The holidays are coming fast. For restaurants, that means one thing: a busy kitchen, full tables, and long days. While that’s great news for business, it can also be stressful if your supply chain isn’t ready.
Every restaurant feels the pressure of a holiday rush. With higher order volumes and tighter schedules, even a small supply gap can disrupt service and impact operations. Careful planning and reviewing your food inventory in advance can help you stay prepared for the busy season.
At Apito Provisions, we’ve helped restaurants, cafes, and delis across the Tri-State Area prepare for this exact season for over 40 years. Here are some ordering tips for the holiday rush for your restaurant.
Start with what you already know. Look back at last year’s numbers: your best-selling dishes, busiest nights, and most-ordered ingredients.
If your roasted turkey sandwiches sold out last December or you ran low on cheese and bread for catering platters, that’s your first clue. Make a list of those high-demand items and flag them for early ordering.
The holiday season isn’t the time for guessing. Knowing what your guests loved most last year helps you plan your supply orders smarter this time around.
By mid-November, wholesale food distributors are already juggling hundreds of seasonal orders. That means timing matters a lot.
Touch base with your food distributor early. Share your expected volume and schedule with them. The earlier they know, the better they can prioritize your deliveries.
We always tell our clients the same thing: communication saves chaos. Whether you need more deli meats, sustainably sourced seafood, or condiments, we can reserve what you need in advance so your orders arrive fresh and on schedule.
It’s tempting to go big for the holidays. Special dishes, extra desserts, festive sides, all great ideas, but too much complexity can slow your kitchen down.
Focus on dishes that use overlapping ingredients. For example, a roasted chicken dinner and a holiday sandwich special can share the same protein. This makes your prep more efficient and reduces waste.
Use your distributor’s full catalog to find versatile ingredients. As a food products supplier, we stock a wide range of essential products, including premium deli meats, grains, sauces, and baked goods, all designed to help restaurants like yours run smoothly during peak season.
When people think of restaurant food suppliers, they usually picture ingredients. However, the holiday rush isn’t just about what’s on the plate.
Stock up on paper goods, cleaning supplies, and packaging materials for takeout orders. These items often run out faster during busy weeks. Nothing slows a kitchen like running out of napkins or to-go containers in the middle of dinner service.
We always recommend reviewing your entire order list, not just food, so your back of house and front of house stay fully equipped.
A common mistake restaurants make is over-ordering early and struggling with storage space later. Instead, split your orders into phases.
For example:
This approach ensures freshness while helping your wholesale food distributors manage your supply rhythm efficiently.
At Apito Provisions, we coordinate with many of our restaurant clients in New Jersey and New York to plan staged deliveries, giving them what they need, when they need it, without overcrowding their kitchens or storage rooms.
No matter how well you plan, seasonal shortages can happen. Maybe your go-to cheese brand is backordered, or a certain seafood product sells out.
That’s why it’s smart to have backup options ready. Ask your food products supplier about equivalent items that meet your standards.
We always help clients find reliable substitutes that keep their menus consistent without compromising quality or taste. Flexibility is your best friend during the holiday rush.
It’s easy to be tempted by the lowest price. But during high-traffic seasons, quality matters more. Customers can taste the difference, and one bad meal can hurt your reputation.
Choose a wholesale food distributor that’s known for reliable quality and consistent freshness. It’s worth the investment when every dish leaving your kitchen represents your brand.
At Apito Provisions, we work with trusted suppliers like Thumann’s to maintain consistent product quality.
Your best ingredients won’t stay at their best without proper storage. Before December hits, make sure your refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage areas are clean, organized, and working properly.
Label items by date, rotate older stock first, and separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods. A well-maintained storage system saves time and prevents waste during high-pressure service hours.
Even the best ingredients can’t make up for a disorganized kitchen. Take time before the rush to train your team. Review prep routines, food safety, and service timing.
Encourage communication between chefs, prep cooks, and servers because during holiday chaos, teamwork keeps the kitchen calm and customers happy.
When everyone knows their role and inventory is well-managed, you’re free to focus on what matters most: delivering great food and memorable experiences.
The most successful restaurants have one thing in common: they partner with the right suppliers.
Working with a dependable restaurant food supplier gives you confidence that your kitchen will never stop running, no matter how busy the holidays get.
We’ve seen how stressful this season can be for local restaurants, and that’s why we make things simple. Our team ensures delivering reliable supply schedules throughout the busy season.
From wholesale foods near me searches to long-term supply partnerships, we’re here to help you plan smarter and serve better.
If you’re already feeling the holiday pressure, you’re not alone. We’ve helped countless restaurants, delis, and cafes prepare for their busiest weeks, and we’d love to do the same for you.
At Apito Provisions, we’re more than a food products supplier. We’re a partner invested in your success. Whether you need premium deli meats, fresh produce, seafood, or bakery items, we’ll make sure you’re fully stocked and ready to serve your guests with confidence.
Call us today to place your holiday orders and prepare your kitchen for a smooth season.