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Easter doesn't just stir emotions — it also drives bookings. A lot of them.
It's one of the most important times of the year, both for its cultural significance and for the sheer number of people filling streets, squares… and restaurant tables. For restaurants, it's a golden opportunity to boost revenue, attract new customers and retain loyal ones. But simply opening the doors isn't enough. To fill your dining room, you need a strategy.
Here are 3 keys that will make your Easter even better than you'd planned
Look to your past… to tackle the future
No two Easters are the same, but your own data can give you insights worth their weight in gold. Which day performed best last year? At what time did most bookings come in? Through which channels did they arrive?
All that information helps you anticipate staffing needs, adjust opening hours, design promotions… and gain a real edge over your competition.
What benefits do your historical data give you?
- You can forecast your supplies more accurately.
- You know how many hands you'll need front-of-house and in the kitchen.
- You understand your customers better and can offer a tailored service.
How to do it with CoverManager?
- Track when and through which channels your customers book most.
- Review your occupancy rate by service.
- Check your cancellation and No-Show percentages.
- Compare with other periods or venues in your group.
Get found… and let them book
Did you know that 70% of Easter 2024 reservations were made online?
And more than a third were made on the same day, with just 3 hours' notice. That means you still have time to capture new bookings, if you make yourself visible and accessible.
How can you increase your chances of being chosen?
Activate the "Reserve a Table" button on Google
- Customers can book in under 10 seconds from their mobile.
- It integrates automatically with your CoverManager panel.
Optimise your Google My Business profile
- Upload current, attractive photos.
- Use a clear description with relevant keywords.
- Update your opening hours for these dates.
- Respond to reviews (the negative ones too!).
During Easter 2024, the majority of online reservations were processed through the restaurant's own website or via Google. Being well positioned and having the button active can make all the difference.
3. Maximise occupancy. Make every table count
Never write off a table. Fill them all and improve turnover without compromising service quality. In 2024, 54% of reservations were for three or more diners, with tables of 3 and 4 people being the most common. That means, now more than ever, optimising your space can make the difference between an empty table and one more sale.
How can CoverManager help you?
- Automatic table turning: the system calculates timings and suggests availability.
- Multi-booking notification: detects if the same customer has booked at multiple venues.
- Post-booking message: confirms, informs and reduces No-Shows.
Bonus: protect your bookings and enjoy peace of mind
On key dates like Easter, every reservation counts… and every cancellation or No-Show can be very costly. That's why at CoverManager we provide tools that not only help you fill your restaurant, but also help you protect those bookings and secure revenue.
Request a card as a guarantee
Enable the option to request a credit card as a guarantee for your reservations. This allows you to:
- Deter diners who have no real intention of turning up.
- Set a clear cancellation policy.
- Reduce the risk of empty tables during peak demand.
And yes, you can do this directly via the Google button too, without the customer needing to open emails or complete lengthy processes.
Offer prepaid bookings
Do you have set menus or special events this Easter? Set up the prepayment option in CoverManager and charge upfront for part (or all) of the experience.
This not only improves your planning, it also helps you to:
- Secure revenue.
- Confirm attendance.
- Avoid No-Shows.
If people are out and about during Easter… let it be to walk into your restaurant!
If people are out and about during Easter… let it be to walk into your restaurant. This year, fill your dining room with planning, technology and a touch of gastronomic magic. Get ready for these key days with CoverManager and secure every table.
