Holiday hacks for restaurants: How to turn holiday traffic into engagement and sales with QR Codes

The holidays bring a surge of diners eager to refuel after shopping or celebrate with loved ones, and restaurants stand to benefit. Last year, the National Restaurant Association reported that two-thirds of adults planned to dine out over the holiday season—a trend expected to continue in 2024. For restaurants, this season is the perfect time to attract new patrons and deepen relationships with loyal customers.

With a thoughtful mix of affordable digital tools like QR Codes, SMS marketing and simple customer engagement techniques, restaurants can enhance holiday dining experiences, streamline operations and drive both sales and loyalty.

Driving engagement with simple digital tools

Technology is integral to everyday life, and consumers increasingly expect seamless digital experiences when dining out. The pandemic accelerated this trend, pushing restaurants to adopt tech solutions like QR Codes for menus and touchless ordering. A recent report from Bitly shows a 187% increase in QR Code usage in the Restaurant and Leisure industry from early 2022 to 2023, reflecting a shift toward tech-driven dining experiences beyond simple menu access.

Today, restaurants use digital tools to engage diners, drive sales and build loyalty through personalized connections. QR Codes and SMS campaigns now serve as direct communication channels with patrons, letting restaurants share special promotions, loyalty rewards and unique holiday content.

High-impact opportunities for tech integration

Restaurants can elevate the holiday dining experience by integrating digital tools that add value, streamline convenience and create memorable moments—driving engagement and revenue. Here are some ideal locations and tools to maximize customer interactions this season:

• At the table: Add QR Codes for seasonal deals, loyalty sign-ups, or holiday exclusives, making it easy for diners to engage from their seats. Offer an email sign-up for promotions to capture contact info in exchange for discounts.
• In the waiting area: Use QR Codes for waitlist updates or pre-order options to streamline the experience. This area is also ideal for promoting gift cards or fundraisers through short links or QR Codes, boosting loyalty and revenue.
• Outside the restaurant: Use exterior signage with QR Codes linking to holiday menus, online ordering, or events. Encourage potential customers to sign up for text alerts for exclusive offers and increased engagement.
• In digital ads and physical promotions: Include QR Codes on flyers or posters for easy menu or reservation access. Use SMS campaigns with trackable short links to gather data and identify top promotions.

8 creative ways to boost sales and satisfaction

Incorporating engagement opportunities throughout your restaurant is key, but getting creative with these touchpoints can make all the difference. Try these inventive ideas to drive both customer engagement and revenue, turning seasonal diners into loyal customers.

1. Simplify processes: Offer QR Codes for browsing menus, ordering, or checking out tableside, creating a seamless experience for diners and boosting staff efficiency.
2. Welcome guests with videos: Use a QR Code to share a short video from your chef or team, adding a personal touch that can turn a casual diner into a loyal customer.
3. Upsell with gift options: Share a short link to holiday gift card purchases, pre-order meals, or branded merchandise via SMS or email. These options are easy add-ons and increase seasonal revenue.
4. Share holiday tunes: A QR Code can lead to a holiday playlist created by your team, adding a festive touch to the dining experience.
5. Promote special events: If hosting a holiday brunch or themed dinner, share a short link in email or on social media to drive registrations, boosting engagement and sales.
6. Encourage community giving: Share a QR Code for guests to donate to a local charity or participate in a fundraiser, showing community spirit and fostering loyalty.
7. Incentivize repeat visits: Use QR Codes on receipts or send follow-up SMS messages offering discounts on their next visit, driving return traffic and encouraging regulars.
8. Engage with interactive polls: Place QR Codes on menus or tables that link to a holiday poll or quiz, creating memorable, engaging experiences that keep diners involved.

Building year-round loyalty beyond the holidays

The holiday season may be brief, but it offers powerful opportunities to build lasting loyalty and drive future sales. By combining tools like QR Codes and SMS with the power of analytics, restaurants can deliver seamless and engaging dining experiences while gaining insights into customer preferences and behaviors. 

These insights help uncover trends that restaurants can leverage to forge deeper, lasting connections with customers beyond a single dining experience. By implementing these strategies year-round, restaurants can nurture relationships with loyal customers and ensure steady future sales.