A Thanksgiving menu template is ideal for operational efficiency and for kicking off the holiday season with restaurant success. From the benefits of organizing your eatery’s dish selection ahead of time to outlining the various menu formats you should opt for, we’re about to cover it all. So, without further ado, read on to learn from the complete guide to utilizing a Thanksgiving menu template!
Benefits of Using a Thanksgiving Menu Template
There are several perks of creating a Thanksgiving menu template and using it to complete the final draft. Learn about all the benefits below.
Seasonal Menus Look Festive
Creating a festive atmosphere is almost always about the visuals. By using a custom Thanksgiving menu template to create a menu, you’ll automatically be adding to the seasonal twist of a holiday menu. Plus, it’ll look more professional to have a thoughtful and custom menu.
Keeps the Staff Organized
It goes without saying that holidays are very busy days for restaurants. But when there’s a limited menu, it becomes a whole lot easier. This idea is especially true if the menu states that no alterations or replacements can be made. While the sous chef and their team have a streamlined gameplan in the kitchen, the wait staff can be as efficient as possible in a packed house.
Removes the Guesswork for Guests
Thanksgiving menus typically have some amount of structure to them. That’s because in the grand scheme of things, Thanksgiving classics comprise a pretty limited selection of dishes. So by limiting your menu to just reflect a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu checklist, the options that guests have to choose from will be very straightforward.
Serves as Marketing Collateral
Thanksgiving marketing ideas revolve around food and beverages. Even though the holiday is truly about gathering with friends and family to remember all the things in life you're thankful for, you can’t deny that a traditional Thanksgiving meal makes up the bulk of the holiday's themes. So, once you have your Thanksgiving menu template filled in with your upcoming options, it’s time to share it to social media and feature it in autumn email newsletter campaigns.
Different Thanksgiving Menu Template Formats
There are several mediums you can use to create a Thanksgiving menu. Read on to learn about the various formats you can choose from this November.
QR Code Menus
Any restaurant-goer can quickly access the menu with the help of QR codes. Simply use a custom QR code software like SproutQR to upload your limited-edition menu. The best part? If you run out of anything, a staff member can hop right in and make quick updates in real-time.
Printable Menus
No matter how technologically advanced a restaurant is, physical copies of the menu are always a necessity. For one, it adds to the upscale atmosphere of a sit-down Thanksgiving restaurant environment. Plus, you can’t assume that everyone will have access to a smartphone.
Catering Menu
Many people who invite a large group of loved ones might opt for a catered Thanksgiving dinner for the convenience factor. With this in mind, choosing to be one of the local caterers for Thanksgiving and developing a Thanksgiving catering menu would not only lead to customer satisfaction but the utmost amount of revenue as well. If you create a delicious and thorough enough menu, your eatery might be the go-to for catering Thanksgiving in future years.
Delivery App Menus
There are many scenarios that would warrant a customer ordering a Thanksgiving meal for delivery. From service workers to people traveling for work, it might not be a bad idea to temporarily upload your holiday menu to the delivery apps your restaurant is available on.
Sections of a Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Template
To stay organized during the holiday season this November, it’s good to create a traditional Thanksgiving dinner menu checklist. But which menu categories should this template include? Continue reading to discover what to add to a Thanksgiving dinner menu template.
The Appetizer List
Thanksgiving revolves around dining more than any other holiday. So, it’s a must that your menu features enticing and traditional starters. From deviled eggs to stuffed mushrooms, a balance of hot and cold appetizers is ideal.
Entree Food
Turkey is the most obvious entree for Thanksgiving dinner. However, there are others that you can add to the list. Honey-glazed ham or grilled salmon are great options for those who aren’t a fan of poultry. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving menu option, something like a stuffed butternut squash would suit the dietary restriction and the season.
Side Dishes
Once you know which entrees you’ll offer on Thanksgiving, you need to pick and choose which side dishes will pair with them. From mashed potatoes and gravy to green beans and stuffing, there are many classics to choose from. About half a dozen should suffice for a restaurant’s Thanksgiving menu.
The Dessert Menu
A Thanksgiving menu Isn't where you'll find classic desserts. Instead, the section of your menu template should comprise the various pies and other desserts associated with the holiday. For instance, apple, pumpkin, and cherry pie are just a few fan favorites on Thanksgiving. You can also go beyond traditions and offer something like pumpkin cheesecake or cranberry tarts. Any sweet treat should go over well as long as you stick to the season.
Kid’s Menu
Thanksgiving is a holiday that families all across the United States celebrate each year. Therefore, every restaurant should have items on the menu that are suitable for the little ones at the table. Just think of miniature versions of the items you’re planning to serve. But maybe add a twist. For instance, turkey sliders, sweet potato tots, and macaroni and cheese cups are ideal for a child on Thanksgiving. However, it’s worth noting that these kinds of menu items are only suitable for casual dining establishments.
Soft Drinks
Every menu needs a selection of soft drinks. From sparkling water to iced tea, there should always be something for those who do not wish to drink alcohol or who are underage. And don't forget about some of the most beloved fall classics like apple cider mocktails and post-dinner pumpkin-flavored coffee drinks.
Alcoholic Beverages
From wine and spirits to trendy fall cocktails, there’s an endless array of alcoholic beverages you can add to the drink selection. Plus, they have the potential to generate more revenue than anything else on the menu! Give your bar staff free reign to put their mixology skills to use in creating a selection of fall beverages. We can assure you that the liquor and sales will be flowing if you go this route.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Thanksgiving Menu Template
A Thanksgiving feast requires a lot of preparation. Check out the frequently asked questions and answers below to learn more about creating a Thanksgiving dinner menu template.
How Can I Create a Festive Thanksgiving Menu Template?
You can create a festive and aesthetically pleasing Thanksgiving menu template on Canva. The platform offers a free plan that has an extensive selection of features and elements. Plus, there are countless editable designs that are available for your use. But if let’s say you see a free design template but aren’t a fan of the color scheme, that’s not a problem! Simply change what you want altered to better suit your restaurant.
Where Can I Buy an Already Made Thanksgiving Day Menu Template?
There are beautiful, professional, and basic Thanksgiving menu templates you can buy on Pinterest and Etsy. If you need a template customized for your restaurant, you can get one made for an unbeatable price on sites like Fiverr and Upwork.
What Are Some Themes for a Thanksgiving Menu Template?
Some potential contenders for the theme of your Thanksgiving dinner menu include the following ideas;
- Black and white with pops of fall colors, like orange, yellow, and brown.
- Your restaurant’s color scheme with fall-related animations, such as turkeys.
- A vibrant color scheme featuring leaves, cornucopias, pumpkins, and turkeys.
- A vintage design that consists of more old-school visuals and rustic fall colors.
How Do I Choose the Best Thanksgiving Menu Template for My Restaurant?
The best Thanksgiving menu template that you can choose for your restaurant is the one that abides by your theme and has ample space. More often than not, holiday menus are no longer than one page. Sometimes, the restaurant makes use of the front and back–but a singular page is the limit. So, the menu layout should be broken up into enough sections, each one being the proper size to fit everything you’d like to serve at your Thanksgiving feast.
When Should I Choose a Thanksgiving Day Menu Template?
You should choose a Thanksgiving Day menu template about three weeks before the holiday. It’s usually safe to decide what you’ll serve on a specialty holiday menu about a month in advance. So, once you decide what the menu will consist of and have the recipes on hand for dish descriptions, you can move forward with a template design. Creating the Thanksgiving menu template in early November will also give you enough time to print and laminate the final copies.
Now Turn Your Thanksgiving Menu Template Into the Real Deal
Once you narrow down the dishes you want to serve, you can create a Thanksgiving menu template. Then, you can fill in the blanks and complete the template to draft the official version of your holiday menu. If the customer reviews that follow Thanksgiving are positive and complimentary, you’ll then have an enticing menu for all the years to come.