December is the busiest month for San Antonio restaurants. Holiday parties, family dinners, date nights, tourist crowds on the River Walk…everyone is eating out.
But here’s the catch: with more demand comes more competition. Every restaurant in town is vying for attention. Your Google Business Profile is where most people will find you (or find your competitor instead).
Let’s make sure your profile is working as hard as you are.
Set Your Holiday Hours Immediately
Nothing kills trust like driving to a restaurant that Google says is open, only to find it closed. Set your special hours for:
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve (especially if you have extended hours or a special event)
- New Year’s Day
- Any days you’re closed for private events or staff breaks
Google lets you set special hours for specific dates without changing your regular hours. This takes 5 minutes and prevents frustrated customers…and the 1-star review they’ll leave about it. If you need a refresher on seasonal GBP management, our guide to restaurant profiles during summer tourist season covers the same principles for a different time of year.
Publish Holiday-Specific Posts
Write Google Posts about your holiday offerings:
- “Join us for our annual Christmas Eve dinner…three courses, live music, complimentary champagne toast. Reserve now.”
- “Holiday catering available! Let us handle the food for your office party. Order by December 15.”
- “New Year’s Eve at [Your Restaurant]…prix fixe menu, midnight countdown, and the best view of the River Walk.”
Include a photo with each post. A beautifully set holiday table, a seasonal cocktail, your staff in festive attire. These posts show up directly on your profile and in search results.
Respond to Every December Review
During the holidays, review volume increases. People are in a festive mood and more likely to leave reviews…both positive and negative. Stay on top of them:
- Thank positive reviewers warmly and personally
- Address negative reviews quickly and professionally
- Reference specific details from their visit when possible
“Thank you, Sofia! We’re so glad your family enjoyed the posole. See you again soon…and feliz Navidad!”
This isn’t just customer service. It’s marketing. Every response is read by future customers deciding where to eat. We covered review strategy in our guide to holiday email marketing for restaurants, which pairs well with your GBP efforts.
Promote Gift Cards on Your Profile
Gift cards are one of the best revenue generators for restaurants during the holidays. Add a post about them:
“Still need a gift? A [Your Restaurant] gift card is always the right choice. Available in any amount…order in person or online.”
Link directly to your online gift card purchase page. Make it one click from your Google profile to a completed purchase. When January arrives, keep the momentum going with a strong local SEO strategy for the new year and content marketing that fills tables through spring.
Answer Common Holiday Questions
Use the Q&A feature on your profile to proactively answer what people ask in December:
- “Do you take reservations for large parties?” → Yes, we accommodate parties up to [number]. Call to reserve.
- “Do you have a private dining room?” → Yes, available for holiday events. Contact us for details.
- “Are you open on Christmas Day?” → [Your specific answer]
Your Google Business Profile is your digital front door. During the holidays, it should look as inviting as your actual restaurant. Need help keeping your online presence fresh? Visit our digital marketing products.