Where to start: Analyse past Christmas sales
If you have sales data from previous festive seasons, it’s a great place to begin. While the world has changed over that time, customer preferences for classic holiday dishes have likely remained consistent. Analyse your sales data using our handy menu engineering matrix, categorising dishes into ‘Stars’ (high popularity and profitability) and ‘Dogs’ (lower performance). This will give you a clear view of which dishes to keep, modify, or remove. This simple exercise is key to restaurant menu engineering and will help improve your menu for the festive season.
Add fresh options for the festive season
Your Christmas menu is the perfect opportunity to try new twists on existing classics.
Consider introducing this Carrot, Chickpea, and Red Pepper Wellington for vegetarians, or even something totally different, like this meat-free Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.
For dessert, a Chocolate Crème Brûlée Brownie could offer a rich, indulgent treat with a twist.
Including new dishes that complement your existing menu means you’ll satisfy both customers looking for festive favourites while still appealing to customers who want to explore more diverse options.
Make your life in the kitchen a little bit easier
Another important aspect of menu engineering is dish complexity. More complex dishes require more prep time, kitchen staff, and can lead to errors. Using our menu engineering matrix to assess dish complexity will help you streamline kitchen operations, improve consistency, and potentially reduce food costs.
Reducing complexity also ensures a smoother service during busy Christmas periods, benefiting both your team and customers.
Price for profitability
Setting the right price is crucial. While customers may spend more during the festive season, they still expect value. Consider offering set menus, which provide better perceived value, especially for group dining at Christmas. These menus are easier to prepare and manage in the kitchen, and so they can help maximise menu profitability. You can also increase margins by offering add-ons, upgrades, or drink pairings that enhance the dining experience.
Give it a go!
By applying these menu engineering techniques, you can improve your menu while and enhancing your menu profitability at Christmas. Review past sales data, use our handy menu engineering matrix to optimise dishes, simplify operations, and price strategically.
With these steps, you’ll create a profitable and successful Christmas menu that delights your customers and boosts your business.
