The holidays in the restaurant industry are a whirlwind. The kitchen’s in overdrive, servers are juggling packed dining rooms, and managers are trying to keep everything running smoothly. Through it all, your team powers through the busiest time of the year, often sacrificing their own holidays. Showing your team that you appreciate their hard work builds culture, boosts morale, and keeps everyone inspired for the year ahead. We recommend saving team celebrations until the dust has settled in the New Year. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate your staff and give back during the holidays.
Charity Matching
Restaurant teams are made up of passionate, community-driven people. Why not amplify their impact? Allow employees to nominate charities or local causes they care about—whether it’s food pantries, youth programs, or shelters—and offer to match their donations.
Take it a step further:
- Organize a team volunteer day at a food bank, soup kitchen, or community garden. Afterward, treat everyone to a staff meal back at the restaurant.
- Host a limited-time “charity dish” on the menu, with a portion of sales going to a cause the team votes on.
White Elephant Gift Exchange
A white elephant gift exchange can be simple and fun, but giving it a restaurant-inspired twist makes it personal:
- Set a theme like “kitchen gadgets,” “favorite local treats,” or “restaurant survival kits” (think coffee gift cards, chef’s knives, or cozy socks for the cold prep station).
- Sweeten the deal by adding gift cards to favorite lunch spots or a few “golden tickets” for paid time off or extra breaks.
Give everyone a small budget so participation doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s a lighthearted way to bring the team together, share a few laughs, and celebrate each other. We recommend doing this in each store after closing on Christmas Eve to get everyone in the spirit!
Host a January Team Holiday Party
Let’s be real—December isn’t the time for a team party. Everyone’s tired, busy, and spread thin. But January? That’s your moment. Once the holiday madness subsides, throw a team celebration. We recommend making it something that the team can gain inspiration from and that incorporates learning about the industry. Educational outings that combine food, drinks, and learning show your team you value their growth as professionals. We’ve written a list of ideas in another blog post here.
A January party gives your team a real chance to relax, connect, and feel celebrated—without the holiday rush hanging over their heads.
Personal Recognition
Sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most. Take time to recognize your team’s hard work with personal gestures:
- Handwritten notes of thanks from leadership highlighting specific achievements, like the line cook who powered through 200 covers or the host who handled the holiday chaos with a smile.
- Customized gifts, like embroidered aprons, chef’s knives, or bar tools with their names.
- Paid time off or bonus shifts for a quiet January break—time to recharge before the next rush.
These personal touches remind your team that they’re more than just employees. They’re the heart and soul of your restaurant.
The restaurant business thrives on hustle, passion, and teamwork—especially during the holidays. Showing your team you care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether it’s a thoughtful January party, a charity initiative, or an inspiring food-focused outing, these gestures build trust, camaraderie, and loyalty.
After all, when you take care of your team, they’ll bring that care and energy back to your guests, day after day. And that’s the best kind of holiday magic.
