The difference between a chaotic holiday rush and a smoothly run, profitable season often comes down to one thing: preparation. But not just any preparation.
What you need is strategic planning.
Smart prep work helps you serve more customers, create memorable experiences, and stand out in the busy holiday dining scene. It's about making the most of this festive opportunity.
Let's explore seven key areas that will set your restaurant up for holiday success.
1. Spice up your menu
The holiday season is a great opportunity to refresh your menu. Why not give your diners something new to enjoy alongside their festive favourites?
- Understand which dishes sold well during previous holiday seasons – which dishes were your customers raving about? Use this data to shape your new festive menu.
- Add 2-3 new dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients or festive flavours. This could include mains, seasonal sides or holiday-themed desserts.
- Include a few seasonal beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. A special holiday cocktail or a warming non-alcoholic punch can boost sales.
- Create fixed-price menus for holiday parties. These can simplify decision-making for large groups and help streamline your kitchen operations.
Once your festive menu is ready, don't forget to update it on your Quandoo profile. It's quick and easy, and ensures potential customers see your latest offerings when booking a table.
2. Update reservation hours
Holiday schedules can be tricky. Review your calendar and spot potential busy days.
For instance, you might notice that the weekends leading up to Christmas are particularly hectic. Could you open an hour earlier on these Saturdays to accommodate more lunch bookings? Or perhaps stay open later on Christmas Eve for last-minute shoppers looking for a relaxing dinner?
Once you've decided on your holiday hours, update them in your Quandoo for Restaurants system. It’s easy to make temporary changes to your reservable hours for future dates. This means diners can book when you're actually open, avoiding confusion and ensuring smooth bookings.
Consider adjusting your booking rules too.
Maybe you'll allow larger groups of 10-12 people instead of your usual limit of 8, to cater for office parties. Or you might reduce your standard 2-hour table time to 90 minutes on your busiest nights to serve more customers.
What’s important is staying flexible.
If you notice a trend of late-night walk-ins, you could decide to keep the kitchen open an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep an eye on booking patterns and be ready to adapt to make the most of the holiday rush.
3. Create special offers
Special offers can attract new customers and encourage regulars to visit more often. Think beyond discounts – create offers that add value and enhance the dining experience.
Consider a festive set menu for groups. This could include a welcome drink, three courses, and coffee for a fixed price. It's attractive for office parties and simplifies kitchen operations.
Wondering how to full quieter periods? Early bird specials can help. Offer a complimentary glass of mulled wine or a festive appetiser for bookings before 6 pm.
Don’t forget gift cards. They make great presents and can bring in new customers after the holiday rush.
With our Special Offers feature, you can highlight these deals on your Quandoo profile, making it easy for guests to spot available offers while booking a table.
4. Maximise online visibility and bookings
During the holidays, everyone's looking for the perfect spot to celebrate. You want to be right where they're searching. That's why being visible on popular restaurant marketplaces is so crucial.
Think of Quandoo's marketplace as your window to potential diners. It's where many people go to find restaurants, especially during busy seasons.
Make your restaurant profile work for you.
Add recent photos showcasing your ambience and seasonal dishes. Upload your holiday menu and any special offers. Keep your availability up-to-date, including extended hours or special opening times. These simple updates can boost your visibility and attract more bookings during the busy period.
Remember, it's all about being where your potential diners are looking. The more visible you are, the more likely you'll be the restaurant they choose for their holiday meals.
5. Prepare your space
First impressions count, especially during the festive season. Give your restaurant a holiday makeover, but keep it tasteful.
A few well-placed decorations can create a warm, inviting atmosphere without going overboard. Think subtle lighting, seasonal centrepieces, or a tasteful wreath on the door.
Consider your layout to balance efficiency and comfort.
Can you rearrange tables to create more flexible seating options?
Think about using smaller tables that can be easily combined for larger groups. Add a few high-top tables in the bar area for quick turnover. Use space dividers or plants to create cosy nooks, making even a busy restaurant feel intimate.
A well-prepared space sets the stage for a successful holiday season. It not only impresses your guests but also helps your team work more efficiently.
6. Market your holiday offerings
Get the word out about your festive menu and special events. Start by updating your website and social media profiles with your holiday hours, special menus, and any events you're hosting. Use eye-catching photos of your seasonal dishes to grab attention.
Email marketing can be powerful. Send a newsletter to your customer list highlighting your holiday offerings. Include a clear call to action to book a table.
Leverage social media to create buzz. Share behind-the-scenes prep, chef interviews about special dishes, or even short video tours of your decorated space. Encourage customers to share their experiences and photos, using a unique hashtag for your restaurant's holiday season.
Timing is key. Start your marketing efforts early, but maintain a steady stream of reminders as the holiday season progresses. People often make last-minute plans, so keep your message out there.
7. Review staffing needs
The holiday rush can stretch your team thin. You might need extra hands, especially for weekends and key dates like Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.
Consider cross-training your current staff. A host who can jump in to clear tables or a bartender who can help with food running can be invaluable during peak times. This flexibility helps your team handle sudden rushes more smoothly.
If you need to hire seasonal staff, start early. Look for people with experience in handling high-pressure situations. Brief them thoroughly on your menu, especially holiday specials, and your service standards.
Happy staff means happy customers, so take care of your team and they'll take care of your guests.
Wrapping up
So, there you have it – your game plan for the holiday season. From spicing up your menu to getting the word out online, you're now set to make the most of the festive rush.
Stay flexible as the season unfolds. Keep a close eye on booking patterns and be ready to adjust your strategy if needed.
Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy the season yourself. When you're having fun, your staff and guests will feel it too.
Here's to full tables, happy guests, and a prosperous end to the year!
