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Every year, football season brings an electric atmosphere to cities across the United States. Stadium parking lots buzz with tailgates, and sports bars fill to the brim with anxious fans ready to cheer. But it’s not just the big arenas that stand to gain: local restaurants can tackle a share of this excitement by catering to fans before, during, and after the games. According to the National Restaurant Association, major sporting events can boost restaurant sales by up to 20% on game days. It doesn’t matter if you serve wings, gourmet burgers, or vegan tacos—when you swing open your doors to hungry fans, you want them to order more and leave happier.
In the age of streaming platforms and social media, football fans aren’t limited to stadium seats or sports bars. They can watch the game at home, in the office, or at a friend’s place—and they’re hungry for meals that match the spirit of the game. That’s where “Click & Collect” becomes a strategic must-have. By seamlessly integrating online ordering with smooth on-site pickup, you position your restaurant as the go-to spot for pre-game, halftime, or even post-game meals. If you get it right, you can capture a consistent wave of diners from kickoff to the final whistle, and beyond.
At its core, “Click & Collect” is a simple concept. Customers place their orders online—from your website or an app—then pick them up in person. For restaurants, this method bypasses the labor and costs associated with traditional table service or delivery, while giving customers the speed and convenience they crave. Instead of waiting for a server to take their order, fans select their meals ahead of time. And rather than waiting in a long line at your counter, they show up with a quick confirmation and head home (or to the tailgate) in record time.
Right now, online ordering systems are making it easier for restaurant owners to offer Click & Collect. Customers can find your menu, customize items, pay securely with a simple card reader or mobile payment, and schedule their pickup—sometimes within minutes. It’s a game-changer for busy fans unwilling to miss a single highlight.
Football season is a prime revenue driver. From the NFL in the fall to college matchups on Saturdays, there’s no shortage of fan gatherings. The more frictionless your ordering process, the more likely fans are to stock up on your menu items—be it wings, pizza, or upscale entrées for those fancier watch parties. Sound too good to be true? Let’s break down the benefits you’ll see by implementing Click & Collect during football season:
Let’s imagine a small but ambitious eatery—Mike’s Grill. Situated near a college stadium, Mike’s Grill noticed a drop-off in table capacity on game days as fans chose to watch the sport at home or from their tailgates. Realizing the potential revenue slipping through his fingers, Mike launched a Click & Collect service just before football season. He got the word out via social media ads targeted at local fans.
On game day, orders streamed in, and staff easily prepped them thanks to a well-organized queue. Customers arrived at Mike’s Grill, promptly picked up their to-go boxes, and were back on the road in minutes. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, citing the newfound convenience and variety in ordering options. In a single season, Mike’s Grill increased its to-go sales by 35%, with a notable uptick in repeat customers. All it took was analyzing football fans’ behavior and offering a quick, user-friendly pickup solution.
You wouldn’t put untrained players on the field. The same idea applies to your new Click & Collect system. Before you go live, make sure every staff member—from the host to the sous chef—understands their role in handling orders. Envision the entire customer journey, from the moment a fan visits your online menu to when they drive away with a sealed bag of mouthwatering food. Consider these key elements:
If you already have a modern point-of-sale platform, you’ll want to integrate Click & Collect seamlessly. No one enjoys transferring orders manually or toggling between multiple screens. Talk to your POS provider or use an online ordering system that syncs instantly with your reports, payment processing, and inventory. Tools like google reviews functionality can also integrate, making it easy for fans to share positive feedback after picking up their orders.
Football fans can be on tight schedules. If your pickup area isn’t clear, you risk forming a line of confused people who just want to grab their orders and leave. Set up a designated pickup station near the entrance or a side door labeled with eye-catching signage. A quick pro tip: add a sign that says “No Wait—Pre-Order Online” to spark interest in your service and lower face-to-face wait times.
No restaurant owner wants to deal with outdated payment terminals or complicated card readers—especially on hectic game days. The easier you make it, the better. Some solutions, like sunday, integrate direct mobile payment that allows customers to scan a QR code, tip generously, and even leave a google review right after paying. This frictionless experience keeps fans happy and staff focused on other tasks.
Football season comes and goes, but loyal fans return for the playoffs and next year’s kickoffs. By collecting essential data—like email addresses or phone numbers—during the online or mobile ordering process, you can send out timely notifications about new menu items, special deals, or game-day combos. Always handle this data responsibly, and ensure you comply with privacy regulations to maintain trust.
Even the best system won’t score if no one knows about it. You need a marketing kickoff that resonates with football enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Here are a few forward passes you can make right from the start:
No matter how efficient your timetable, your menu should be designed for quick turnaround and easy transport—especially when fans are grabbing food in between quarters or before heading to watch the game elsewhere. Before the season starts, refine and simplify your offerings. For instance, focus on dishes that can be prepared swiftly or held at safe, ideal temperatures until pickup.
Also consider bundling popular items. Football watchers love variety. Craft combos that fit party sizes, from a two-person sampler box to trays that feed a small army of fans. Present these bundles under catchy names like “The Touchdown Pack” or “Red Zone Feast.” The simpler—and more fun—these categories are, the more likely your customers will convert on them.
Ramping up to tackle a busy football season also means preparing your staffing. Whether you’re a small family-run restaurant or a larger establishment, having enough well-trained employees on game days is crucial. Staff shortages can bottleneck order preparation, leading to longer wait times and potential negative reviews.
Schedule strategically. Big games often start at midday on Saturday for college football, and Sunday afternoon or evening for professional leagues. Identify these time slots and ensure you have enough hands in the kitchen, at the pickup counter, and near the dispatch area for Click & Collect. Provide cross-training so employees can switch between tasks if necessary. When everyone knows how to handle each step of the process, you’re less likely to drop the ball.
Click & Collect doesn’t end when the customer drives off. Collect feedback to improve your operation and spark loyalty. Some owners use short, friendly surveys post-pickup. Others rely on integrated solutions that prompt a google review right after the customer pays on their mobile device. Prioritizing these interactions before and after each order helps you build a loyal fan base that returns for every game.
Reward your biggest fans—especially those that order weekly during the season. Offer frequent-purchase discounts, free desserts, or early access to special menus for the playoffs. Keep the momentum going even when the season is off, so regulars don’t forget you exist. Consistent communication—via email campaigns or targeted texts—ensures you remain top of mind even after the final trophy is lifted.
Football season is a huge revenue stream. But what about the rest of the year? The beauty of having a robust Click & Collect system is that it’s easily flexible for other events. Have a local basketball team heading into playoffs? Offer “Click & Collect + Watch Party” deals. Is a popular concert series coming to town? Highlight your system to catch the attention of music fans. With minimal tweaks, the infrastructure you build for football season can yield returns for countless other occasions. It’s a long-term investment that continues to pay off.
When orders are flooding in, the last thing you want are cumbersome payment procedures. Time wasted on manual calculations or an outdated payment terminal might lead to errors and frustration for both customers and staff. That’s where a smooth checkout option can make a big difference.
Consider integrated payment tools that let your customers handle everything from their phones. Quick tip: enabling tipping at checkout can boost your staff’s morale—especially when they go above and beyond to deliver a winning experience on a busy game day. Using technology that allows for swift processing also lets you turn over each order quickly, preventing bottlenecks and confusion.
While subtlety is key, we can’t ignore the value products like sunday bring to the table. They offer a QR-based solution that can streamline not only the payment but also any tip or review a fan may want to leave. It’s a modern approach that resonates well with tech-savvy football enthusiasts looking to move fast and keep the focus on the game.
Click & Collect is more than a transactional process; it’s part of the customer experience that can endear fans to your restaurant. By providing easy pickups, well-packaged food, and flexible payment options, you transform hectic game days into effortless meal solutions. Happy customers often become the best marketing channel around. When fans rave about a five-minute pickup or how they squeezed in a last-minute order, you spark meaningful word-of-mouth.
An effective strategy: place a small thank-you note or loyalty card in every pickup bag, inviting feedback or offering a small incentive for their next order. Include a scannable QR code that might lead to your social media channels, prompting fans to share photos or stories from their tailgate or watch party featuring your food. Each share extends your reach to potential new customers looking for a proven winner.
| Factor | Action | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Online Platform | Use a system that integrates with your POS | Reduced admin & minimal errors |
| Pickup Area | Clearly signpost a separate, easy-access station | Shorter wait times & smoother traffic flow |
| Marketing | Promote via social media, email, and local influencers | Higher order volume & brand visibility |
| Staff Training | Cross-train employees & schedule for peak hours | Faster order prep & happier customers |
| Payment Experience | Adopt quick, mobile-friendly solutions | Less friction & more tipping opportunities |
Time is the real MVP on game day. Whether you’re outfitting fans with big party trays or single-serving combos, speed and consistency matter. How do you manage the ebb and flow of orders while keeping food quality high? Here are a few quick “plays” to watch:
You’ve gathered your team, tested your POS integrations, labeled your pickup area, and promoted your new service across multiple channels. Now, it’s game time. Be prepared for opening kickoff, which might bring a surge of orders. But trust in the system you’ve created. Click & Collect opens up fresh revenue streams, reduces wait times, and can even elevate your restaurant’s reputation. It’s a high-impact play that helps you stand out in a busy market—especially in the hustle and bustle of the football season.
Just remember to stay adaptable. As you gather feedback, refine your approach. Keep an eye on changing customer behavior—some fans might shift from wanting big shareable plates early in the season to craving personalized dishes closer to the playoffs. Make incremental changes, update your menu combos, and maintain open communication with both staff and customers.
Above all, celebrate your successes. When fans talk about your legendary wings or mention how your pickup saved them from missing the first quarter, that’s proof that your efforts are paying off.
To accommodate substantial quantities, offer pre-set party bundles or packages. Encourage customers to place these orders at least a day in advance so you can source ingredients and manage staff accordingly.
Some payment solutions let you prompt customers to leave a tip during online checkout or via a mobile payment app. This keeps the process simple and reduces awkward in-person transactions.
Absolutely. Click & Collect can be a growth driver even for small businesses. It reduces lines, speeds up service, and gives you valuable data for future marketing. Start small with a few core offerings, then expand based on demand.
Use targeted social media ads, community bulletin boards, and partnerships with local sports clubs or influencers. Short videos of the order process or a quick behind-the-scenes look at your kitchen can also capture attention.
Click & Collect doesn’t have to replace dine-in service—it simply complements it. Make both options visible and let your customers choose. Over time, you might find certain segments prefer one approach, helping you tailor your staff schedules more effectively.
