When should we be open over Christmas/new Year’s?
We are discussing hours over Christmas/New Year’s. I am very interested in your thoughts on when we should close.
My present plan is to close at 3 pm on Dec 24. We will be closed on Dec 25 and Dec 26. Re-opening with regular hours on Dec 27.
My question is about Dec 26. If I thought we were in an area that was a hotbed of shopping I would probably open but I don’t think that Boxing Day shoppers will be flooding into the neighborhood. Am I wrong? Are the streets in Wellington West alive on Boxing Day?
We will be open regular hours on Dec 31 and closed Jan 1. Any thoughts on this are also appreciated.
Dave
For the sake of your staff, give them Boxing Day off too. Stick with your original plan.
I agree with the above. From the point of view of a former server, the people who work that day don’t usually make enough money to make it worth it. Give the staff the time off.
As well, I think that typically on that day people may drop by a pub for some drinks in the evening, which isn’t what you offer. From my point of view it’s not worth it.
It’s so good that you’re even asking the question Have you asked your staff what they’d like? Some staff may actually want to work, and I’d suggest you could operate with a skeleton staff if you were indeed open on Boxing day. That said, if I were you, I think I’d close on Boxing Day since the streets won’t be flooded with walk-by traffic; most people will assume you’re closed; and your business model doesn’t necessarily lend itself to what people might be looking for on Boxing day.
As for New Year’s, it’s common for restaurants to close early on the 31st (say 4 pm)to give staff a chance to get ready for New Year’s eve, and then close on the 1st. Since you close before midnight, I can’t see too many people thinking of your spot for their celebrations, unless you created a special menu, stayed open to ring in the New Year, and then closed on the 1st. If you do choose to stay open on the 31st(no matter the hours you choose) I would always suggest asking staff if they indeed want to work, and then give the night off to those who don’t on a first come first served basis. No matter what you decide, this Holiday Season will be busy and awesome for you & your team
When I worked in the restaurant industry (back in the day) the only day we closed was Christmas Day. We closed early on Christmas & New Years eve, and opened late on Boxing & New Years day. There was always someone looking for food, if only to break the cycle of holiday food. Have you checked with neighbouring restaurants?