Christmas and the festive season is an incredibly busy and important time in the hospitality industry. Not only is it the period of which restaurants, hotels, and bars make some of their biggest profits, it sees a higher demand for quality products and meals from customers, Since everyone wants to relax and enjoy their festive break, the hospitality industry can certainly be put under some strain when it comes to dealing with an increase in customers and a greater demand. With these tips for the hospitality industry, your business won’t have to suffer the stress of the festive season.
Creating a Christmas menu
If you run a restaurant or bar one of the first things you will want to consider doing is offering a Christmas or festive menu. For the guests who demand something extra special during this season, a Christmas menu is a brilliant way to trial new dishes and incorporate seasonal produce into your service offering.
Festive menus could include some cult classics such as a British roast dinner with all the trimmings, or an international variation on festive foods from around the world. Depending on your typical clientele, this menu can be incredibly versatile. It’s a fun and tasty way to offer guests something special during this season, and provides an enjoyable experience for all who opt to order from the limited edition menu. And, since it is limited edition, it will draw in the crowds too!
Ordering from wholesalers ahead of time
While you may enjoy putting together new dishes and menus in time for the big day, getting your order in with your wholesale food supplier ahead of time is definitely an essential step.
Wholesalers will be extra busy in the lead up to Christmas as demand for high quality produce and food products grows. Having placed your orders for products like dairy, vegetables, fruits, dry goods and more with plenty of time to spare, you won’t have to worry about falling behind during some of your busiest trading weeks.
Be sure to place an order that will cover the increased demand for your dishes and plates from your menus. If you are expecting an influx of guests during this time of year, it is better to be well prepared than lacking in the supplies you require.
Meeting customer expectation at Christmas
When it comes to meeting your customer’s expectations and also exceeding them, the basics of your festive dishes are important. Ensuring your ingredients are fresh and of a high quality will make such a big difference to the taste.
Working with a wholesale supplier who sources their produce from rusted growers and farmers that are local to you, or who can supply quality international ingredients is the best way to ensure that your festive dishes are of the best quality for your customers and guests.
Additional tips for Christmas Preparations
Hire extra staff – The Christmas period is typically very busy for hospitality businesses, so it is important to have enough staff on hand to meet the increased demand. This may mean hiring temporary staff or offering overtime to existing staff.
Promote your Christmas offerings – Let your customers know about your special Christmas menu, events, and promotions. You can do this through your website, social media, and email marketing.
Be prepared for the unexpected – Things can go wrong during the busy Christmas period, so it is important to be prepared
