Festivals are pure exhilaration, captivating locals and visitors alike with wonder and celebration! As a UK hospitality business owner, you hold the key to unlock the festival spirit and make these moments unforgettable. With crowds of tourists and attendees joining the festivities, it’s time to shine and extend a warm welcome to all.
In this blog, we’ll reveal five supercharged ways to prep your business for the festival season, seizing every golden opportunity that comes your way.
Plan ahead for increased footfall
Festivals bring a surge of tourists, performers, and art enthusiasts to the city. As a hospitality business, you can expect a significant increase in footfall during this period. To accommodate the higher demand, start planning well in advance. Assess your capacity and staffing requirements, and consider hiring extra hands during the festival. Training your staff to handle the influx of customers efficiently is equally crucial. By being prepared, you can deliver exceptional service even during the busiest days.
Tailor your menu to reflect the spirit of the festival
This time is all about creativity and diversity, and your menu should reflect that spirit too. Consider offering special themed dishes or drinks that pay homage to the arts and culture. Engaging with local performers and incorporating their show themes into your menu can also be a fun way to attract festival-goers. Don’t forget to cater to different dietary preferences and allergies to ensure everyone can enjoy your offerings.
Publish social media exclusive offers
Publishing social media exclusive offers is a fantastic way to engage with your audience during any Festival.
Running competitions that align with the festival’s theme can generate a buzz and encourage participation. For instance, you can host a “Edinburgh Fringe Fun Facts” where participants answer trivia questions related to the festival or its performers. Rewarding winners with complimentary meals or discounts can further boost engagement and attract new followers.
Engaging with your customers through social media can also extend beyond promotions. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your preparations for the festival, introducing your staff members, or showcasing moments of excitement within your establishment can humanize your business and foster a sense of connection with your audience.
Offer pre-booking options
Given the high demand during any festival, many visitors prefer to plan their dining experiences in advance. Implement a pre-booking system for your restaurant or establishment to make it convenient for customers to secure a spot. Providing online reservation options through your website or popular booking platforms can streamline the process for both you and your guests. Additionally, consider offering exclusive deals or perks for those who pre-book, encouraging early reservations.
Did you know that Grafterr can handle all of those tasks? Visit our website for more information.
Collaborate with local artists and performers
Celebration of the arts, making it the perfect time to collaborate with local artists and performers. Organize special events, such as live music performances, poetry readings, or art exhibitions within your establishment. Partnering with performers can attract their fan base to your business, creating a win-win situation. This not only enhances the festival atmosphere but also showcases your support for the local arts community.
Get ready for the Festival: Your checklist
- Check your system:
Before the festival kicks off, it’s crucial to perform a thorough check of your till system. Ensure that all hardware components, such as the cash drawer, receipt printer, and bar-code scanner, are in excellent working condition. Conduct test transactions to verify that everything is functioning smoothly and identify any potential issues that may require attention.
- Make sure your ePOS is set and ready:
A reliable and efficient electronic point of sale (ePOS) system is vital for streamlining transactions during busy periods. Take the time to set up your ePOS with the correct pricing, tax rates, and any special offers or discounts you plan to offer during the Festival. Test its connectivity to avoid any connectivity hiccups when the crowds start pouring in.
- Features, features, features:
Utilize the full potential of your ePOS system’s features to enhance your operations. Features such as split billing, table layouts, and real-time inventory tracking can significantly improve efficiency, allowing your staff to focus on providing top-notch customer service. Familiarize your team with these features to ensure they can make the most of the system during the festival.
- Have more than 1 terminal:
As the festival brings in a massive influx of visitors, having more than one till terminal can be a game-changer. Multiple terminals help disperse the crowd and reduce wait times, preventing long queues and keeping your customers happy. Invest in additional terminals or portable handheld devices to cater to your customers wherever they are in your establishment.
- Trust Grafterr to help with all the problems:
Managing a busy till system during any event can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Trust in the expertise of Grafterr to provide excellent support and solutions. From hardware troubleshooting to ePOS optimization, Grafterr’s team can assist with any challenges that arise, allowing you to focus on delivering an unforgettable experience to your customers.
Conclusion
As the festival season approaches, your hospitality business holds the key to unlocking the magic and excitement that captivates both locals and visitors alike. By implementing the five supercharged strategies we’ve explored in this blog, you can ensure your establishment shines brightly amidst the festival buzz and leaves a lasting impression on all who step through your doors.
Planning ahead for increased footfall will empower you to handle the surge of tourists and art enthusiasts efficiently, delivering exceptional service even during the busiest days. Tailoring your menu to reflect the festival’s spirit will add a creative touch to your offerings, engaging and delighting your customers. Embracing social media exclusive offers will foster a sense of connection with your audience while attracting new followers to your business.
Offering pre-booking options will cater to the needs of festival-goers who prefer to plan ahead, ensuring they secure a spot at your establishment. Collaborating with local artists and performers will infuse your business with the celebration of the arts, showcasing your support for the local community and enhancing the festival atmosphere.
As you prepare for the festivities, don’t forget to check your till system and set up your ePOS to streamline transactions smoothly. Utilize the features of your ePOS system to enhance efficiency and equip your staff to handle the influx of customers with ease. Having more than one terminal can be a game-changer, reducing wait times and keeping your customers happy.
Remember, you don’t have to tackle the challenges of managing a busy till system alone. Trust in the expertise of Grafterr to provide excellent support and solutions, ensuring your festival season runs smoothly and your customers have an unforgettable experience.
So, let the festival spirit take center stage at your hospitality business! Embrace the exhilaration, create joyous experiences, and make these moments truly unforgettable for everyone who walks through your doors. The festival season awaits – let the celebration begin
