The Definitive Holiday Prep Checklist
It’s November again, so that can only mean one thing. The year is winding down & the holiday season is upon us. With that said, eateries around the globe must prepare for the busiest time of the year. However, preparing for the holiday season is simply not an overnight affair. Certain procedures should be followed. What are the most important items to keep in mind?
In this article, we will go over 4 important tips to keep your establishment well-prepared for the incoming holiday traffic. These are general tips that any restaurant can abide by, but if you need stainless steel specific advice, we’ve got you covered here. Let’s begin with tip #1.
1. Maintenance Time!
Yes, let’s talk about the equipment first. Every piece you have in your lineup should be inspected for any problems before the rush hits. Once equipment is inspected, addressing the issues in advance can save you headaches down the road. If possible, have a supply of replacement parts in case things go haywire.
Apart from servicing, maintenance also means regular cleaning! Try to keep a strict cleaning schedule for your employees to follow. Having a clean environment gives a better impression of your business & stops the spread of illness.
2. Re-stock Supplies
The holiday season means more visitors – so you’ll need more supplies to keep up with the anticipated demand. This includes extra glassware, cookware, utensils & so on.
Maintaining a constant flow during service hours is the key so having ample supplies on hand will only go a long way.
3. Training, Training, Training
Your staff are the soul of your operation so they should be well-versed in the latest techniques & procedures. This includes equipment, safety & etiquette training. All members of the team should always be on the same page. There is nothing worse than being off sync with each other then the service falls apart during a critical hour.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Contingencies happen so it’s best to prepare for them, so nothing comes as a surprise. Even if all goes according to plan, there will be instances where a backup plan must be utilized. Some catastrophic events include sudden equipment failure or shortage of staff. Having an action plan in place should be a priority in these cases.
The above are just some helpful tips to keep your business operating smoothly during the busy holiday season. We wish you a successful end of the year & always keep looking ahead. For other helpful tips in the foodservice world, check out IMC’s other blog articles here.
