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December in the UK is often associated with bustling high streets, twinkling lights, and families celebrating the festive period. But beyond the holiday cheer lies a real opportunity for restaurants: a significant surge in takeaway orders. From office Christmas lunches to cosy family nights in, plenty of people choose to order food rather than face the cold or the crowds. This trend gives your restaurant the chance to reach more customers than usual, while also taking on extra challenges—from supply chain issues to speedy service.
The spike in December takeaway demand is supported by data from UK Hospitality (UK Hospitality), showing an increase in takeaway and delivery spending as soon as festivities begin. For many restaurant owners, that means a greater volume of orders, all arriving within short time windows. Mastering this challenge can yield excellent returns, with your revenue flying high and your reputation growing if customers receive delicious meals on time. But success doesn’t come by chance—it requires careful preparation, from the way you use valuable kitchen space to how your staff handle the year’s busiest period.
As a restaurant owner, you want to be ready for the hustle and bustle. Making your operations efficient and anticipating the seasonal rush are crucial if you want to delight customers, keep your staff motivated, and turn December’s surge in demand into a powerful growth opportunity for your business.
One of the most important steps in preparing for a December takeaway surge is reviewing your menu. While it may be tempting to feature all your standard dishes plus a few new limited editions, it’s vital to focus on dishes that are:
Additionally, don’t forget the growing demand for plant-based, vegetarian, and gluten-free options—particularly in December, when people are entertaining guests with different dietary preferences. By including a few signature, easy-to-execute specials, you can tap into the festive spirit and boost average order values. Indeed, festive limited editions like “Roasted Cranberry Stuffed Mushrooms” or a “Sage & Onion Vegan Burger” can generate buzz, especially if you wrap them in eye-catching descriptions that invite customers to indulge in December’s celebratory vibe.
By taking menu streamlining seriously, you’ll set clear expectations for your chefs, allowing them to focus on speed and consistency. And with a well-planned menu, your kitchen can manage the higher volume of orders stress-free—helping you avoid that ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ scenario.
Nothing throws a spanner in the works like running out of key ingredients during a peak service rush. Avoid the dreaded “We’re out of that dish” situation by carefully managing your stock levels. For a December takeaway surge, forecast your ingredients more generously. Speak to your suppliers early—many will have their own end-of-year constraints or shipping slowdowns.
You can make stock management easier by:
Remember, it’s not just about having enough raw materials—it’s also about packaging. From takeaway boxes to dips, sauces, and cutlery, a shortage of packaging materials can completely halt your takeaway flow. So include packaging requirements in your stock calculations. Bulk ordering will often save you money per unit and guarantee that you’ve got enough supply throughout the busiest days.
When your dining room is replaced, in part, by countless takeaway bags, your kitchen’s layout can make or break your success. Here are some practical insights:
Consider that with the right workflow, each person in the kitchen works like a piece of a puzzle: if the pieces fit properly, your operation runs smoothly; but if they’re disorganised, chaos ensues. Periodic mock-runs can help test your system and highlight any bottlenecks.
December’s high-pressure environment calls for careful staffing strategies. You may need extra hands in the kitchen or among your delivery crew—so plan your schedules in advance. Time your busiest days by reviewing last year’s data. Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends are often prime takeaway nights, but the run-up to Christmas can skew typical patterns as well.
Remember, staff motivation is crucial. The holiday season can be exhausting—long hours, unpredictable workloads, and personal stress. A few ways to keep team morale high:
Keeping your staff satisfied is half the battle. When your team feels supported, their positivity radiates, often showing through in the food and customer interactions—creating a warm environment even behind the scenes.
Technology is your ally when it comes to handling a sudden spike in orders. Many restaurants already have an EPOS system that allows them to process orders efficiently. However, the festive season is the ideal time to optimise any technology you might have overlooked, including:
By integrating technology into your operations, you free up your team to focus on what they do best: crafting delicious meals. You also reduce errors, making your kitchen more efficient and your customers happier.
Even during the busiest times, quality must never be sacrificed. If the hustle and bustle impact food quality, you risk losing loyal customers. Consider these crucial steps:
Quality control extends beyond the food itself. If you promise fast delivery, ensure the packaging supports leak-free transport and the brand’s aesthetic, maintaining a professional look. A little garnish or a short “Thank you & enjoy your meal!” note can also go a long way in forging customer loyalty.
Have you perfected your menu, set up your kitchen, and trained your team? Excellent. Now it’s time to let the world know. Effective marketing is more than plastering your menu online; it’s about connecting with your target audience:
Marketing doesn’t need to be flashy or expensive. A well-organised social media presence is often enough to entice hungry Brits exploring quick dinner ideas. The point is to be visible where your customers are. Come December, they’ll want to know exactly who offers the best mince pies to go, or who has the crispiest battered fish for a cosy weekend night in.
With the volume of orders swelling, it’s easy for hygiene standards to slip through the cracks if not vigilantly maintained. Under UK food safety regulations, you must ensure compliance even in the busiest periods:
Put up friendly, visible reminders for staff to wash hands, change gloves, or sanitise frequently used utensils. Let your customers know you take safety seriously—this builds trust, especially as more people rely on restaurant takeaways at an otherwise hectic time of year.
Around the holidays, consumer awareness around sustainability grows, and diners are likely to prefer businesses that keep the environment in mind. The high volume of takeaway orders can generate more waste, so it’s wise to choose compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable packaging. If you’re using plastic, ensure it meets recyclable standards in the UK.
You might also consider offering customers the option to skip plastic cutlery if they’re heading home or have their own. This not only saves you money but also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. Similarly, provide clear information on how they can recycle or dispose of packaging responsibly. Showcase your commitment to going green in your marketing materials—it’s not about boasting but about letting potential customers know that your restaurant values both taste and sustainability.
December is a marathon, not a sprint. So, what happens when your team is physically and mentally exhausted halfway through the month? Many are balancing their own holiday plans alongside busy shifts. Some practical steps:
Being a caring leader can significantly increase staff loyalty and retention. Also, a happy team tends to deliver better customer service, leading to satisfied diners and more five-star reviews—a win–win for your establishment.
As you manage jam-packed delivery and pick-up schedules, a seamless payment process makes all the difference. While having a reliable card reader in-store is important, it’s also crucial to keep up with customers’ desire for speed and convenience. UK diners are increasingly comfortable using digital payments on their smartphones, particularly if it saves them waiting time.
A QR code payment solution like sunday can simplify things for both you and your customers. Rather than crowding around a busy front counter or fussing with phone calls, your regular patrons and first-timers can just scan, pay, tip, and, if they choose, drop a quick Google review while waiting for their food. It’s quick and straightforward, letting them focus on enjoying the dining experience—even if it’s in their own living room.
On top of that, encouraging satisfied customers to share feedback publicly is a smart way to build your digital presence. More positive reviews can boost your listing on search platforms, which is crucial in a highly competitive takeaway market. In the event you receive constructive criticism, address it with sincerity, showing the community you value your customers’ input and are always looking to improve.
While December might feel like the big finish to the year, it can also serve as a starting point for ongoing improvements. Analyse the data you gather:
Apply these findings to refine your strategies. The experience gained in December can show you how to prepare for future busy seasons, including key events like Valentine’s Day or even large sports finals that spark takeaway booms. Every challenge you’ve tackled and every success you’ve achieved now form a blueprint for growth in the new year.
Below are some common questions restaurant owners have when gearing up for a busy December season.
Q: How far in advance should I start preparing for the December takeaway surge?
A: Ideally, start planning at least one to two months before December. That includes refining your menu, speaking to suppliers, and scheduling staff. Early communication with suppliers is essential to avoid stock shortages.
Q: What’s the best way to streamline takeaway operations without sacrificing my dine-in service?
A: Creating dedicated kitchen stations for takeaway orders can help, as can a clear signage or digital ticket system. Also, cross-training your staff allows you to shuffle team members to high-pressure points if needed.
Q: How can I ensure quality is consistent when orders come in back-to-back?
A: Train staff thoroughly on packaging and plating. Run simulations to test how dishes hold up over time. Keep equipment like warming lamps and hot-holding cabinets in good condition, and label all orders carefully to reduce confusion.
Q: Are digital payment solutions beneficial for takeaway-only customers?
A: Absolutely. Solutions such as sunday let customers pay quickly and easily via QR codes. This speeds up the transaction and reduces confusion at pick-up points. Plus, you can integrate tipping and Google review prompts to bolster your online reputation.
Q: How do I keep my staff motivated throughout the busy holiday season?
A: Offer clear shift rotas, encourage breaks, and make a point of celebrating small wins daily. Show appreciation with festive snacks or gift cards, and reassure them that their hard work is valued. A happy, rested team is more productive and has fewer errors.
Q: Which marketing channels should I prioritise to promote my December takeaway menu?
A: Social media is excellent for real-time promotions, while a targeted email newsletter can directly reach loyal customers. Partnering with local businesses or distributing flyers with sample products can also capture new audiences. The key is visibility and consistency.
Q: How can I make sure my packaging is sustainable without breaking the bank?
A: Shop around for cost-effective biodegradable or recyclable takeaway supplies. You can also encourage customers to opt out of single-use utensils. Announce your environmentally friendly efforts online to highlight your commitment to sustainability.
By planning thoroughly, and bringing warmth and dedication into every step—menu curation, staff scheduling, technology upgrades, and marketing—you can transform December’s takeaway surge into an immensely rewarding period for your restaurant. Happy cooking, and may your festive season be filled with happy customers, glowing reviews, and record-breaking sales!
