The holiday season is one of the busiest times for restaurants, and it’s no secret that it can get a little overwhelming. Between the never-ending orders and keeping customers happy, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. But what if you could turn the chaos into a smooth, well-organised operation?
Pre-orders might just be the answer. By letting your customers book their meals ahead of time, you can plan better, reduce stress for your team, and even boost sales. With a reliable online food ordering system or restaurant ordering system, you can make the holiday rush work in your favour. Whether you’re aiming for a Restaurant award or just want to keep things running smoothly, pre-orders are a must-try strategy this season.
Why Pre-Orders Are a Game-Changer
We’ve all seen how quickly things can get messy during the holidays—long queues, late deliveries, and stressed-out staff. Pre-orders let you dodge these issues by:
- Keeping your kitchen organised: You know what’s coming and can prep in advance.
- Avoiding last-minute stress: Your team won’t feel like they’re firefighting every order.
- Increasing sales: Customers commit early, and you get guaranteed revenue.
- Making your customers happy: Deliver on time and get orders right the first time.
1. Use Your Online Food Ordering System
Your online food ordering system is the backbone of any successful pre-order setup. It makes the process easy for your customers and helps you manage orders without breaking a sweat.
What Features Should It Have?
- Pre-Order Scheduling: Customers can pick a date and time for their order.
- Payment Options: Let them pay upfront, partially, or on delivery.
- Automated Notifications: Remind customers of their orders, so no one forgets.
Keep It Simple
No one wants to deal with a complicated ordering process. Make sure your system works smoothly on phones, tablets, and desktops, so customers can place their pre-orders wherever they are.
2. Get the Word Out About Pre-Orders
If you’re offering pre-orders, you’ve got to let your customers know—and not just once. Keep reminding them so it sticks.
How to Spread the Word
- Send out emails to your regulars.
- Add a banner to your website announcing pre-orders.
- Post on social media with mouth-watering pictures of your holiday specials.
Sweeten the Deal
Want to encourage early bookings? Offer incentives like:
- Discounts for orders placed by a certain date.
- Free delivery for pre-orders over a certain amount.
- Complimentary extras like festive desserts or drinks.
3. Manage the Chaos with a Restaurant Ordering System
Pre-orders can get tricky if you don’t have a system to handle them. That’s where a good restaurant ordering system comes in. It keeps everything organised in one place, from regular orders to pre-orders.
Why It’s a Lifesaver
- Track Orders in Real-Time: Know exactly where each order stands.
- Monitor Stock Levels: Avoid running out of popular dishes.
- Coordinate Staff: Assign tasks without the usual back-and-forth.
A good system makes it easier to handle both your pre-orders and the walk-ins that keep coming through the door.
4. Create a Festive, Manageable Menu
The holidays are all about indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you need an overly complicated menu. A little planning can go a long way in making pre-orders easier for you and your team.
Keep It Simple
Offer set menus or festive meal packages. For example, a Christmas curry bundle with mains, sides, and a dessert.
Highlight Seasonal Specials
People love limited-time treats. Add a few festive dishes to your menu—think spiced lamb curry or saffron-infused biryani—and promote them as pre-order exclusives.
Plan for Scale
Stick to dishes that can be prepped in batches without compromising quality. This way, you’ll keep your kitchen running smoothly even during peak times.
5. Make It Personal
Adding a personal touch can make your pre-order experience stand out. It’s the little things that leave a big impression.
Customise Orders
Let customers leave notes about dietary preferences or special requests. Simple things like “extra gravy” or “no onions” can go a long way in showing you care.
Add Festive Extras
Slip in a handwritten thank-you note or a small holiday treat like mince pies or chocolates. These small gestures can turn a one-time customer into a loyal regular.
6. Shout About Your Restaurant Awards
If your restaurant has bagged a Restaurant award, this is the perfect time to show it off. Awards tell your customers that they’re ordering from a top-notch place.
Use It to Build Trust
- Add your award logos to your website and ordering platform.
- Mention them in social media posts and email campaigns.
- Use phrases like “Award-Winning Restaurant” in your promotions.
This builds credibility and makes your restaurant more appealing during the competitive holiday season.
7. Be Ready for Big Group Orders
The holidays often mean larger orders for family dinners or office parties. These can be a goldmine if you’re prepared to handle them.
Create Group Packages
Offer meal deals designed for bigger gatherings, like “Festive Feast for 10.” Include a mix of crowd-pleasers that are easy to share.
Set Limits
To avoid overwhelming your kitchen, cap the number of large orders you accept each day. Make this clear to your customers upfront to manage expectations.
8. Learn and Improve
Once the holiday madness is over, it’s time to review what worked and what didn’t.
Ask for Feedback
Send quick surveys to your customers asking how their pre-order experience was. Questions could include:
- Was the ordering process simple?
- Did the food meet your expectations?
- Any suggestions for improvement?
Analyse the Data
Look at your reports from the online food ordering system and restaurant ordering system to spot trends. Which dishes were most popular? When were peak ordering times? Use this info to make next year even better.
Smooth Sailing This Holiday Season
Handling the holiday rush doesn’t have to be stressful. Pre-orders give you the tools to plan ahead, keep things under control, and delight your customers. By using an efficient online food ordering system, promoting early, and offering festive extras, you can turn the busiest time of the year into your most successful.
So, prepare your menu, spread the word, and let pre-orders take the pressure off your team. This could be the season where your restaurant not only survives the rush but thrives in it!
