0min
There’s a certain magic in the air when the holiday season rolls around. Families reunite, offices celebrate a year’s achievements, and friends gather to share homey meals, laughter, and good cheer. As a restaurant owner, you already know this season offers more than just cozy vibes—it’s a lucrative opportunity to boost your revenue. With offline dining, takeout, and holiday catering orders stacking up, the last thing you want is an online ordering system that fails to keep pace with the flood of requests.
In a 2022 survey from the National Restaurant Association, nearly one-third of consumers listed holiday catering as a top priority for their seasonal events. That means it’s more important than ever for restaurants to gear up their online ordering tools to handle large orders, gather accurate delivery details, and accommodate various dietary restrictions. If there’s a time to upgrade or refine your system, it’s now—before the festive wave breaks in full force.
Before diving into best practices, consider why a robust online ordering platform can be a game-changer for holiday catering:
When your guests can seamlessly order, pay, leave a tip, and even post an online review, you remove barriers that could otherwise lead them to seek alternatives. In short, the easier it is for them to order from you, the more likely you are to earn their loyal business during—and beyond—the holiday season.
Think of your online ordering tool as the digital version of a friendly maître d’. It should greet customers, offer them a seat at your virtual table, present the special holiday menu, and then guide them through the payment process—all with a warm, personal touch. Here are crucial elements to keep in mind:
When you balance these features in a user-friendly interface, you’re not just capturing orders; you’re crafting a positive holiday experience for your guests from the very start.
It’s not just about having any online ordering platform; it’s about having the right one for holiday catering. Think about the different types of celebrations taking place from November through December: office parties, large family feasts, “friendsgivings,” neighborhood get-togethers, and more. Each scenario may demand unique catering solutions—from a lavish buffet to individually boxed meals.
By tailoring your platform to handle varying order sizes and meal preferences, you’ll attract a broader audience. For instance, some customers might want a full feast with turkey, multiple sides, and dessert. Others might only need a single unique dish—like a specialty vegan casserole or decadent seasonal pie. If your online menu can handle both the extravagance-seeker and the casual nibble hunter, you’ll be everyone’s holiday hero.
There’s no time to lose. The earlier you enhance your ordering system, the more you can perfect your holiday strategy. Waiting until the holiday rush is in full swing could result in:
Nipping these issues in the bud by investing a little time in upgrades (and staff training) now will pay off during the holiday frenzy—both in profit and in peace of mind.
Consider “The Cozy Little Bistro,” a small-town restaurant that specializes in homemade pies and hearty comfort food. Last year, they found themselves overwhelmed in late November. Corporate offices were ordering in bulk, while local families requested turkey dinners with all the fixings. The staff spent hours fielding calls, juggling credit card details, and scribbling orders on sticky notes. A few mistakes later—like forgetting a side dish here or mixing up pumpkin and pecan pies there—they realized they needed a better system.
This year, The Cozy Little Bistro invested in an updated online ordering platform. Through a user-friendly interface, they showcased their holiday catering packages—complete with item descriptions, portion suggestions, and photos. Now, not only can customers customize their order, but they can also easily pay online, leave a tip, and select pickup times. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with several clients praising how quick and straightforward the ordering process is. The staff has more time to focus on the food itself—and the morale is higher than ever.
You might have the most mouthwatering holiday menu on the planet, but if your payment process is a hassle, potential customers can vanish. Integrating a modern payment solution into your online ordering can drastically reduce friction during checkout.
Companies like sunday provide a user-centric design that lets guests pay via a simple QR code, leave a tip in just a few taps, and even post a Google review without navigating away from your site. It’s a fast, friendly approach that helps keep the holiday spirit high. Plus, the smoother the transaction, the fewer staff you need to manage phone payments or chase down unpaid invoices. This might seem like a small detail, but in a high-volume season, these small victories add up to huge benefits.
Even the best online ordering setup won’t thrive unless people know it exists. A strong digital marketing game plan will ensure you reel in customers proactively searching for holiday catering:
In short, let people know that you’re all set to handle their biggest holiday catering challenges. Give them proof—via photos, mouthwatering descriptions, and authentic testimonials—that your establishment can provide a magical culinary experience.
Diversity is key. More and more Americans are exploring plant-based diets, while others have specific allergens to consider. Offering a spread that includes vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free alternatives can be a massive differentiator. Highlight these options clearly in your online ordering menu. Let customers easily toggle or filter categories so they can find that vegan green bean casserole or the gluten-free pecan pie without a headache.
This approach goes beyond mere courtesy. The Restaurant Business Online website notes that holiday catering season sees a rising popularity in specialized dishes that cater to diverse dietary preferences. When you serve these needs, you stand out from competitors still offering a linear, tradition-only menu.
The holiday season often brings orders of 20, 50, or even 100 meals at once. Managing these large quantities requires a system that’s both intuitive and robust. Here are a few insider tips:
When your entire staff—from the head chef to the delivery driver—understands these processes, mistakes decrease and customer satisfaction soars.
Your most innovative online ordering system won’t reach its potential if your team doesn’t know how to manage it. Provide training sessions or quick refreshers before the holiday rush. Topics could include:
A well-prepared team can adapt to last-minute changes or technical glitches with less stress. Plus, customers can tell when staff is informed and confident—it increases their trust in your brand.
Yes, catering customers might mostly interact with your restaurant through a digital platform. But that doesn’t mean the “experience” ends there. When delivering or packaging catered meals, consider adding a festive flair:
These personal touches transform a simple food delivery into a memorable holiday experience—leading to glowing online reviews and repeat customers for years to come.
Many restaurant owners think tipping is just about table service. But in the US market, tips are often expected even for large catering orders, especially if staff members help transport and set up the food. Your online ordering platform should make it easy to add a recommended tip percentage. This way, you can reward the employees behind the scenes working long hours to keep orders accurate and on time.
Remember, integrated tipping isn’t just about money for the staff—it’s about showing appreciation for a job well done. Customers who want to express their gratitude can do so at checkout with a click or a tap, rather than having to scramble for loose cash upon delivery.
The holiday season is fleeting, but the lessons you learn can benefit you year-round. Make a habit of collecting data on:
With these insights, you can tailor next year’s menu, staffing, and marketing strategies more effectively. Whether you decide to introduce new dishes or refine the portion sizes, data-driven decisions almost always translate to improved sales and happier customers.
A well-oiled online ordering and payment system isn’t just about single transactions; it’s about forging a relationship. Contactless payment methods—like scanning a QR code to view the menu, pay, and leave a tip—enhance convenience for both parties. Some solutions, including sunday, even streamline follow-up after the meal, making it easier for happy customers to leave a Google review on the spot. Over time, these positive online reviews help you stand out in search results, drive new guests to your site, and compound the benefits of your holiday success.
As you integrate your ordering platforms, payment solutions, and marketing channels, you’re effectively building a customer database. Offer loyalty rewards or exclusive early-bird specials for holiday catering next year. When customers feel remembered and appreciated, your restaurant becomes their first thought for future events—holiday or otherwise.
Who says restaurant owners can’t also enjoy the holiday cheer? If you prepare your online ordering system and staff protocols in advance, you’ll have more breathing room during the busiest weeks. That could mean stepping away to admire your bustling dining room with pride or even taking that rare evening off to share a slice of pie with loved ones.
Investing time and resources now ensures a much smoother ride when December rolls around. And since your staff is more relaxed and confident, the atmosphere at your restaurant feels genuinely festive, rather than frenzied.
Absolutely. Many businesses and families plan their events weeks (if not months) in advance. Advertising your holiday catering as early as possible will give you a competitive edge and help you secure bulk orders.
Provide clear information in your online ordering portal—such as portion servings, add-ons, and lead time requirements. For complex orders, create a dedicated email or phone line where an informed staff member can address unique requests quickly.
Reviews can make or break a restaurant’s reputation, especially during the holiday rush. Positive feedback from happy clients will help attract new customers who are looking for a reliable caterer. Simplifying the review process—by offering an easy online method—can encourage more people to endorse your restaurant.
Providing vegetarian and vegan options is a smart move, given the growing interest in plant-based diets. It broadens your appeal and shows you respect various dietary needs. If your online ordering menu highlights these choices, you’ll likely see an uptick in orders from diverse groups.
The holiday spirit is about bringing people together. With a well-designed online ordering and payment system, you’ll be at the heart of countless joyful get-togethers—feeding the celebration while writing a profitable chapter for your own business. From flexible menus and clear deadlines to fuss-free tipping and convenient QR code payments, each detail works harmoniously to ensure your customers get exactly what they need for memorable feasts.
There’s never been a better time to jump on board with a top-notch online ordering tool. As you finalize your menu offerings, polish up that payment process, and let the world know you’re ready to handle any holiday crowd, you’ll stand out among the competition. Even better, you’ll find yourself less stressed, more efficient, and ready to actually enjoy the festivities this year while your restaurant thrives!
