The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Sales during the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and for restaurants, it’s a golden opportunity to offer not only traditional gift cards but also a wide range of promotional offers. In this guide, we’ll explore how brands can create a holistic holiday program that not only boosts revenue, but also enhances a restaurant’s brand and customer loyalty.

The holiday season is upon us, and for restaurants, it’s a golden opportunity to offer not only traditional gift cards but also a wide range of promotional offers. In this guide, we’ll explore how brands can create a holistic holiday program that not only boosts revenue, but also enhances a restaurant’s brand and customer loyalty.

Gift Cards

Gift card promotions offer immediate cash flow, draw in new patrons, boost average check sizes, and ultimately drive seasonal revenue. During the holiday season, the two gift card promotions we most frequently see are “Buy X, Get X Bonus Gift Card” and “Buy X, Get Y Gift for you upon purchase”. Depending on the type of restaurant establishment, demographics & menu offerings, getting a $25 bonus with a $100 gift card purchase may be more lucrative then getting a free Burrito with a purchase of a $50 gift card. In addition, brands can choose to allow customers to redeem the bonus immediately, or, in the new year to drive sales during slower months.

Chef’s Creations

For restaurants considering ways to extend their culinary influence beyond their dining establishments, there are several enticing options to explore. Offering signed cookbooks that unveil the secrets behind your renowned chef’s signature dishes can provide a valuable connection to your culinary brand. Specialized cocktail kits not only make for memorable gifts, but also provide extended brand exposure as customers recreate your unique libations at home. Bottled sauces, showcasing the distinctive flavors of your cuisine, allow guests a taste of your restaurant experience at home. Lastly, individually packaged desserts enable your customers to enjoy a piece of your culinary magic wherever they choose.

Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook

Chipotle Merchandise

Merchandise Sales

Is your restaurant’s brand truly iconic? If so, there’s a good chance that there’s a dedicated audience eager to wear your logo and branding proudly. While traditional merchandise like hats and shirts remain popular, the possibilities for innovative restaurant merchandising are vast. Imagine your restaurant’s name on everything from tote bags, pool toys to stylish dog collars, all offering your patrons a unique way to showcase their loyalty to your establishment. By diversifying your merchandise offerings, you can cater to a broader range of customer interests and create a more comprehensive brand experience that extends beyond your restaurant’s walls.

Catering Sales

The holiday season is the perfect time large celebratory gatherings, whether personal or professional, which means your catering business is of upmost importance. For full-service restaurants, the focus can be on creating memorable in-person dining events, such as hosting private parties, specialty prix fixe menus or themed dinners. On the other hand, fast-casual and quick-service restaurants can leverage their services to cater to business holiday parties and corporate events. By offering convenient, high-quality catering options, these restaurants can tap into a lucrative market, meeting the demands of companies seeking to celebrate in the office.

Incentivizing Promotions

Offers such free delivery, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals and other discounts can be a strategic move for restaurants during a traditionally slow sales season. Free delivery, in particular, appeals to those seeking convenience, while BOGO and discount promotions create a sense of value, encouraging customers to dine out or order more during the busy season. By implementing these incentives, restaurants can effectively boost sales and create a win-win situation by delivering savings to customers while increasing their own revenue during traditionally sluggish periods.

As the holiday season approaches, innovative restaurants can embrace these strategies to not only boost their bottom line but also create a memorable and enjoyable experience for their customers. By thinking beyond the traditional dine-in model, restaurants can find new ways to thrive during the festive season and beyond, ultimately redefining how the holidays are celebrated and experienced.