1851

Traditionally, Thanksgiving and Christmas tend to be among the <a href="https://bizfluent.com/info-8388818-busiest-periods-restaurant-business.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">slowest days</a> of the year for restaurants, and after nine months of COVID-19, most restaurants can’t afford any more slow days. Luckily, there may be a few strategies that foodservice franchisors can use to tap into holiday sales.<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tripleseat-survey-reveals-changing-needs-this-holiday-season-301174260.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A new survey from Tripleseat</a> finds that 49% of consumers said they will not change their holiday plans this year due to COVID-19. For a majority of those consumers (86.4%), that means an at-home gathering with six to 10 people, and over 30% plan to use a catering service for their gathering, according to the survey.To tap into this demand, Tripleseat’s survey suggests restaurants offer to-go holiday meals or a-la-carte options as well as value-focused catering promotions. Creating delivery promotions specifically aimed toward small groups may be one way restaurants can optimize sales around the slower holiday season.&nbsp;Several casual dining brands have already started rolling out these types of catering and delivery promotions, including Dickey's Barbecue Pit, which is offering new "<a href="https://www.dickeys.com/press/in-the-news/new-heat-and-eat-holiday-catering-options?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">heat and eat holiday catering options</a>.” The steakhouse chain McCormick &amp; Schmick's is selling <a href="https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/event/thanksgiving/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a full Thanksgiving meal</a> that serves four to six people for pickup. Many restaurant brands are even looking for a way to provide a full Thanksgiving meal solution, a move that is likely a response to the pandemic crisis environment.Some franchisors have also already introduced Christmas-themed promotions for guests to serve at home as well. Red Lobster, for example, is selling its <a href="https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/red-lobster-selling-famous-cheddar-bay-biscuits-in-holiday-gift-boxes/article_3e7fa04e-23b1-11eb-a526-173eb86e4339.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cheddar Bay Biscuits in holiday gift boxes</a>, while KFC has unveiled <a href="https://www.delish.com/food-news/a34689051/kfc-holiday-buckets-2020/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">limited-edition holiday buckets</a> to cater to the family meal crowd.&nbsp;Catering promotions aren’t the only way that restaurant franchisors can tap into holiday sales this year. Consumers are also especially interested in purchasing restaurant gift cards. According to Tripleseat, over 53% plan to purchase a restaurant gift card this holiday season, and a <a href="https://blackhawknetwork.com/blackhawk-network-brandedpaytm-holiday-report-forecasts-successful-season-gift-card-sales-ecommerce?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Blackhawk Network report projects that consumers will spend 29% more this year on restaurant e-commerce gift cards than they did in 2019</a>. Franchisors would be wise to set up an online gift card system to make these transactions easier.Tripleseat also found that 24.6% of consumers plan to order a meal kit/recipe box and 18% are interested in buying a restaurant's branded merchandise, posing additional sales opportunities.&nbsp;Looking to the future, Tripleseat recommends restaurants offer incentives to book post-holiday parties in spring 2021 as well. That timeline might be ambitious, but with plenty of evidence showing <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/pandemic-brings-new-restrictions-on-restaurants-and-retailers-as-demand-is-rising-11604050201?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests-2714292" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">such pent-up demand</a> for dining out, consumers will hopefully be willing to pay now for the promise of a post-pandemic restaurant experience later."The 2020 holiday season will be a bit different than years past,” Jonathan Morse, CEO of Tripleseat said in the press release. “Food brings many families together and is an important part of a lot of holiday traditions. We are excited to see how many people still plan to find ways to celebrate and we are hopeful that restaurants will be able to support that in safe and effective ways."

Franchisors Can Tap Into Catering Market Share Over Holidays, Study Suggests

1851 Franchise

Most consumers plan to gather with six to 10 people, and more than 30% plan to use a catering service for their gathering, according to a new survey by Tripleseat.

franchisors-can-tap-into-catering-market-share-over-holidays-study-suggests

Sola Salons

Photo of outside of a Sola Salons location

With Decades of History and Opportunities for Consolidation, Sola Salons System Is Ripe for Private Equity Investments

sola-salons-private-equity-investment-opportunities

Woodhouse Spas

Your Path To Owning a Woodhouse Spa: A Step-By-Step Guide to Franchise Ownership

woodhouse-spas-franchise-ownership-steps

Right at Home

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in State College

right-at-home-expanding-in-home-care-services-in-state-college

BoConcept

Photo of three dark gray chairs surrounding wooden table with vining plant

Facility Executive: BoConcept Shares How Office Design is Evolving in 2025

2025-office-design-trends-engaging-workspaces

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam Inspection Service franchisees Tyler and Doug Butler

How a Chance Encounter Led This Father-Son Duo to a Thriving Home Inspection Business

doug-tyler-butler-hometeam-franchise-success-story

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

fly-dance-fitness-franchise-expansion

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Ellie Mental Health Franchisee Backlash - Alleged Misrepresentations - 1851 Franchise

Ellie Mental Health Faces Franchisee Backlash Over Alleged Misrepresentations

ellie-mental-health-franchisee-backlash

Tariff Tensions Threaten U.S. Restaurants with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

tariff-tensions-threaten-us-restaurants-with-rising-costs-and-supply-chain-disruptions

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

Franchisors Can Tap Into Catering Market Share Over Holidays, Study Suggests

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS