How These Crust Pizza Co. Owners Are Getting Ready for the Holidays

The holiday season is a critical time for any restaurant. Jason and Jessie Parker, the owners of Crust Pizza Co. in Sulphur, Louisiana, have found creative ways to make the most of it.

Since opening their Crust Pizza Co. restaurant, the Parkers have focused on creating events that bring the community together and make their location stand out. The centerpiece of their holiday offerings is the highly anticipated “Grinch Takes Over” event, which has become a cherished tradition for local families.

The Grinch event began as a creative pivot from a Santa Claus gathering. Recognizing the oversaturation of Santa events in the area, the Parkers took a chance on introducing a roaming Grinch character. What started as a last-minute idea has since grown into an annual staple, drawing lines of eager families. Children and parents alike delight in seeing the Grinch roam the restaurant, engaging in playful antics and posing for photos. From green dough for kids’ pizzas to outdoor movie screenings, every detail is designed to make the event stand out.

“Last year, we held two Grinch events, and the lines were out the door for the entire two hours,” said Jessie. “We decided that the Grinch is our niche. Both kids and adults seem to really enjoy the experience. He talks to guests, plays games with them and even joins in on patio activities. We show Grinch movies outside, hand out candy canes and occasionally give out onions as part of the fun. The community has really embraced it — people even recognize us around town and mention how much they loved the Grinch event.”

Ensuring Smooth Operations During the Holiday Season

To meet the demand of the busy holiday months, preparation begins as early as September. The Parkers focus on cross-training employees to ensure flexibility and efficiency. Seasonal staff, including college students returning for the holidays, are brought on to prevent burnout among the regular team members.

"We take pride in offering our employees flexibility with their schedules, allowing them to ask for time off whenever they need it,” said Jason. “There might have been one rare occasion where we had to ask someone to come in on a requested day off, but we make it a priority to respect their time. Happy staff members lead to happy customers, so we work hard to accommodate their needs and ensure they feel valued. It’s essential to take care of the people who make your business successful."

Scheduling is handled thoughtfully, with an emphasis on accommodating staff availability to maintain morale. The franchisees also step in themselves to provide additional support when needed, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

“Jessie steps in and works an extra three or four days herself to make sure no one is overworked, especially during the holidays when spending time with family is so important," said Jason. "We prepare by organizing schedules well in advance, making sure everyone is properly trained and focusing on promoting events like Grinch Night. It’s about showing the community that we’re offering more than just a place to grab a slice of pizza — we’re creating something special for them."

The Grinch event isn’t the only highlight of the season. There are limited-time menu items like the fan-favorite apple pie pizza. Additionally, the Parkers collaborate with local schools and community groups for special menu collaborations, further cementing their connection with the area.

"During homecoming, we created a special community pizza in collaboration with our local high schools, like the Golden Tors," said Jason. "We worked with some of the students and faculty to design a pizza specifically for the Golden Tors. It’s these unique, localized touches that help us stand out from the big chains and offer something special that no one else in the area is doing."

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Over the years, the Parkers have honed their approach to the holiday season by analyzing sales trends and tailoring operations to meet the unique demands of this time of year. Events like Black Friday, for instance, require a shift in strategy, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. This adaptability, combined with Jason and Jessie’s commitment to community and creativity, has solidified their restaurant’s reputation as a must-visit spot during the holidays.

"Looking at sales trends is key to making sure we’re not over-prepping, over-ordering or overstaffing," said Jason. "For example, Black Friday isn’t typically a big day for restaurants, so we adjust our operations rather than treating it like a standard Friday night. It’s also important to understand your area and know if your restaurant is a destination spot for families. During the holidays, people often want to bring out-of-town visitors to their favorite local spots to share something unique they might not have back home. Preparing for that can make a big difference."

As the holiday season approaches, the Parkers continue to show how creativity, community engagement and thoughtful operations can turn a busy time into a thriving opportunity for their Crust Pizza Co. location. By focusing on what makes their restaurant special — from beloved events like the Grinch Night to unique menu collaborations — Jason and Jessie have created a festive experience that leaves a lasting impression on their guests and solidifies their place as a cornerstone of the Sulphur community.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/crust-pizza-co.