Feast Mode: A holiday dining playbook
It’s September, which means that the countdown to the holidays has started. If this wasn’t on your radar until you read this, don’t panic. We’ve rounded up a few ideas from across the industry to inspire you as you plan your merry menus and festive feasting.
Sleighing Customer Satisfaction This Season: Creating special, holiday-themed dining experiences can create buzz for your dining program and memorable customer experiences. Take inspiration from other campus and corporate dining programs, where festive events are already a hit. Think Halloween with the University of Massachusetts’ “All Treats, No Tricks”—complete with costume contests, pumpkin painting, and caramel apples.(1) Or how about a holiday cookie cook-off like those held by the University of Montana (2) and the productivity software company, Quip.(3) These “bake and share” events inspire camaraderie, creativity, and generous amounts of sprinkles.
Leftover Legends: Holidays usually mean food, and food means leftovers. Having a plan for those leftovers reduces waste and bolsters customer perception of your operation. One survey found that 68% of diners believed that dining establishments should have practices in place to avoid or reduce this kind of waste.(4) These plans can include offering “take-home” menu options at a reduced price with the purchase of a meal or donating leftover food to local food banks or charities.
Holiday Flavor Forecast: Sure, the holidays have their culinary classics, but why not mix things up? For a seasonal twist, add cranberry and brie to elevate the classic grilled cheese. Add a sweet and savory global flair to your soup lineup with Asian-spiced pumpkin soup. Craving candy? Try adding a candy cane cheesecake mouse to your dessert selection. The possibilities are endlessly delicious.
If getting your dining services program ready for the holidays gives you festive fatigue, we’re here to help. Click the button below to contact us.
Holiday events showcase. FoodService Director. (2012, October 5).
University of Montana Student Life [@umtstudentlife]. (2023, December 20). Thanks Campus Dining for hosting the 26th Annual Cookie Cook-Off yesterday! [Photograph]. Instagram.
Smalley, A. (2023, November 28). How These 14 Companies Celebrate the Holidays. PowerToFly.
Upson, M. (2024, April 17). Donating Leftover Food and Reducing Food Waste in the Restaurant Industry. EMERGING.
