Staffing for Love: Why Restaurants and Hotels Need Extra Hands on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest and most celebrated days of the year for the hospitality industry. It’s a time when restaurants, hotels, and event venues play a crucial role in helping couples create magical memories.
From candlelit dinners to romantic staycations, these moments rely on exceptional service and flawless execution, both of which hinge on having the right team in place. However, the increased demand for hospitality services on Valentine’s Day often brings unique staffing challenges. That’s where partnering with a reliable staffing agency can make all the difference.
Why Valentine’s Day is a Hospitality Hotspot
Valentine’s Day is a significant driver of business for restaurants and hotels. In fact, over 30% of people in the U.S. dine out on February 14th, making it one of the most popular holidays for eating out. The hospitality industry pulls out all the stops to meet the expectations of these guests. Common Valentine’s Day offerings include:
- Prix fixe menus designed for an intimate dining experience.
- Romantic staycation packages featuring cozy accommodations, champagne, and more.
- Special events like couple’s cooking classes, wine tastings, or live entertainment.
While these experiences delight guests, they also create immense pressure for venues to deliver flawless service. High expectations mean that every detail – from the plating of the food to the ambiance of the space – needs to be perfect. And none of that can happen without the right people working behind the scenes.
Common Staffing Challenges on Valentine’s Day
With increased bookings comes the need for additional hands on deck. But managing staffing needs during a holiday rush isn’t always easy. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Last-minute cancellations or understaffing: These can derail even the best-laid plans, leaving core staff overwhelmed.
- High demand for various roles: Both front-of-house and back-of-house positions see a surge, from servers and bartenders to chefs and housekeeping staff.
- Seasonal hires: Training short-term staff for a single event or a busy weekend can be time-consuming.
- Burnout among full-time staff: Extended hours and the high-stress nature of Valentine’s Day shifts can take a toll on your team’s morale and performance.
How LGC Can Help
At LGC, we specialize in helping hospitality businesses navigate the demands of Valentine’s Day with ease. Here’s how we can support your team:
- Flexibility to scale up staff: Whether you need one bartender or an entire event team, we’re here to fill your staffing gaps quickly.
- Access to trained professionals: Our pool of experienced talent is ready to step in and provide seamless support.
Some of the key roles we can fill include:
- Hosts to manage reservations and greet guests with a smile.
- Servers and bartenders to deliver exceptional service during romantic dinners.
- Cleaning staff to maintain a polished atmosphere, both front-of-house and back-of-house.
Don’t just take it from us, here’s what one of our clients, Levy Restaurants, had to say about working with us:
“The office always goes above and beyond to staff our events even when we are requesting staff at the last minute. The office is great at sending staff that meets our requirements and quick at handling any issues that come up with staff. They have met our needs with bartenders, BOH, pizza staff, etc. We have also hired some of the staff on as part-time, and they have been a great addition to our team.”
Pro Tips for Businesses to Prepare
To make the most of Valentine’s Day, planning ahead is key. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead of the curve:
- Start planning ASAP: Assess your anticipated demand and identify any potential staffing gaps early.
- Communicate your needs: Work with LGC to outline the specific roles and skills you’ll need to make your event or service a success.
- Motivate your team: Offering incentives like bonuses, meals, or flexible scheduling can keep your team, both core staff and seasonal hires, engaged and motivated.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day is a golden opportunity for restaurants and hotels to shine by creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. But pulling it all together requires a strong and reliable team. With LGC by your side, you can focus on delighting your guests while we handle the staffing details.
Ready to prepare for your busiest Valentine’s Day yet? Partner with us today for professional, reliable, and flexible staffing solutions that will keep your business running smoothly this holiday season and beyond.
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About LGC
Since 2003 LGC has been building connections between businesses with staffing needs and job seekers looking for new opportunities. Our range of solutions includes temporary and permanent placements (and everything in between) for a variety of industries. With offices located nationwide, we can tap into a dynamic pool of talented professionals. We have a passion for creating partnerships that last and work hard every day to ensure both clients and candidates reach their employment goals.