Ah, summer. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Even if you’re not sitting around waiting for the school bell to ring, there’s still something bittersweet about the end of flip-flops-and-shorts season. But this is not the time to get all mopey. At Grub Burger Bar, we are all about the cheer — and “Cheers!”; we do serve Back Porch (rum) Punch, Peach Martinis and Five Dollar Ritas, after all — that come with shooing out the old and welcoming in the new.

First things first, though: the pool hasn’t closed just yet. So keep that maillot and those trunks in your weekend rotation as long as you possibly can. And because you’ll need something cool to sip while you’re getting your lounge on, let us remind you that our hand-crafted shakes are delicious. And that’s true whether you go classic, like with our Kitchen Sink (we’d tell you what’s in it, but, heck what’s not in it?), or spiked, like with our Dirty Kitchen Sink (everything, plus chocolate vodka).

Still, serious preparations are in order. Back-to-school means it’s back to early starts, sack lunches and (gulp) homework. Regardless of whether you or your kids are getting ready to head to class, the vacation clock is ticking. Now’s the time when we all have to contemplate rejoining the rank and file. For those days when the routine most feels like a grind, Grub Burger Bar offers ample opportunities to break out of the doldrums with new seasonal Market menu items.

And because the back-to-school season is also a season for fresh starts, now is the time to tackle those projects around the house that you’ve been meaning to get to but, you know… life. Wash the windows. Organize the garage. Paint the spare bedroom. And when you’re bone-tired and ready for a break, know that relief is just a few taps and a swipe away. With our GrubLove app, you can order ahead and skip the lines. We’ll have your just rewards waiting for you.

Besides, summer needs a proper send-off and there are blockbusters to enjoy. Movies at the park? Projector in the backyard? A sofa-bound binge-watch? However you choose to get in some last-minute summer viewing, you’re in need of great snacks, burgers and sides. If you’re going out with the fam, we recommend our comfort-food-forward Mac ‘N’ Cheeseburger plus the Split Decision (your choice of two: skinny fries, sweet potato fries or onion rings). Staying in? You can’t go wrong with Bowls for every member of your party. Besides, who needs popcorn with you’ve got chips and Chorizo Queso? So get some Grub to go and call it good. And, for your more formal informal gatherings, remember that Grub caters, too.

After all — and come to think of it — back-to-school time isn’t all bad. In fact, it’s something pretty special. What are some of your favorite things about this time of year? That new box of crayons? The six inches you grew over the summer? Being assigned a locker on the top row? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. And don’t forget to download our GrubLove app — we’ll be announcing some awesome new stuff this fall, but you’ve gotta sign up if you want to stay at the head of the class!