gravy
7.5kg
Seasoned Wedges
6 x 2kg
Tuna Chunks In Springwater
6 x 1kg
