How to Get Your Restaurant Ready for the Busy Holiday Season

11.19.21 | Restaurant Planning
How to Get Your Restaurant Ready for the Busy Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching and for those in the restaurant business, this is not only the happiest time of the year but also often the busiest time of the year. Corporate holiday parties, get-togethers, and people having time off work are all factors that contribute to an extremely hectic season in the hospitality industry. 

This year especially, as things continue to get back to “normal” and restrictions on indoor dining become more manageable for restaurants. Chances are, you probably have already started getting your restaurant ready for the holiday season since we’ve basically been waiting for this time since 2020, but if you’re still prepping your establishment for the end of the year, here are a few items you can’t forget:

Get Your Gift Cards Ready

Restaurant gift cards are among the most thoughtful and popular ideas to get “the person who has everything.” Gifting experiences like dining in a restaurant is a great way to support local restaurants and enjoy a night out on the town–both things that we really wanted to do for the past two-ish years. 

Make it easy for your clientele to support your business by giving them the option to buy gift cards for the holiday season. You can advertise them on social media or at the front of the restaurant. Reminding servers to offer the option to diners is also a great way to upsell during a meal and make it easy for clients to get their shopping done in one place. 

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Know Your Inventory

Make a list and check it twice. This might seem like an obvious step to take before the holidays, but you’d be surprised how many restaurants fail to do proper inventory leading into the holidays and then end up running out of critical items at the busiest time of the year. 

You don’t want to be that eatery that has to think fast and create all-new menu items during the holiday season because you forgot to order that one specific ingredient or supply. Look at your kitchens, freezers, pantries, bars, and wine cellars to make sure you are fully stocked for the holidays. Keep in mind that everyone is busy this time of year so plan accordingly and be prepared if suppliers experience delays. 

Accommodate Last-Minute Holiday Parties

In the past, most companies would book their holiday parties months in advance. However, during “uncertain times” and with many companies operating remotely, the holiday parties have probably taken a back seat to more pressing logistical issues. 

Expect to see some companies booking “last-minute” holiday parties this year, as changing restrictions made it difficult to plan far in advance. The more accommodating and flexible you can be for these last-minute parties, the better. 


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Organize Staff Time Off

One of the biggest challenges with staffing a restaurant during the holiday season is that although you need your employees to be available to work during the busy periods, they also need their own time off to recharge and visit with their families. 

The key to this is to plan in advance. Give your employees a deadline to request their time off and work collaboratively and transparently to meet their needs while ensuring your shifts are covered. Be clear about your expectations from staff and have a plan B in case someone calls in sick.

Many restaurants also take extended time off after the holidays–traditionally a time when people are trying to save money and eat healthier–to give their staff a bit of a break. If you have found that early January is not busy at all for your restaurant, consider closing for a period to give staff some much-deserved rest after the busy holiday season. 

Plan Your Community Involvement

The holiday season is also the most charitable time of year and many individuals and businesses plan to give back the best way they know how. For a restauranteur, this could mean organizing a food drive, donating to a soup kitchen, or pretty much anything else you feel like doing. 

Not only does giving back feel great for the soul, but it’s also a great way to promote causes that are close to your heart and encourage community engagement during the holidays. 


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Decorate Your Dining Room

No matter your stance on holiday decorations, it’s a good idea to spruce up your dining room at least a little bit with some festive holiday decor. Whether it’s hanging lights, installing a beautiful Christmas tree, or adding accents of garland, these small touches can help make your dining room feel more cozy and welcoming during the holiday season. 

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