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Every restaurant owner knows that the holiday season is far more than candy canes and hot cocoa. From November well into early January, guests are not just dining out; they’re hosting office parties, planning family gatherings, and celebrating every joyous moment in sight. This surge in celebrations offers a significant boost to restaurants—particularly for those who provide holiday catering and takeout options. But to seize the moment, your online ordering system must be prepped and polished, ready to handle the flow of orders that can skyrocket during the festive months.
Consider some numbers: According to data from the National Restaurant Association, seasonal spending in restaurants sees a notable uptick, and holiday catering sales can account for 20% or more of a restaurant’s annual revenue. If your online ordering tools aren’t optimized and easy to use, you risk missing out on a large slice of the holiday pie—especially when large corporate offices and busy families are looking to place big orders without any hassle.
Many restaurant owners ask themselves this question around October or November: “Is it too early to think about holiday catering?” The quick answer is: Absolutely not. In fact, experienced owners usually start prepping months in advance. By the time your guests are carving the turkey, you’ll want your digital ordering process to feel as effortless as unwrapping a present. Read on to set yourself up for success and capture every potential order.
As lifestyles get busier and technology more effortless, customers are quick to choose digital convenience over phone calls or in-person ordering. Whether it’s a corporate assistant ordering for a big holiday party or a harried parent coordinating a family feast, they’re all seeking the easiest way to check “catering” off the to-do list. That’s why an efficient online ordering system is the strategic advantage you need.
But it’s not only about convenience—today’s diners expect personalization, clarity on pricing, and quick updates about their orders. Online menus allow you to highlight your holiday specials with photos and short, appealing descriptions. Add in the ability to filter by dietary restrictions (like gluten-free or vegan options), and you reduce the friction customers feel when they can’t find exactly what they need.
And here’s a tip: If your system lets you quickly deploy limited-time offers or “secret” seasonal items, you create an air of exclusivity that keeps people coming back for more. Whether it’s an extra portion of your famous gingerbread dessert or a surprise discount off large orders, it’s these small digital touches that turn a casual browser into a committed customer.
Think of your digital ordering system as your restaurant’s drive-thru of the future—an intelligent, automated system that guides the guest from first browse to final payment with minimal friction. But building it right requires careful planning:
A well-designed system benefits both your customers and your staff. It reduces phone calls, eliminates order entry errors, and consolidates all the details in one place so your employees can focus on preparing delicious dishes rather than clarifying phone call misunderstandings.
A standout holiday catering menu does more than just add a few seasonal sides to your regular offerings. It’s about building excitement. Think of it like dressing up a storefront window for the holidays—the more it entices passersby, the more likely they are to come inside.
Here’s how to make that happen online:
Above all, presenting these holiday-themed offerings in a crisp, logically laid out online format will keep potential customers engaged rather than juggling multiple menu PDFs or searching for disclaimers in the fine print.
No matter how streamlined your digital ordering, the back-of-house logistics must be ready for a heavier flow of catering demands. The last thing you want is to accept more orders than your team can handle, resulting in disgruntled customers.
Here are a few pointers to keep operations running smoothly:
When each detail is orchestrated properly, you reinforce your restaurant’s reputation for reliability—an invaluable trait, especially during the holiday season when tensions and schedules can run high.
An effortless ordering platform is great, but it won’t make a splash if nobody knows about it. This is the time to spread the word far and wide:
These promotions work best when they feel natural—like a seasoned host inviting guests to a party. Keep the messaging warm, personal, and helpful, making it clear you’re committed to providing a stress-free holiday feast.
Holiday catering doesn’t have to be a one-and-done affair. If you deliver a fantastic experience, guests will remember you for other big gatherings and events. The secret ingredient to building this relationship often lies in an organized follow-up strategy.
Thank You Emails: It might sound old school, but a sincere, personalized note that thanks customers for choosing you—perhaps including a discount for their next catering order—can convert a first-time buyer into a loyal fan. Automate this within your ordering platform to save your staff time.
Online Feedback Loop: Prompt customers to leave a review on Google or to rate their experience right after delivery or pickup. Some solutions incorporate a quick link within the order confirmation or digital receipt, making it easy for customers to share their enthusiasm. The more reviews you collect, the more visible *and credible* you become online.
Loyalty Promotions: If your restaurant runs a rewards program, highlight how catering orders help them rack up points quickly. You can also set up a small referral bonus for anyone who recommends your catering service to friends or family. “Did you love our holiday spread? Share with a friend, and you both receive a discount!” This fosters a sense of community and drives consistent business.
In the hustle of catering, don’t overlook the payment process. Safety, reliability, and speed of payment are crucial—especially when large corporate events or households place sizable orders. If your online checkout leaves guests feeling uneasy about entering their credit card details, you risk losing a significant sale at the final step.
Look for an integrated payment solution that is fully compliant with industry standards. Offering secure credit card transactions, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, and even quick QR-based payments for in-store pickups can improve trust and convenience. Tools like sunday can help customers pay in just a few taps, speeding up both online orders and in-person settlements.
Offering tipping options or “add-on donations” in checkout also helps you raise staff morale during the busy season. Let clients easily add a tip or a small donation to a local charity. It’s that extra bit of positive holiday spirit that resonates with guests.
When people are planning their holiday gatherings—often coordinating multiple moving parts—they appreciate clear and frequent communication from the restaurant. Your online ordering system should be able to send instant confirmations and status updates. A transparent timeline of when each step, from preparation to pickup or delivery, will happen can soothe any last-minute stresses.
At the same time, you need to keep two-way communication open. Include a phone number, chatbot feature, or email address for any special requests or changes to orders. If you’re worried about staff being overwhelmed by calls, designate a catering coordinator or use an online messaging tool that organizes queries in a single dashboard.
Plus, if the unthinkable happens—like an inventory shortage or serious delay—be upfront. Send a polite, timely note, offer alternatives, or provide a partial discount. Transparency in these situations goes a long way in preserving each guest’s trust.
Let’s look at a hypothetical scenario: You own a neighborhood bistro specialized in cozy comfort foods. Last December, you unveiled a holiday catering package featuring roasted turkey, sage stuffing, homemade gravy, garlic mashed potatoes, and a decadent pumpkin cheesecake. The response was tremendous—until your phone lines started clogging up and staff forgot to note down whether a caller wanted extra gravy or not.
Midway through the season, you quickly set up an online ordering portal. Suddenly, your staff was freed from phone duty. Customers could pick from various side dishes, choose between half-pan and full-pan sizes, and pay instantly. Your real-time analytics showed that the “pumpkin cheesecake add-on” was a top seller, so you boosted its visibility on the site. You also noticed you were nearing capacity on certain days, so you set an automated limit to prevent overbooking.
Your holiday catering sales soared, but more importantly, you avoided confusion and last-minute cancellations. Word spread that your bistro was on top of things, and those satisfied customers returned for winter events—and even next year’s holiday festivities. That’s the essence of a well-prepared online ordering system.
As the holiday clock ticks closer to big events, more and more procrastinators will come knocking. Instead of turning them away, a polished online system lets you manage last-minute orders effectively while respecting your kitchen’s capabilities.
When time is short, clarity is king. Sometimes, the real magic of the holidays is how well you can accommodate those “do you think we can still place an order?” questions. A stable, user-friendly online platform is your best ally.
You might think of holiday catering as a once-a-year rush, but the data you collect each season is incredibly valuable. Analyze which items sold fast, which days or weeks saw the highest volume of orders, and the average ticket size for holiday catering. Use these insights to refine your offerings next year or to plan for other seasonal events—it might be big football Sundays or wedding season, depending on your concept. With an online ordering system, you have immediate access to accurate historical data, simplifying your forecasting.
The ability to identify patterns—like a spike in vegan or gluten-free orders—can help you adapt and repackage your menu. Keep testing new flavors or serving concepts in smaller, off-peak windows, then unleash the winning combos when the holiday frenzy arrives. Over time, you’ll enjoy a compounding advantage over less data-driven competitors.
Every restaurant is different, but the key takeaway is universally applicable: preparing your online ordering well before the first holiday tunes hit radio stations can transform your Q4 from chaotic to a stable, profitable success. Not only do you streamline the ordering process for your customers, but you also lighten the load on your staff, reduce errors, and create memorable dining experiences that keep people coming back.
There’s still time to implement or upgrade your system if you haven’t already. Integrate it with your kitchen workflow, polish your catering menu, and build excitement with marketing campaigns that truly connect with your guests. Remember, you’re not just selling a holiday spread—you’re offering a warm, stress-free experience at a time when everyone craves comfort and joy. By taking action now, you become the trusted caterer people rely on, year after year.
Major seasonal gatherings bring a surge of catering requests. A solid digital ordering portal helps manage this demand efficiently. Customers get an easy, user-friendly experience, while your team can track orders, manage inventory, and maintain high service standards all within one system.
Most experts advise beginning holiday marketing at least eight weeks before major events, allowing customers time to plan and schedule. This ensures corporate clients, in particular, can finalize their budgets and secure your services well in advance.
Set clear capacity limits in your online ordering system. Let software automatically disable certain dates or times once you’ve reached capacity. This prevents your kitchen from being overworked and disappointing customers with delays or cancellations.
Provide a clear, convenient link to a review site within your digital receipts or post-order thank you messages. People are more likely to leave a review immediately after a great meal, so timing is key. A warm, personalized request increases the chances you’ll see that glowing five-star rating.
Yes. Many modern tools allow you to integrate digital gift cards alongside your menu offerings. Gift cards are particularly popular during the holiday season, so including them in your online store creates an additional income stream and fosters brand loyalty.
