Get your restaurant ready for the holiday hustle! From refreshing customer service skills to cross-training your staff and tackling seasonal menu updates, this guide is packed with actionable tips to help you deliver exceptional guest experiences all season long.
It’s time to pull the decor out and gear up for the most exciting — and arguably the busiest — time of the year: the holidays! With packed dining rooms, festive gatherings, and customers eager to celebrate, this period offers an incredible opportunity to boost sales and create unforgettable experiences for your guests.
But with the increase in traffic also comes higher expectations, tighter schedules, more (last-minute) requests for time off, and the potential for stress to skyrocket. That’s where proper staff training becomes your secret weapon. A well-prepared team can make the difference between a chaotic season and a smooth, successful one. In this guide, we’ll share practical, actionable tips to help you get your staff ready to tackle the holiday hustle with confidence, ensuring both your team and your guests have a reason to celebrate. Let’s begin!
When it comes to holiday prep, your restaurant’s history can be your greatest ally. Using your workforce management tools, dig into last year’s sales forecasting data to uncover key insights that will help you get ahead this season. What were your busiest days and peak times? Which menu items flew off the shelves, and where did you hit speed bumps? By understanding these patterns, you can make informed decisions to handle the holiday rush with ease.
Start by creating realistic sales projections based on past performance, factoring in any changes like extended hours, new menu items, or additional seating. With these projections in hand, you can map out a staffing plan that ensures you have enough hands on deck for every shift — without overloading your team.
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By using your past data as a guide and proactively planning your schedule, you’ll set your restaurant up for a season that’s as stress-free as possible for you, your staff, and your guests.
The holiday season brings in more than just increased foot traffic. It also ushers in high expectations from guests eager to celebrate. Now is the perfect time to give your team a quick customer service refresher to ensure every diner leaves with a smile (and maybe a glowing review).
Great service starts with mastering the fundamentals. Review these key customer service basics with your staff:
To take it up a notch, practice common holiday scenarios as a team. For example, role-play handling large parties, accommodating last-minute menu changes, or resolving misunderstandings with grace. These exercises give staff members a go-to script for common scenarios, making them feel more prepared for real-world challenges and reducing the need for managers to get involved.
Your holiday menu is truly the star of the season, so make sure your staff can talk about it like pros. Whether it’s a decadent seasonal dessert, festive cocktail, or a limited-time entrée, training your team on menu updates will help them sell with confidence and deliver a sensational guest experience.
Kick off your training by hosting a tasting session. Let your staff sample the holiday menu items so they can describe the flavors, ingredients, and preparation methods to guests with enthusiasm and authenticity. This first-hand knowledge can make all the difference when it comes to upselling seasonal dishes.
Provide talking points for each item, such as what pairs well with it, any unique preparation details, or why it’s a must-try for the season. For example: “This cranberry-glazed pork roast pairs perfectly with our spiced apple cider — it’s like a holiday meal in one bite!”
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The holidays often bring diverse dining needs, from gluten-free or vegan diets to nut or shellfish allergies. Ensure your staff knows the ingredients and preparation methods for each dish, as well as any substitutions or modifications that can be offered. Confidence in accommodating dietary restrictions will not only keep guests safe but also make them feel cared for and valued.
In the unpredictable whirlwind of the holiday season, flexibility is your best friend. Cross-training your team ensures everyone can step into different roles if needed, helping to keep operations running smoothly.
Equip your team to handle multiple responsibilities, such as:
Role-play “what-if” scenarios to prepare for common holiday challenges. For example:
These exercises can help your team think on their feet and stay calm under pressure. The goal is to deliver a festive experience while keeping your staff calm, cool, and collected.
Open and frequent communication is critical for navigating the busiest time of the year. Regular updates and check-ins will keep your team aligned and motivated as the season unfolds.
Encourage your staff to share their feedback throughout the season. What’s working? What isn’t? By listening to their insights, you can adjust strategies as needed and show your team that their input matters.
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The holidays are a golden opportunity for your restaurant to shine, but success doesn’t happen by chance. Training can help your team sparkle this season. By anticipating the rush, refreshing customer service skills, training for menu updates, cross-training your staff, and fostering open communication, you’ll create a strong, unified team trained to deliver memorable experiences. Add in a little morale-boosting magic, and you’ve got the recipe for a holiday season that’s both profitable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Cheers to making this season your restaurant’s best yet!
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