The holiday season is here, and for restaurants, that means one thing—opportunity. With
countless customers looking for festive spaces to celebrate Christmas parties, Hanukkah
gatherings, company events, and more, your restaurant can become the go-to venue. However,
hosting events during the busiest time of year requires careful planning and operational
efficiency.
There’s much to consider, whether managing catering orders, integrating event planning
software, or ensuring your online ordering system is ready for demand. This guide breaks down
all the essentials you need to know to host holiday events at your restaurant successfully.
Why the Holiday Season is a Golden Opportunity for Restaurants
The holiday season is a lucrative time for the hospitality industry, but you already know that.
What stands out is how event hosting can elevate your brand.
Here’s why holiday events should be part of your business strategy this festive season:
● Boost Revenue: Event bookings and catering requests can drive significant sales and
increase cash flow beyond traditional dining services.
● Build Long-Term Relationships: Hosting holiday events builds a customer connection,
often leading to repeat business throughout the year.
● Showcase Your Unique Offerings: Special menus, festive cocktails, or themed décor
can highlight what makes your restaurant unique.
However, these benefits come with challenges. High customer expectations and time pressures
can strain your operations. That’s where careful planning and the right tools can make all the
difference.
Step 1: Streamline Event Planning with the Right Tools
To manage multiple events seamlessly, your restaurant needs holiday event management tools
that simplify planning.
Invest in Event Planning Software Integration
Event planning software can be a lifesaver for restaurant owners and managers. These tools
allow you to:
● Coordinate with Staff Easily: Assign tasks, manage schedules, and track
responsibilities in one central platform.
● Track Bookings: See at a glance which slots are available for events and avoid double
bookings.
● Customize Events with Customers: Record every detail of client needs, from menu
preferences to room setup requirements.
Popular platforms like Graze integrate well with your existing restaurant ordering platform and
can help streamline your workflow.
Step 2: Prioritize Catering Order Management
Catering orders skyrocket during the holidays. From large office Christmas parties to intimate
family gatherings, customers expect precision and punctuality.
Tips for Managing Catering Orders Effectively
● Centralize Orders: Use a catering order management system to handle requests
smoothly. This reduces errors and ensures all orders are correctly tracked.
● Confirm Early: Double-check details with customers at least a week before their event
or catering date, especially during a busy season.
● Train Your Staff: Make sure your kitchen and delivery teams are well-prepared to
handle bulk orders without compromising quality.
Catering management tools like Caterease allow you to optimize this process and ensure
customer satisfaction.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Online Ordering System
Even as you host events, don’t neglect the foot traffic from regular diners. If your business has
an online restaurant ordering system, this is the time to ensure it runs at peak performance.
Features to Look For
● Easy Menu Updates: Add holiday specials or limited-time offers to your ordering
platform to attract more customers.
● Order Tracking: Allow customers to track the status of their orders in real-time.
● Mobile Accessibility: With festive shopping on the go, your system must be mobile-friendly for convenience. Online ordering platforms like Graze make it easy to handle the festive rush while enhancing customer service and boosting revenue.
Step 4: Create a Festive Atmosphere
Once your operational tools are in place, it’s time to focus on making the customer experience
unforgettable
Festive Decor
Transform your venue into a festive wonderland. Use holiday décor and lighting to create the
perfect ambiance. Whether you go for classic Christmas colors, winter wonderland themes, or
elegant Hanukkah settings, thoughtful decorations make customers feel special.
Highlight a Seasonal Menu
Create limited-edition dishes or cocktails that celebrate the season. Think mulled wine,
peppermint desserts, or even a themed charcuterie board. Highlight these offerings across your
marketing channels to generate buzz.
Offer Event Packages
Simplify the decision-making process for customers by offering all-inclusive event packages.
These could include:
● A holiday prix fixe menu
● Drinks and appetizers included in bulk pricing
● Add-ons like photo booths or live music
Step 5: Build Community Engagement
The holiday season is not just about revenue—it’s an opportunity to build goodwill and a sense
of community.
Engage With Customers Online
Highlight your holiday events on your social media platforms. Share behind-the-scenes videos
of preparations, post festive photos, and engage with customer comments.
Partner with Local Vendors
Work with nearby florists, musicians, or entertainers to contribute to your events and boost
community ties. Cross-promote these collaborations to reach a wider audience.
Show Gratitude
During the holidays, a small token of appreciation goes a long way. Consider offering longtime
customers a special discount or gieting event attendees with small keepsakes like branded
coffee mugs or holiday ornaments.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust for Success
No plan is perfect, especially during the hectic holiday season. Monitor your processes and
collect feedback from customers and staff to improve continually.
● Customer Surveys: Ask customers what worked well and where improvements are
needed.
● Staff Debriefing: Have post-event discussions with your team to identify pain points.
This will ensure top-quality service and help you refine your plan for future holiday events.
Create a Holiday Tradition at Your Restaurant
With a little preparation and the right tools, hosting holiday events at your restaurant can be both
lucrative and rewarding. From leveraging holiday event management tools to elevating the
customer experience with festive touches, a well-executed plan will set your business apart and
keep customers coming back.
Looking to get a head start on holiday prep? Explore how event planning software integration,
catering order management systems, and online ordering platforms can transform your
operations.