{"id":15211,"date":"2025-11-13T16:14:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T14:14:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/?p=15211"},"modified":"2025-11-26T08:57:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T06:57:32","slug":"ace-your-festive-restaurant-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/ace-your-festive-restaurant-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Dineplan festive restaurant checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Blog Post Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Intro + Post Nav&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||30px||false|false&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Post Nav&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; link_font=&#8221;||||on|||RGBA(33,41,69,0.2)|&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#212945&#8243; background_color=&#8221;#F4F4F6&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>In This Article:<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#back\">Looking back<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#payments\">Reservations and payments<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#marketing\">Marketing and visibility<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#momentum\">Keep the momentum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>The festive season is around the corner \u2013 and for restaurants across South Africa, it\u2019s go time! December brings an influx of guests, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/year-end-venues\/?utm_source=Dineplan_Blog&#038;utm_medium=Post&#038;utm_campaign=FestiveChecklist target=\"_blank\">year-end functions<\/a>, and celebratory dinners, but it can also bring chaos if you\u2019re not prepared.<\/p>\n<p>But there\u2019s no need to worry, as we\u2019ve put together a simple how-to to help you tackle the festive rush using Dineplan with ease. Think of it as your festive checklist \u2013 covering reporting, reservations, marketing, and beyond \u2013 so you can keep things running smoothly all season long.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Looking back&#8221; module_id=&#8221;back&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Looking back<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Before the bookings pour in, it\u2019s worth taking a moment to look at what happened last year. This way you can maximise on what worked, avoid what didn\u2019t and improve on new ideas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Review last year\u2019s reservations:<\/strong> Take a look at which days filled fastest, which channels converted best, and where no-shows spiked.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Scan your reviews:<\/strong> See what guests enjoyed and where there is room for improvement on food, service, and ambiance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check last year\u2019s social media:<\/strong> Run an audit on your different platforms to see which content performed best, what got the best engagement and what helped drive bookings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Reservations and payments&#8221; module_id=&#8221;trends-gildas&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.0&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Content&#8221; module_id=&#8221;payments&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Reservations and payments<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Your booking setup is key to a smoother busy season.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Update your Dineplan listing<\/strong> with new photos, updated menus, festive offers and any change to operating hours so that guests know what to expect before arriving.<\/li>\n<li>For special events or fixed menus, consider prepayments to help reduce no-shows, and give you a better understanding of guest commitments. Pre-payments can be easily integrated into your Dineplan booking process \u2013 <a href=\"mailto:support@dineplan.com?subject=Get%20started%20with%20pre-payments%20\">contact us<\/a> for more information.<\/li>\n<li>Review your calendar regularly for any changes, and <strong>add exceptions<\/strong> on days that are different to your regular operating hours.<\/li>\n<li>Set-up a waiting list for days that are booked out so you&#8217;re quickly able to re-book any tables that open up last minute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Marketing and visibility&#8221; module_id=&#8221;marketing&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Marketing.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Newsletter and SMS campaigns can help boost your restaurants visibility. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;Ace your festive checklist with email marketing&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; enable_caption_text=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Marketing and visibility<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Now that the prep\u2019s done, it\u2019s time to make sure diners know about what\u2019s going on. <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Share your festive menus<\/strong>, opening hours, and booking links on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/social-media-marketing-for-restaurants\/?utm_source=Dineplan_Blog&#038;utm_medium=Post&#038;utm_campaign=FestiveChecklist target=\"_blank\">social media<\/a> to let users know about your offerings, and make it easy for them to book quickly, whenever and wherever they are.<\/li>\n<li>Add your <a href=\"https:\/\/get.dineplan.com\/add-a-special?utm_source=Dineplan_Blog&#038;utm_medium=Post&#038;utm_campaign=FestiveChecklist target=\"_blank\">specials and events<\/a> to your Dineplan listing to <strong>boost visibility. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to <strong>tag your location<\/strong> on posts \u2013 it helps local diners, and tourists that are in the area find you online! <\/li>\n<li>Consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dineplan.com\/blog\/paid-media-101-how-restaurants-can-maximise-ads-that-work\/?utm_source=Dineplan_Blog&#038;utm_medium=Post&#038;utm_campaign=FestiveChecklist target=\"_blank\">running ads<\/a> on social media during peak weeks to reach more potential guests and fill up any last-minute empty seats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Keep the momentum going&#8221; module_id=&#8221;momentum&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Keep the momentum going<\/h3>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Once the rush settles, it\u2019s time to keep the momentum going.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Review your December performance<\/strong> early in January \u2013 what worked, what didn\u2019t, and what you can repeat or improve on next year.<\/li>\n<li>Get ahead and start planning January and February specials or lighter menus to attract diners post-holidays, and keep seats filled.<\/li>\n<li>Debrief with your team while everything is still fresh and front of mind \u2013 <strong>gather insights<\/strong> on service flow, seating, timing, and any operational tweaks that can be used for next season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With a bit of planning, the festive season doesn\u2019t have to feel frantic. A solid checklist can help you stay organised, create a smoother festive period for your team, and a memorable one for your guests \u2013 so you can step into the new year ready for whatever comes next.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta button_url=&#8221;mailto:support@dineplan.com%20&#8243; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Get In Touch&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;CTA\/call-out block &#8211; Grey with blue button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F4F4F6&#8243; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#212945&#8243; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#212945&#8243; button_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; button_use_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; button_custom_padding=&#8221;10px|25px|10px|25px|true|true&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; link_option_url=&#8221;mailto:support@dineplan.com&#8221; link_option_url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Need help? Our support team is available to lend a hand with your account whenever you need assistance.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stay organised this festive season with our checklist, covering bookings, marketing, reviews, and planning \u2013 helping you handle the busy restaurant season with ease. 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