3-minute read ---

The holiday season is nearly here, meaning restaurant owners and staff will begin facing an influx of customers looking to celebrate with good food and company in a welcoming environment. To boost a restaurant’s reputation for high-quality services and support positive dining experiences, merchants must adequately prepare their staff and their operation for holiday crowds.

​Here are some invaluable tips to prepare your restaurant for the busy holiday season.

Staffing and Training:

• Increase Your Workforce: Anticipate the need for additional hands. Hire temporary staff if necessary and start training them early.
• Refresher Courses: Even for your regular staff, consider a brief refresher training session, focusing on efficiency, customer service, and handling high-pressure situations.

Optimize the Menu:

• Special Holiday Menu: Introduce a limited-time holiday menu. This not only attracts customers but can also streamline the kitchen operations.
• Batch Preparation: For popular dishes or components, prepare in batches to save time during peak hours.

Inventory Check:

• Bulk Up: Ensure you have sufficient stock of essential ingredients, especially those needed for holiday specials.
• Equipment Maintenance: Double-check all kitchen and serving equipment. The last thing you want during a rush is a malfunctioning oven or espresso machine.

​Reservation and Walk-ins:

• Online Reservations: Use an online reservation system. It helps to gauge the expected crowd and manage the influx.
• Set Time Limits: Politely set reasonable time limits for tables, especially during peak hours, ensuring more guests get served.

Boost Takeaway and Delivery:

• Holiday Special Packages: Offer festive takeaway bundles for customers who prefer celebrating at home or are hosting gatherings at their home and office.
• Efficient Packaging: Ensure you have sturdy and efficient packaging that keeps food hot and prevents spills.

Decor and Ambiance:

• Festive Decor: A festive atmosphere can enhance dining experience. Decorate your restaurant with holiday decor, but ensure it doesn’t hinder movement.
• Music: Play holiday music at a reasonable volume. It adds to the ambiance without overpowering conversations.

​Marketing and Promotions:

• Early Bird Specials: Offer discounts for diners who come in early, helping to spread out the crowd.
• Social Media Blitz: Promote your holiday specials, events, and/or dishes on social media platforms to attract potential customers.

Safety First:

• Crowd Management: Plan for queues, maybe even outside your restaurant. Consider roped-off areas or ticketing systems.

Feedback Loop:

• Feedback Cards: Encourage diners to leave feedback. It can provide insights for improvement.
• Online Reviews: Monitor online reviews closely. Address any issues promptly and professionally.

Emergency Plan:

• Always have an emergency plan in place. Whether it's a power outage, an unexpected shortage of supplies, or any other unforeseen situation, an emergency plan will ensure that operations run as smoothly as possible.

Remember, while the holiday rush can be daunting, it's also an opportunity to create lasting impressions and loyal customers. With adequate preparation and a customer-centric approach, your restaurant can become the go-to place for memorable holiday celebrations. Cheers to a successful holiday season!

​Learn how Aldelo Express Cloud POS can help you manage holiday crowds by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410​

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Aldelo Pay or Aldelo Partner Merchant Services
obtain access to
a Centralized Multi-Store Restaurant Technology Platform
that includes Masa+ Online Ordering,
Unlimited Software Releases,
​Unlimited Software Upgrades, and 24/7 Technical Support!


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Please contact an Aldelo representative today for more details, 
including a free Aldelo Express POS demo trial

[email protected] | 877-639-8767 | [email protected]

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