Why the Holiday Season Matters

As we edge ever closer to December, we reach one of the busiest times of the year for restaurants. Whether you’re located within a shopping mall or handling multiple end-of-year office meals, this period can make or break your year. A successful holiday season provides financial stability and flexibility for future growth, whereas a poor season could mean struggling until the next year.

Prepare All Staff

For your restaurant to thrive, your staff must be prepared across all departments. We recommend holding a meeting to set clear expectations for the holiday rush. This includes:

• Adjusting schedules to accommodate increased demand.
• Providing additional training for new systems or procedures.
• Encouraging staff input for improving efficiency, such as streamlining billing and ordering processes.

Hire Seasonal Employees

You don’t need to hire permanent staff to manage the holiday rush. Instead, consider hiring seasonal workers who are available specifically for this time of year. If it’s your first holiday season, err on the side of overstaffing rather than being short-handed.

Stock Up and Over-Order

Suppliers may shut down for the holidays while your restaurant remains open. Plan accordingly by over-ordering essential ingredients with extended shelf lives. Reflect on previous years’ trends to determine your most popular dishes and ensure you have enough stock to meet demand.

Consider Takeaway Options

Customers are often preoccupied with holiday meals, making them more likely to order takeaway. To capitalize on this trend:

• Introduce a takeaway menu if you don’t already have one.
• Partner with third-party delivery services to handle logistics.
• Ensure adequate packaging stock for takeout orders.

Seasonal Offers and Promotions

To stand out from the competition, consider special promotions such as:

• Limited-time seasonal menu items.
• “2-for-1” dinner specials before a certain time.
• Happy hour deals to attract post-work crowds.

Stay Positive and Motivate Your Team

The holiday season can be stressful, but maintaining a positive attitude will help keep your team motivated. Recognize their hard work with small incentives such as free meals or bonuses. A happy team translates to better service and a more enjoyable atmosphere for customers.

Conclusion

With proper preparation, your restaurant can navigate the holiday season smoothly. Take notes of what works and what doesn’t to make next year’s planning even easier. Start now, and you’ll set your business up for a successful season!