Apple picking season is right around the corner. From late August through November, orchards and cideries across the country transform into popular seasonal destinations, attracting families, couples, and fall enthusiasts eager to enjoy the harvest. But many operators may be missing out on a major opportunity to increase guest engagement and drive revenue.

By adding a foodservice program powered by AutoFry®, cideries and orchards can create a more complete guest experience—one that encourages longer visits, boosts foot traffic, and significantly increases profits. Best of all, it can be done without the hassle of traditional kitchen installations.

Why AutoFry Is a Smart Addition for Cideries & Orchards

AutoFry is a fully enclosed, ventless deep fryer that allows businesses to offer hot, delicious fried foods without needing a hood or complicated ventilation system.

From rustic barns and tasting rooms to pop-up food shacks, AutoFry delivers flexibility, safety, and ease-of-use for seasonal and year-round operations alike.

Benefits of Adding AutoFry Include:

• 🍟 No hood or venting required – Eliminates the need for costly kitchen upgrades
• 🍂 Hands-free operation – Ideal for seasonal staff or multitasking employees
• 🍏 Enhanced guest experience – Keeps visitors on-site longer
• 💰 New revenue opportunities – Increases average ticket size with minimal effort
• ⏳ Quick setup + easy maintenance – Be ready to serve before the fall rush

 Increase Stay Time and Maximize Guest Spending

Fall guests come for the apples and cider—but they stay for the food. Adding hot, ready-to-serve menu items gives visitors another reason to linger, especially families with kids, groups of friends, and couples on autumn outings.

Warm, craveable food options can turn a casual visit into a full-day experience, while also giving cideries a competitive edge over neighboring farms and attractions.

Seasonal Menu Ideas for AutoFry 🍁

AutoFry makes it easy to serve up seasonal favorites that pair perfectly with cider, cool weather, and fall festivities.

🧀 Savory Bites:

• Loaded waffle fries with cheddar and bacon
• Fried mac & cheese bites
• Fried pickles with spicy ranch 
• Mozzarella sticks and marinara

🍗 Hearty Options:

• Chicken tenders & fries baskets
• Fried apple cider-brined wings
• Crispy chicken sandwich with apple butter BBQ sauce
• Fried pork belly BLT sandwich 

🍩 Sweet Treats:

• Apple cider donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar
• Fried apple pie empanadas drizzled with caramel
• Pumpkin spice churro bites
• Deep-fried Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese icing

The Time to Prepare is Now

For orchards and cideries looking to improve operations before the seasonal surge, AutoFry offers a simple, cost-effective solution. With minimal training required and no expensive construction needed, operators can be ready to serve hot food in no time.

Adding foodservice isn’t just about feeding guests—it’s about increasing dwell time, elevating the experience, and maximizing profits.

🍎 This apple season, give visitors more reasons to stay—and spend—with AutoFry!