Whether you’re brand new to café ownership or are a seasoned pro, you may be looking for ways to streamline operations during the holiday rush. Many industries get busier during the holiday season, and coffee shops are no different.
Cooler weather and seasonal drinks bring more customers in for a pick-me-up, and gift cards and merchandise make for popular gifts. When your goal is to prepare for the busy season, time is of the essence. Planning in advance benefits everyone, from boosting profits to keeping baristas and customers happy and stress-free.
Ready to get started? Here are our tips for handling the holidays with ease:
Check Inventory
If you have inventory data from previous years, now is a good time to review the numbers. You’ll want to ensure that you have adequate inventory to keep up with customer demand and order in time to avoid supply chain issues.
Set Staffing Schedules
With the holiday rush on the horizon, it’s not too early to hold an all-hands meeting to discuss scheduling. Accommodating your team can be challenging, but having a chat before traffic ramps up can save everyone some frustration. If possible, provide incentives for picking up extra hours during the busy season to avoid being short-staffed during the most critical time.
Schedule Equipment Maintenance
As we approach the end of the year, be sure to check in with employees about how the equipment is performing. If they’ve noticed anything amiss, schedule maintenance as soon as possible. If your warranty is about to expire or you’d like to invest in a new product you’ve had your eye on, purchasing before the holidays arrive is a wise choice.
When you’re caught up in the daily grind of café operations, it’s understandable if holiday preparations are on the backburner or haven't even crossed your mind yet. However, beginning the planning process now can save you and your team from the stress of unexpected supply, scheduling, or equipment issues.
If you’re thinking about investing in a new commercial espresso machine, coffee grinder, or accessories to help your café breeze through the busiest season of the year, we’re here for you. From top-of-the-line commercial and prosumer machines to specialty products such as under-counter and pour-over systems, Voltage has all your café supply needs covered.
If you have any questions regarding the products we carry, contact our customer service team. We love all things espresso and are always happy to help connect clients with the right products.