Home/Blog/How to Handle Increased Demand in Your Restaurant During FIFA 2026

As FIFA 2026 approaches, the world will be buzzing with excitement, and for restaurants, this is an opportunity to boost revenue. During major events like this, you can expect a surge in customer demand, which can challenge your current restaurant operations. Planning ahead is crucial to managing this influx without compromising your service quality.

Effective restaurant strategies for FIFA 2026 will be key to ensuring your restaurant runs smoothly during the games. From optimizing staff schedules to enhancing customer experience, every aspect of your restaurant needs to be adjusted to handle increased demand.

In this post, you will learn about how to handle increased demand in your restaurant during FIFA 2026. By preparing in advance and making the right adjustments, your restaurant can thrive in this busy period.

Table of Contents

How to Plan for Increased Demand in Your Restaurant During FIFA 2026

With FIFA 2026 expected to bring millions of fans to various host cities, it’s essential to plan for the increased demand that comes with such large-scale events. Here’s how you can prepare.

1. Optimize Staffing and Scheduling

To handle the increased demand during FIFA 2026, optimizing your staffing and scheduling is key. As game days approach, your restaurant should anticipate busy hours and ensure adequate staff is on hand. Create flexible schedules for your servers, kitchen staff, and management team to accommodate peak hours. You may even need to bring in additional temporary workers. Keep in mind that busy sports events can attract larger crowds, especially during game times. Proper planning of restaurant operations during events ensures you are ready to serve more guests without overworking your team.

2. Update Your Menu to Simplify Ordering

During high-traffic events like FIFA 2026, it’s important to refine your menu to speed up service. Offer a mix of popular dishes and easy-to-prepare items that can be quickly made in high volumes. Consider creating a special “FIFA menu” with simple yet crowd-pleasing options that guests can order quickly. Reducing the complexity of your menu will speed up service, minimize errors, and ensure your kitchen runs smoothly. Simplified ordering is a critical part of restaurant demand management and ensures guests get their food faster, reducing wait times.

3. Improve Technology for Faster Service

Investing in digital technology can significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of your service during FIFA 2026. Consider using tablets or mobile ordering systems so that customers can place their orders without waiting for a server. Point-of-sale (POS) systems should also be upgraded to handle a high volume of transactions quickly. For large crowds, consider implementing a reservation system or digital waitlist app to manage table turnover. Managing restaurant crowds with efficient tech tools can make a big difference in customer satisfaction and keep your restaurant organized.

4. Enhance Your Customer Experience

A big part of handling increased demand during FIFA 2026 is ensuring that your customer experience remains top-notch. With larger crowds, you’ll want to pay attention to details like comfort, seating arrangements, and decor. Create an atmosphere that reflects the excitement of the event. Offer special promotions, like discounts for game-day meals or FIFA-themed cocktails.

For customers waiting for a table, provide a comfortable space with entertainment and snacks. Ensuring guests feel welcomed and entertained will keep them satisfied and make them want to return. Restaurant operations must prioritize guest experience to drive repeat business during events.

5. Prepare for Takeout and Delivery Orders

With large crowds and busy in-house dining, takeout and delivery can become an essential part of your service during FIFA 2026. Set up a dedicated team or space in the kitchen specifically for takeout and delivery orders. Partner with popular food delivery apps like UberEats or DoorDash to simplify orders and ensure faster deliveries.

Make sure your online menu is clear and easy to navigate so customers can quickly place their orders. This will allow your restaurant to tap into the massive demand without overburdening your in-house operations.

6. Ensure Effective Inventory Management

When your restaurant sees a surge in demand, inventory management becomes critical. You need to ensure you have enough stock on hand for popular items and avoid running out of key ingredients during rush hours. Start by forecasting the demand based on the expected foot traffic and game schedules. Keep track of inventory closely and have a system in place for reordering supplies quickly.

With the right restaurant strategies for FIFA 2026, you can maintain consistent service quality throughout the event.

7. Create Promotions and Marketing Campaigns

To make the most of the increased demand, you need strong promotions that reach the right people at the right time. This is where a digital marketing company becomes extremely helpful. They can create targeted ads, social media posts, and event-focused campaigns that reach FIFA visitors, locals, and fans looking for places to eat. They also promote special offers like group packages, game-day meals, and watch-party deals.

By doing this, they help guide more customers to your restaurant without overwhelming your staff. This level of planned promotion supports your restaurant and helps you stand out during FIFA 2026.

Attract FIFA crowds with strategic campaigns

How Can You Keep Your Restaurant Organized During FIFA 2026?

Organizing your restaurant to run smoothly during a major event like FIFA 2026 requires detailed planning and efficient systems. Here are five ways to keep everything in check.

1. Simplified Communication Between Staff

Clear communication between your staff is essential when managing large crowds. During busy FIFA 2026 days, it’s easy for orders to get mixed up or for tasks to be forgotten. Implement regular check-ins during the shift to ensure everyone is on the same page. Use walkie-talkies or instant messaging apps to facilitate real-time communication between the front of house and kitchen teams. This will prevent confusion and ensure smoother service during peak hours.

2. Maintain Clear Signage and Directions

With more customers coming in and out of your restaurant, clear signage can help avoid confusion. Ensure that your restaurant is easy to navigate by placing signs directing customers to the correct seating areas, bathrooms, and takeout counters. If you’re offering special FIFA-related events or menus, make sure those are clearly displayed both inside and outside of the restaurant. Clear directions improve the customer experience and help prevent overcrowding in certain areas, making it easier to manage the flow of guests.

3. Delegate Responsibilities to Avoid Overwhelming Staff

During high-demand events like FIFA 2026, it’s easy for your staff to become overwhelmed. Delegate responsibilities based on their skill level and experience. For example, assign experienced staff to high-priority tasks, such as managing large groups or ensuring smooth kitchen operations. More junior staff can handle general tasks like cleaning and taking orders.

Giving each staff member clear duties helps them stay focused and ensures that all aspects of your restaurant operations run efficiently.

4. Monitor Wait Times and Adjust Staffing Quickly

A key part of managing restaurant crowds is closely monitoring wait times for customers. Use digital tools like online reservation systems to track the waitlist and ensure that guests are seated promptly. If wait times are getting too long, consider adjusting staffing levels to meet the demand.

If you notice a drop in the flow of orders or a slowdown in kitchen service, it may be time to bring in extra staff or move team members around to high-demand areas. Constantly adjusting to real-time demand ensures better customer service.

5. Offer Flexible Seating Arrangements

During FIFA 2026, your restaurant will likely see a mix of groups, couples, and solo diners. It’s essential to offer flexible seating arrangements to accommodate everyone comfortably. If you have a large dining area, consider setting up more tables for groups and adjusting seating layouts to maximize space. Providing booths or high-top tables for smaller groups can also improve the overall experience. Flexibility in seating arrangements ensures that all guests can enjoy the event comfortably without overcrowding any one area.

How Can You Maximize Your Profits During FIFA 2026?

Maximizing profits during FIFA 2026 goes beyond just serving food. Here’s how to increase your restaurant’s revenue during this high-demand period.

1. Offer Special Event Packages

Consider creating special packages for FIFA 2026 fans. These packages could include a combination of food, drinks, and access to a viewing area. For example, offer a Game Day Combo with a meal, drink, and a reserved spot to watch the game. This can encourage guests to spend more and stay longer.

You could also offer group deals for people who want to watch the match with friends or family. Tailored promotions can increase overall spending while making the experience more enjoyable for your customers.

Create exclusive FIFA packages to boost sales

2. Upsell with FIFA-Themed Drinks and Dishes

Offer FIFA-themed drinks or food items that capture the spirit of the event. Special edition cocktails or dishes with international flavours can draw in more customers and increase the average spend per table. For example, you could create cocktails named after famous footballers or countries participating in the World Cup. Upselling with these unique items encourages customers to try something new, adding more value to their visit.

3. Encourage Guests to Book in Advance

One way to ensure a steady flow of guests and reduce the stress of overbookings is by encouraging reservations in advance. Offer incentives for guests to reserve their spots, such as discounts or priority seating during high-demand times. This will give you better control over the number of people coming in and allow you to adjust staffing and operations accordingly.

By planning ahead, you’ll be able to maximize capacity and avoid overcrowding.

FIFA 2026 is a great opportunity for restaurants to increase sales and grow their customer base. By focusing on smart restaurant strategies for FIFA 2026, such as staffing optimization, simplified menus, and offering exciting promotions, you can handle the surge in demand efficiently. With the right preparation and approach, your restaurant can thrive during this global event, ensuring customers enjoy the experience while you boost profits. For expert help with management and targeted marketing, partner with an experienced digital marketing company to make the most out of FIFA 2026.

FAQ

1. How can I handle large crowds during FIFA 2026?

To manage large crowds, ensure proper staffing, simplify your menu, and smooth out your service with technology. Offering flexible seating and clear communication between staff also helps.

2. How do I increase sales during FIFA 2026?

Increase sales by offering special event packages, upselling FIFA-themed food and drinks, and encouraging reservations. Promote your offers on social media to attract more customers.

3. What should I do if my restaurant becomes overcrowded?

Monitor wait times closely, adjust staffing levels, and offer flexible seating arrangements to prevent overcrowding. Clear signage and a well-organized flow can also help manage crowds.

4. How do I prepare my restaurant for FIFA 2026?

Start by optimizing your staffing schedule, simplifying your menu, upgrading technology, and preparing for takeout and delivery. Creating promotions and enhancing the customer experience will also attract more guests.