The holidays this year could look quite different for many families. With a reduction in travel and family gatherings, there may be a sense of loss—of socializing, of tradition.
One of the most meaningful components of the restaurant and hospitality industry is to become a conduit for guests to create these important sentiments. While there may not be large family dinners at grandma’s house or fancy holiday parties to attend, our restaurant spaces can offer the means of these feelings to our guests—even our takeaway guests.
Hopefully you have created a special holiday menu at this juncture, but here are some additional ideas. Include the key flavors of the season and offer it in varying portion sizes so that, whatever the event, however many guests there might be, your friends and customers can have a taste of home that means more to them than just a meal.
National Restaurant Consultants CEO Richard Weil explains why fixed meals for takeaway are a great alternative for restaurants at the holiday season, especially with continued restrictions in place.
“No matter your concept or menu, put together a complete meal package that can be promoted as a family meal for two or more persons, priced accordingly. Our consultants do suggest four persons as a base line starting package,” says Weil. “The meal package should include three courses with a salad and/ or appetizer, main dish with two side options, and dessert!”
Weil also reminds us that it’s important to give consideration wherever possible. “Even though the business of the holidays is different this year, the stress levels for many are really elevated. Presenting different price points and levels of bundles can be helpful and lead with your most profitable offerings always.”
Consider promoting traditional favorites like a glazed ham or a roast chicken. Include colorful sides to brighten a table, like squash with a cider vinaigrette or a green salad with the perfect pop of red. And nothing is more important to a holiday meal than the dessert! Here are more than 40 holiday-inspired pies to choose from!
Our restaurant consultants are experts in menu development and always keep up with national restrictions to ensure our clients remain compliant. If you need assistance with your holiday menu, creating a takeaway plan, or preparing for the coming new year, reach out today to speak with a consultant.
