Ultimate Holiday Planner for Restaurants
Download Now!
The holiday season is the perfect time for customers to gather, celebrate, and create memorable moments over a delicious meal. The festive season comes with many perks, including increased foot traffic and customers in high spirits. This makes it the ideal time to request reviews, and QR codes make the process simpler than ever.
This blog explores why and how to make the most of this holiday season to improve your restaurant’s reviews, visibility, and brand presence.
During the holiday season, people are shopping, dining, and celebrating more than at any other time of the year. With people often in a generous mood, this is the perfect opportunity to encourage positive feedback. Here are three reasons why now is the time to ask for reviews:
Have you noticed how much busier it gets around the holidays? Families out for shopping trips, friends reuniting over meals, office parties—the flow of customers is constant. In fact, in December 2023, 63% of adults planned to dine out in the subsequent weeks, and 48% planned to get takeout or delivery. So, the holiday rush gives you way more chances to reach out and request reviews.
People are generally more positive during the festival season. So, why not ask for reviews while your customers are already smiling? A satisfied, happy customer is way more likely to leave a positive review.
With QR codes for Google reviews now common, many of your customers are just a quick scan away from leaving feedback. No more going through websites—one scan, a few taps, and they’re done! It’s instant, easy, and lets them review while the experience is still fresh.
Setting up QR codes is easier than it seems. Let’s walk through a quick setup:
Whether you’re focused on Google Reviews, Yelp, or TripAdvisor, simply find a free QR code generator online and create a code that takes customers right to your review page. There are many tools available that let you customize. They can even brand your QR code.
Think about spots where customers will naturally pause for a moment, such as:
You could integrate QR codes into your holiday decor easily. For example:
This approach ensures that customers can effortlessly leave feedback while maintaining your brand’s consistency and appeal.
A casual reminder goes a long way. Your servers could say something like:
Keeping the tone light and friendly ensures it feels like a suggestion rather than a demand.
Why not reach out to those who may not leave a review immediately but would love to support your small business? You can put a quick post on social media with a “Leave us a review and let us know your holiday experience!” Such a call to action can extend your reach beyond the restaurant’s walls.
Besides the immediate happiness of knowing people loved their meal, positive feedback has long-lasting benefits. Here’s how:
Did you know that search engines like Google consider review volume and quality when ranking businesses? So, every additional review helps. Suppose someone is searching “best restaurants in Chicago for Christmas brunch” in your area. With more reviews, your quick service restaurant has a better shot at standing out and drawing in new customers.
Almost every customer now checks online reviews. In fact, 98% say they read them at least "sometimes," and 77% say they read them "often" or "always." A solid stream of positive reviews builds trust. Gathering reviews during this busy season helps you prove that your QSR is a great choice for celebrations, family dinners, and more.
When customers take the time to leave a review, they feel more connected to the place they’re reviewing. Making it easy for them to do so shows that you genuinely care about their opinion. This sense of connection can turn a one-time diner into a loyal guest who returns for years.
Responding to reviews, even a simple “Thanks for joining us!” can go a long way. Plus, addressing any negative feedback shows you’re attentive and committed to making every experience a great one.
Collecting reviews in December is more than a nice gesture. After all, it’s laying the groundwork for a successful 2025. Here’s how:
If you’re serving a seasonal dish, encourage guests to mention it in their reviews. Phrases like, “Our holiday favorite—the spiced cranberry roast—is only here for December!” can create buzz. Such mentions will make other guests eager to try it.
Reviews are digital word-of-mouth. Once you start collecting them during the holiday rush, they add to your brand’s reputation. A steady stream of reviews positions your restaurant as a go-to choice for festive gatherings, family dinners, and more.
Use this holiday season’s reviews to tell your story. Did your restaurant go all-out with Christmas holiday decor? Did you introduce a unique holiday menu? Encourage guests to mention these details. Later on, you can share their feedback as testimonials in social media posts or on your website. These small details add to your restaurant's personality. They make it memorable.
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this holiday season:
Customers can sense when they’re being pressured, so keep review requests casual and friendly. A simple mention is often all you need. Trust that the positive holiday experience will encourage customers to share their feedback.
The holiday season is fast-paced. But try to check in regularly and respond to new reviews, especially if they’re negative. Showing that you’re listening and care about feedback will leave a positive impression.
Even though you hope for five-star ratings, constructive criticism can be invaluable. Pay attention to recurring themes in feedback, whether it’s about wait times or food quality. Then, use it to make improvements.
Holiday reviews not only provide an immediate boost but also lay a foundation for long-term success. They help set up your business for a successful and visible 2025. With customers feeling cheerful and willing to share feedback, QR codes make it easier than ever to capture amazing reviews.
This year, set up a QR code, enjoy the festive spirit, and watch as your brand’s visibility grows long after the holiday lights are down. But to make the most of the holiday season, you’ll need more than just a great review strategy—you also need a powerful, scalable POS system to manage your operations.
OneHubPOS can be your partner in enhancing sales, managing daily tasks with ease, and strengthening customer loyalty. Want to see how it works? Try OneHubPOS for just $1 and discover the difference it can make for your restaurant!
Roopak Chadha, Director of Business Development with expertise in Business Growth & Strategy, Customer Success, and Product Management. Excels in driving business growth through strategic planning, customer-centric approaches, and effective operational leadership.
