If you have been watching any part the news recently… you will likely hear about the impending shipping delays and bottlenecks anticipated this holiday season.

In an industry already experiencing challenges, there are ways to be proactive against this new issue now.

Plan Holiday Menus

If you have ever had specific ingredients in the past that have been held up previously during the holiday season… plan on that happening again if not worse. Look at alternative ingredients to utilize to ensure you can still make your desired dishes. If you assume the worst case scenario (that ingredients won’t arrive on time) you can plan your substitutions now and get your orders in.

Simplify

The pandemic created a necessity to simplify menus and shipping and receiving delays are just one more reason to. Keeping the menu items offered to a streamlined list of favorites will allow you to not have to order as many items and be on the hook if there are delays.

Communicate to Customers

Your guests have probably been hearing the news too… but remind them via a note on the menu, on the front door, website and  on social pages. State the fact that due to shipping delays, etc… your business has scaled back the menus to accommodate those challenges.  Being up front with your patrons will show how much you value the relationship they have with you. 

Get Creative

If you do run into arrival delays…it will be time to get creative. Whip up fun concoctions with the ingredients you do have. Give them fun/seasonal names and promote away! Your guests will be focused on what you ARE offering versus what is missing and will appreciate the creativity.