Holiday Rush Survival: Handling Peak Covers With QR Ordering

Peak days such as holidays and big weekends put pressure on every part of service. QR ordering does not remove the rush, but it can make it calmer when you prepare. Use this plan a week before a busy period.

One week before

• Trim the menu. Fewer items mean faster orders and fewer sold-out disappointments. Hide what you will not serve.
• Check prices and descriptions. Edit in the dashboard; the next scan shows the change.
• Test the whole flow. Place a full order from a phone, then work it in the orders list.
• Print extra codes. The same code works everywhere, so put copies in waiting areas and at the door.
• Add the languages you need. Holiday guests often include visitors. See multilingual QR menus.

On the day

• Assign one person to the orders list. Keep it open on a tablet. New orders appear on their own, with a sound.
• Work orders in order. Move each from pending to completed so nobody guesses.
• Mark orders paid when the guest pays by cash or card.
• Keep paper backups for guests who prefer them.
• Brief the team on what to say to a guest who cannot scan.

When something sells out

Edit the menu to mark it unavailable as soon as you know. Guests stop ordering it, which is better than an apology at the table.

After the rush

Open the analytics for revenue, average order value, items and orders by period. Note your busiest hours and the items that sold out early, then plan next season's menu around them. Our post on reading ordering analytics explains how.

Conclusion

A rush is easier with a short menu, a watched orders list and clear roles. Related: cutting order errors and QR ordering for restaurants. Check plans on the pricing page.