Preparing Your Venue for the Holiday Season—Busy or Quiet, Make It Count

The holiday season presents different challenges and opportunities depending on your venue’s location. For some, being in a destination hotspot means non-stop activity and packed bookings. For others, a quieter period allows for reflection, updates, and catching up on essential tasks.

Whether your venue is bustling or quieter this season, the key to success lies in planning effectively and making the most of the situation. Let’s explore how to thrive during both busy and quiet times.

For Busy Venues: Staying Focused Amid the Rush

If your venue is in a prime location with a flood of guests coming through the doors, here’s how to manage the busyness while maintaining exceptional standards:

1️. Roster Effectively
Make sure your rostering is designed to get the most out of your team. Schedule experienced team members during peak times and balance shifts to ensure everyone stays energised. Avoid overloading your team, as burnout can quickly affect service quality.

2️. Simplify the Menu
During high-demand periods, a smaller, focused menu can help your kitchen team maintain speed and consistency. Aim to deliver each dish exceptionally well rather than over-complicating the offerings and risking delays or errors.

3️. Boost Morale
Busy periods can take a toll on your team. Keep morale high with simple gestures like shout-outs for exceptional effort, small rewards like a team coffee run, or even a quick team meeting to share wins and thank everyone for their hard work.

4️. Plan for the Unexpected
High volume means increased chances of challenges like equipment breakdowns or last-minute booking changes. Have a contingency plan in place to handle surprises without throwing your team off track.

For Quieter Venues: Maximising the Opportunity

If your venue experiences a quieter period during the holiday season, now is the time to focus on improving and preparing for the year ahead.

1️. Roster Smartly
Even during slower times, effective rostering is key. Balance shifts to avoid overstaffing while ensuring there’s enough coverage for quality service. Use quieter shifts for cross-training or upskilling staff.

2️. Restock and Refresh
This is the perfect time to catch up on restocking and inventory management. Reorganise the bar, audit supplies, and ensure everything is in place for when business picks up again.

3️. Tackle Maintenance Projects
Address those maintenance tasks that may have been placed on the backburner during busier times. From repairing equipment to refreshing décor, this is your chance to get your venue looking and functioning at its best.

4️. Update Systems and Procedures
Use the downtime to review and refine your processes. Are there systems that need updating? Is everyone up to date on policies and procedures? Consider holding training sessions to keep your team’s knowledge and skills sharp.

The Common Thread: Planning and Adaptability

Whether you’re managing a busy venue or a quieter one, the key is to plan effectively and adapt to the situation. Take stock of your team’s needs, your venue’s strengths, and the opportunities the season presents.