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Boxing Day, celebrated on 26 December, is a beloved part of the British festive calendar. Officially recognised as a bank holiday (see GOV.UK for details), it’s a day when many people are off work, looking to meet friends, take advantage of discounts, or dine out after spending Christmas at home. For restaurants, this should be an opportunity to connect with hungry customers keen to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Despite these advantages, a lot of restaurants instead choose to close or reduce operations on Boxing Day. Of course, family time for your team is important, and not all businesses have the capacity to open the day after a hectic Christmas. But in an industry where profit margins can be razor-thin and every opportunity counts, many wonder if they’re missing out on precious revenue by remaining shut or failing to fully tap into the demand that Boxing Day brings.
Alongside the typical post-Christmas clearance sales, consumers are searching for convenience, quick bites, and wallet-friendly deals. If your restaurant is open on Boxing Day, a Click & Collect option can help you accommodate an influx of customers without overcrowding your dining room. Instead, you allow them to order online, pick up their meal, and head back to the warmth of their homes (or continue their shopping spree).
The digital age has redefined the customer journey in the restaurant industry. While big nationwide chains have popularised takeaway and delivery year-round, smaller and independent restaurants sometimes hesitate to invest in extra channels. However, Boxing Day presents a unique peak window. Shoppers already expect click & collect or takeaway from other sectors (like retail). So why not extend that expectation smoothly into dining?
For restaurant owners, setting up a Click & Collect option on Boxing Day might feel like an extra logistical challenge on top of the busy festive season. However, it doesn’t need to be complicated—especially with easy-to-use payment platforms and online ordering systems. You just need the right approach and a bit of Boxing Day cheer!
When it comes to making Click & Collect a success, the content of your Boxing Day menu is absolutely key. After the Christmas frenzy, some diners will be craving something distinctly different. Others might still be in the mood for holiday flavours. Creating a balanced menu with enticing, celebratory dishes can help you stand out.
Here are a few considerations when designing that special menu:
Remember, Click & Collect customers often look for dishes that travel well. Avoid items that quickly lose their appeal once packaged. Keep dish components simple and easy to handle. The result? Happy diners who come back for more.
Wonderful food is only half the battle—your customers need to know you’ll be open on Boxing Day and offering Click & Collect. Start promoting early. Use your restaurant’s website, email campaigns, and social media channels to build excitement. Let them know that it’s not just about leftover turkey sandwiches at home; they can order something far more special from you without the hassle of dining in.
Consider these strategies:
Shout about your new or improved Click & Collect service, emphasising convenience and guaranteed availability of favourite dishes. In a season when shoppers are on the go, the promise of skipping restaurant queues can be hugely compelling.
One challenge with the holiday rush is balancing the needs of dine-in customers with takeaways. Boxing Day can indeed be hectic. To keep up with the orders coming in through your Click & Collect channel, you need a clear structure. Here are a few pointers:
Additionally, transparent scheduling builds team morale—something that can be in short supply during hectic holiday trading. A well-rested, motivated team is more likely to deliver an efficient, friendly Click & Collect experience.
When you’re anticipating a busy day like Boxing Day, the last thing you want is a queue of customers waiting to pay. This is where modern payment solutions become critical. Online ordering integrated with an easy payment system removes much of the friction from the dining experience. Payment solutions like sunday, which allow customers to scan a QR code, pay, leave a tip, and even post a Google review, can act as a real game-changer.
By giving your guests the power to pay on their phones, you let them breeze in, collect their food, and head off as soon as possible. Meanwhile, your staff can focus on what they do best: creating delicious meals. No more fumbling with card readers or risking incorrect orders. It’s about delivering convenience and making the process as seamless as possible.
Additionally, offering digital payment solutions fosters trust. In a fast-paced Boxing Day scenario, customers will appreciate that you’re serious about efficiency and ease.
| Step | Customer Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Select items and add to basket on your website or app | Full menu visibility, easy customisation |
| 2 | Proceed to checkout and pay via a secure platform like sunday | Quick, contactless payment |
| 3 | Receive a pickup estimation | Reduced waiting time upon arrival |
| 4 | Collect the order at the dedicated pickup area | Seamless transition from purchase to pickup |
By reducing unnecessary friction, you can cater to many more customers on a day where travellers, shoppers, and families are all on the move.
Let’s be honest, many people on Boxing Day are still feeling the indulgence from Christmas dinner. The turkey-laden plates, mince pies, and possibly a tipple or two from the previous evening can leave diners craving a simpler alternative. That’s precisely why a Click & Collect solution can be so attractive: it satisfies cravings without forcing them to get dolled up for a night out.
In fact, some customers will relish not having to cook another big meal full of leftover ingredients. Others might pop out because they have family in town and want to treat them to local cuisine but don’t want the fuss of booking a table. When you position your restaurant as the place that “makes Boxing Day easy,” you stand out in a big way.
Keep in mind, too, that Boxing Day signals the official start of the post-Christmas lull for some. The excitement of Christmas might be winding down, so any restaurant that injects a sense of fun or novelty—like launching a brand-new seasonal dessert or offering a “Boxing Day brunch kit”—can awaken diners from that holiday snooze.
During the festive season, generosity is often on the rise. Don’t be shy about making it easy for customers to leave a tip, and consider politely prompting them to share their experiences online. A strong presence on Google reviews or social media channels reinforces your restaurant’s reputation, attracting fresh customers who see glowing testimonials.
With solutions such as sunday, once your guests complete a transaction via QR code, you can automatically prompt them to leave a tip and post feedback. A short statement like “Loved your Boxing Day menu? Let us know!” can be enough to encourage that extra star or glowing comment.
Remember: Authentic reviews can massively impact where you appear in online searches. If someone is on the hunt for “Boxing Day takeaway near me,” every positive rating and testimonial bolsters your chance of showing up at the top.
Now that we’ve explored the benefits and processes, let’s nail down a few practical tips that can help you prepare:
In addition, consider contingency plans: inclement weather, for instance, might deter some from leaving home, but prompt others to prefer takeaway over venturing out for a sit-down meal. Stay flexible to adapt to changing circumstances.
Absolutely. Smaller restaurants or cafés sometimes dismiss ideas like Click & Collect, assuming they’re only for big chains with big budgets. That’s no longer the case. Affordable technology and streamlined online ordering platforms can level the playing field for independent operators.
If you’re worried about the initial setup cost or staff training, it might be simpler than you think. Even a minimal, user-friendly website with an embedded ordering page—linked to a secure payment processor—can be enough. In many cases, your front-of-house staff can learn to manage orders with just a few pointers. And if you already have a bit of a social media following, you can leverage it to inform customers that you’ll be open for collection on Boxing Day.
The key to success? Transparency and planning. Make sure your takeaway menu is visible and up-to-date. Provide contact details for anyone who has questions. Respond quickly to inquiries. And remember to keep a personal, friendly tone when interacting with customers online. Regardless of size, authenticity can work wonders.
Technology has woven itself into every aspect of the hospitality industry, from reservations to digital marketing. On Boxing Day, deploying that technology can transform casual interest into a long-term relationship. When a customer realises how easy it is to order from your venue, pay via a QR code, and dash home with a restaurant-quality meal, they’ll be more likely to use your service again, even beyond the holidays.
Moreover, collecting customer data (while respecting privacy regulations) can help you refine future promotions. Imagine identifying which foods sold out first and who your repeat customers are. That information can guide your next marketing push. For instance, if you notice that your “Boxing Day Buffalo Wings” sold out in hours, it might be worth repeating them for New Year’s Eve or the next bank holiday. Customer preferences are your best marketing resource when analysed responsibly.
Finally, it pays to be flexible in how you approach technology. If your customers prefer ordering through WhatsApp or an integrated ordering system on your website, adapt accordingly. By meeting them where they already spend time online, you’ll see a higher conversion rate.
As a restaurant owner, you may be juggling countless priorities during the festive season: from staff availability to supply chain uncertainties. However, Boxing Day provides a prime moment to accelerate your business. With the right Click & Collect offering, you can maximise your sales potential on a day that’s often overshadowed by massive retail events.
Beyond increased revenue, you’ll also have the chance to reach new audiences. Some families gather from different parts of the country to celebrate and might only discover your business because you’re open and visible on Boxing Day. If they enjoy the experience, they’ll recommend you to others or return themselves, generating loyal customers for the future.
Ultimately, the power to seize the opportunity lies in thoughtful planning, robust digital tools, and a willingness to adapt your usual routine.
How far in advance should I promote my Boxing Day Click & Collect?
Aim to start a light promotional campaign around the beginning of December. Mention it in your e-newsletters, social media posts, and in-venue signage. Step up the messaging a few days before Christmas when interest peaks and people finalise their holiday plans.
Is it worth offering a reduced menu for Click & Collect?
Yes. A smaller, focused menu can ease kitchen pressure and ensure dishes remain top quality. Choose items that travel well and consider adding a couple of exclusive Boxing Day specials to drum up excitement.
Can I handle both dine-in and Click & Collect on Boxing Day without chaos?
Absolutely, as long as you structure it carefully. Allocate staff to each service type and introduce a clear pickup procedure—maybe even a separate counter or table. Communicate timing and expectations with your team to prevent any overlap or confusion.
What if I can’t invest in a full online ordering system by Boxing Day?
Don’t panic. You could run a simplified Click & Collect service by taking orders via phone or direct messages on social media. Then, allow customers to pay contactlessly using a secure stand-alone payment terminal or a mobile payment link. The key is consistent, clear communication.
Should I still encourage tips for takeaway orders?
Yes. If your customers feel they’ve received exceptional service or delicious food, they’ll often be happy to leave a tip. Just make sure tipping is straightforward—such as an added prompt on your digital payment page.
Is it inappropriate to serve Christmas-themed dishes on Boxing Day?
Not at all. Many guests enjoy seasonal flavours throughout the festive period. Just ensure you also provide lighter alternatives for diners wanting a break from Christmas feasting.
How can I make my Click & Collect stand out from bigger competitors?
Focus on your unique selling points. Do you source local ingredients? Showcase that. Do you have a signature dish? Make it the star. Engage personally with your audience through social media, and keep every interaction friendly and knowledgeable. Your passion and authenticity shine brightest when you focus on what makes your eatery special.
