Running a restaurant like a well oiled machine during special events and holidays requires a lot of preparation. We know how important it is to make sure your front of house is just as organised as the kitchen so you can run a smooth shift, fill seats and maximise revenue – all while delivering unparalleled hospitality guests come back for. With that in mind, we’ve put together these top tips so you can make every moment count.
1. Be seen where it matters
Update your restaurant profile using Restaurant Profile in GuestCenter. Stand out by telling diners about your operating hours, deals coming up during the special days, and promotions.
Pro tip: Encourage diners to book via your restaurant instagram page by easily adding a call-to-action button to your profile.
Got Bookable offers? GuestCenter gives you the option to add in special offers. Get in touch with your account manager to find out more.
2. Open up availability and drive more bums on seats
Use GuestCenter’s Availability Planning tool to change party sizes, adjust your floor plan to suit the upcoming busy period and define pacing limits, so you can delight more guests.
Pro tip: Why not provide offers for the entire week before holidays and special occasions so you can fill seats mid week.
3. Keep up with demand
Determine how full your restaurant is during specific periods using the Shift Occupancy Report in GuestCenter. This powerful report also helps you identify and compare trends in covers so you can decide if you need to run additional marketing or promotions or adjust availability to accommodate all bookings coming through.
4. Compare trends for a smooth shift
Use the powerful Cover Trends report to compare how your restaurant has performed during holiday periods over time. See where your covers are coming from, what time they are coming in and the number of reservations that come from top party sizes. This will help you determine restaurant inventory and make adjustments to staff schedules so you can run a smooth shift.
5. Delight your diners
With the confirmation email template in GuestCenter, you can now create and customise different booking policies for in-house reservations during special events. Customizable Guest Communications enable you to send the right message at the right time to ensure your diners are well informed before they walk in the door. Make note of any special offers, dress codes or turn times so your guests aren’t left with any last minute surprises on the day.
Pro tip: Get the GuestCenter Owner app for iphone or Android, so you can stay up-to-date with restaurant performance, act on critical insights, and communicate directly with staff on-site.
