The holidays may seem like they’re months away, but if you’re in the restaurant business, you know the truth: it’s never too early to start preparing. The holiday rush will sneak up on you, and trust me, you don’t want to be caught unprepared. So, let’s talk about how to get ahead of the game and ensure your restaurant is ready to shine when the season arrives. After all, a little planning now will save you from a whole lot of scrambling later.
1. Craft a Holiday Menu That Sizzles
It’s time to plan a holiday menu that leaves your customers dreaming about their next visit. Special dishes, seasonal cocktails, and set menus for larger parties? Yes, please.
- Highlight the Season: Think rich, festive flavors—things like spiced cranberry sauces, roasted root vegetables, and decadent desserts. These are the kinds of indulgences people crave during the holidays.
- Festive Drinks: Don’t forget to bring out the show-stopping drinks—mulled wine, spiked cider, or a holiday punch that will have everyone toasting to your success.
- Set Menus for Groups: Large groups will flock to you if you make it easy. Offering pre-set menus keeps the kitchen humming and everyone happy.
Get this figured out now so you can test and tweak those recipes to perfection. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
2. Get Your Staffing Ducks in a Row
The holidays bring in more customers, and if you don’t have the right staff in place, you’ll end up with a hot mess. Now’s the time to assess your team and hire extra hands if needed.
- Recruit Now, Train Early: Don’t wait until December to bring in seasonal help. Hire now, train them thoroughly, and they’ll be ready to handle anything that comes their way.
- Cross-Train Your Team: Make sure your current staff are trained for multiple roles. If someone calls out sick, or you suddenly need an extra hand on the floor, you’ll have a versatile, well-prepared team that can jump in where needed. And don’t forget, happy, well-trained staff make for happy, well-served customers.
3. Plan Promotions That Spark Joy (and Revenue)
Holiday promotions can turn a slow night into a packed house. But the key to pulling them off? Planning. Now.
- Holiday-Themed Events: Think holiday brunches, cocktail parties, or an “Ugly Sweater Night.” You want to create experiences that get people out of their homes and into your restaurant, where they’ll stay for that extra round of drinks.
- Gift Cards Galore: Let’s be honest, gift cards are money in the bank. Offer a little something extra—say, a bonus $10 card with every $50 purchase—and watch as they fly off the shelves. People love easy gifts, and you’ll love the repeat business.
- Catering & Takeout: With people hosting parties and gatherings, why not offer catering or takeout holiday meals? Your kitchen gets to flex its muscles, and you get the bonus of adding high-margin orders without overcrowding your dining room.
The beauty of planning these now? You get to fine-tune your marketing and build anticipation well before the holiday madness sets in.
4. Open Reservations Early & Watch Them Pour In
If there’s one thing you can count on during the holidays, it’s that people love to plan. They want to know their group of 12 can snag that perfect table for their holiday party. So open your reservation books early.
- Early Bird Specials: Offer a little incentive to customers who book now—whether that’s a complimentary glass of bubbly or a small discount for early reservations. The goal is to get people committing to their holiday plans with you, and soon.
- Pre-Order Options: For those catering or takeout holiday meals? Start taking orders early too. The sooner you know what’s coming in, the better you can prepare for the influx.
5. Stock Up & Avoid Supply Nightmares
Let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than running out of supplies right when things are heating up. Now is the time to make sure your pantry and bar are ready for the rush.
- Non-Perishables & Paper Goods: Stock up on anything that won’t spoil—napkins, table linens, to-go containers—before the holiday rush drives prices up.
- Talk to Your Vendors: You’ll want a game plan with your suppliers. Trust me, you don’t want to find out on December 22nd that they’re out of your favorite wine. Have a little chat and make sure they’re ready for your increased holiday orders.
6. Plan for the Unexpected
As much as we plan, life sometimes throws us a curveball. Be prepared for anything.
- Backup Plans: Whether it’s a broken stove or a last-minute staffing issue, you need a plan B. Partner with a backup vendor or have a repair service on standby. And make sure your staff knows how to handle the inevitable hiccups gracefully.
- Health & Safety: With more guests comes more opportunity for things to go wrong. Make sure your sanitation procedures are rock-solid and that your staff is up-to-date on any health and safety protocols.
7. Get Your Marketing Ducks in a Row
A little holiday marketing can go a long way. Start building excitement now and watch as the reservations and pre-orders roll in.
- Email Campaigns: Start prepping your holiday email blasts, letting customers know about your upcoming events, special menus, and gift card promotions. The earlier you get in front of them, the more likely they’ll make you part of their holiday plans.
- Social Media: Begin teasing your holiday plans on social media. Post some behind-the-scenes shots of your holiday preparations or share recipes for festive dishes you’ll be featuring. Build that buzz.
If you want to glide through the holidays with ease (and profits), the key is preparation. Start planning your menu, staffing, promotions, and events now, and you’ll be set to breeze through the season without breaking a sweat. So get ahead of the game, and let your restaurant be the place where everyone wants to gather, celebrate, and come back to.
