The festive season is one of the best and busiest times of the year for Cafés and Restaurants. Whilst footfall grows and profits enjoy a lift, it’s important to ensure that customers enjoy the same quality food and service they’ve come to expect and don’t end up leaving disappointed.
Here are some top tips from our development chef, Mike House, who says the key to a fantastic month is to be prepared and organise as much as you can in advance.
Kitchen and staffing to do's
- Estimate the number of customers you’re expecting and order as many of your Christmas products and ingredients as you can in advance. This takes the pressure off you and reduces the risk of relying on last minute deliveries and potentially running out of something important.
- Prepare and freeze what you can where possible. For example, you can prepare all your stuffing in advance, roll and freeze it, ready for when it's needed.
- Order fresh produce a few days ahead of time. You could also consider buying freshly prepared versions to save on time and labour.
- Consider reducing your main menu and incorporate your party menus into the Christmas menu to simplify and make things easier in the kitchen.
- Get chefs to work closely with your restaurant manager to ensure everything runs smoothly and large tables are not all booked in at the same time.
- Organise staff rotas well in advance. Analyse your busiest times from the previous year and hire seasonal staff when needed.
Dining space and promotional ideas
- Set the scene with Christmas trees, Christmas crackers, music, fairy lights and decorations.
- Gifts of experiences are on the rise so ensure you have Gift Cards for customers wanting to gift their friends and family vouchers to eat at your restaurant as Christmas presents.
- The holidays are a great time to make the most of seasonal bakery upsell opportunities. Make sure you have Christmas deals available like a slice of cake or mince pie to go with hot drinks or prosecco orders.
- Could you provide party favours or a Christmas pack to keep children entertained and add an unexpected special touch.
- Lastly remember to take lots of photographs – you’ll thank yourself for having a bank of lovely Christmas images to use on social media and marketing material in the future.
As we get closer to December don’t shy away from spending some time preparing - this is time well spent and will pay off as you get closer to the big day.