Why Water Deserves a Place on Your Restaurant Menu

Enhance guest experience, boost profitability, and champion sustainability.

In the restaurant and foodservice industry, every small detail can elevate the guest experience. Water, often taken for granted, is one of those details that can make a real impact — both for your customers and your bottom line.

By offering a selection of water on your menu, you provide an opportunity to upsell, enhance your sustainability practices, and create a more refined dining experience. At A1 Cash and Carry, we understand the importance of thoughtful beverage options, which is why we’re highlighting water as a key item that can boost your restaurant’s service and profitability.

🌟 Why Menu Water?

Water on your menu isn’t just a filler — it’s an opportunity to add value. Here's why you should consider offering water options:

• Upsell Potential: Guests are often willing to pay a premium for high-quality still or sparkling water. When it’s listed clearly on your menu, your team can upsell without hesitation.
• Sustainability: Reducing your reliance on bottled water not only cuts costs but also aligns your restaurant with environmentally-conscious practices. Offering high-quality filtered water or in-house carbonated options helps reduce single-use plastic waste.
• Guest Experience: Water is a vital part of the dining experience. Offering distinct options, such as infused waters, enhances the overall guest experience and positions your restaurant as thoughtful and premium.

📋 What Water Options Should You Offer?

Incorporating water into your menu doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple yet impactful water options:

• Premium Sparkling Water: Stock a variety of premium sparkling waters from well-known brands. Guests often prefer the effervescence of mineral waters, and a curated selection can elevate your beverage program.
• Infused Waters: Infused waters (such as cucumber-mint or citrus-rosemary) are an easy, cost-effective way to add creativity to your beverage offerings. Serve them complimentary or as a low-cost upsell.
• Premium Still Water: Offering still water options — such as filtered tap water or high-quality bottled varieties — shows attention to detail and encourages guests to enjoy a refreshing, pure drink with their meal.

💼 Tips for Menuing Water in Your Restaurant

• Introduce Options Early: Train your team to offer premium water choices when guests sit down or when they order drinks. This can increase guest satisfaction and profitability.
• Transparency in Pricing: Clearly list water options and pricing on your menu to avoid confusion. Guests will appreciate the straightforward choices.
• Sustainability Messaging: Use your water offerings to promote sustainability. Consider offering filtered water in eco-friendly glass carafes and reduce your reliance on plastic bottles.
• Make It Special: Give your water program a signature touch. Whether it’s a house-made infusion or an exclusive sparkling brand, a unique water option can set your restaurant apart.

💧 Explore Premium Water Brands We Carry

At A1 Cash and Carry, we stock a carefully curated range of high-quality water products designed to meet the demands of modern restaurants, cafes, hotels, and foodservice operators. Whether you're looking to elevate your table service, offer premium hydration, or expand your beverage menu, our selection has something for every business type and customer palate.

Choose from renowned still and sparkling water brands such as:

Canadian Sourced Water Options:

• Aeras Water – Available in both still and sparkling, this Canadian spring water is sourced from ancient continental rock in Ontario. Bottled in sleek glass with a refined mineral profile, Aeras adds a premium touch to any dining table.

• Earth Water - Sourced and bottled in Canada, Earth Water is packaged in an infinitely recyclable aluminum bottle. Each case sold funds one week of school meals for a child.
• Naya Water - Their natural spring water is never treated with ozone and naturally sodium-free. It is drawn in Mirabel, Quebec, at the foot of the Laurentian mountains and bottled directly at the source. Offered in many formats, Naya has a bottle for every occasion.
• Eska - Their natural spring water is 100% Canadian, land-crafted and filtered by the sediments of Abitibi’s own St-Mathieu-Lac-Berry esker – Canada’s ice-age old, unique, and precious natural wonder.

Other Water Options:

Here are just a few of the premium water products we offer:

• Fiji – Artesian water from the islands of Fiji, known for its smooth taste and natural electrolytes.

• Ice River – Sustainably sourced Canadian spring water, ideal for businesses prioritizing eco-conscious choices.

• Perrier – Iconic sparkling mineral water with bold bubbles, perfect for upscale or casual menus.

• Aquafina – Crisp and purified, great for quick-serve or high-volume dining establishments.

• San Pellegrino – A staple in fine dining, offering premium sparkling water with a refined mineral balance.

• Glaceau Smartwater – Vapor-distilled with added electrolytes, perfect for wellness-focused customers.

• Dasani – A popular purified water option with consistent quality for every guest.

• San Benedetto – Elegant Italian water available in both still and sparkling, great for European or premium menus.

• Evian – Naturally filtered through the French Alps, offering a luxurious still water experience.

• Bubly – A playful, zero-calorie sparkling water option available in a variety of flavors.

• San Felice – Italian bottled water known for its clean, fresh taste.

• Saratoga – Stylish blue-glass bottled water from New York, ideal for premium tableside service.

From boutique sparkling labels to sustainable filtered water solutions, our goal is to help you craft a water program that reflects the quality, taste, and values of your restaurant. View Our Water Collection

🧠 Final Thoughts

Water may be the most basic drink, but it’s also an opportunity for your restaurant to enhance the overall dining experience and boost your revenue. By thoughtfully curating water options, you can provide your guests with more than just hydration — you can offer a memorable, premium experience.

At A1 Cash and Carry, we offer a range of premium bottled waters, sparkling water brands, and ingredients for creating infused waters that will help elevate your beverage program. Contact us today to explore our selection of beverage products for your restaurant or foodservice operation.

Visit your local A1 Cash and Carry or speak with a representative to learn more about our water offerings and how they can benefit your business.