How Gift Cards Can Help Restaurants Drive More Holiday Orders

The holiday rush is here; kitchens are buzzing, customers are queuing, and your team’s probably surviving on caffeine and Christmas cheer. But while orders pile in, there’s one powerful revenue tool many restaurants overlook: gift cards. 

They’re not just digital stocking fillers; they’re a smart, profitable way to bring in extra sales, attract new customers, and keep them coming back long after the festive lights are down.

Let’s explore how restaurant gift cards can help you make the most of the holidays and turn the festive spirit into real, measurable business growth. 

Why Gift Cards Matter for Restaurants

Gift cards are more than a convenience; they’re a clever business strategy.

When a customer buys a gift card, it’s an instant cash injection for your restaurant and a chance to reach new guests who might never have found you otherwise. For diners, it’s a no-stress gift that feels thoughtful, flexible, and personal.

Here’s why they’re a win for your business:

• You receive revenue upfront, even before the meal is served.
• They act as built-in referrals, introducing new customers to your brand.
• They spark repeat orders, helping to build long-term loyalty.

And here’s a fun fact: Digital and e-gift cards represent the fastest-growing category, projected to expand at a CAGR of over 16% between 2025 and 2034, fuelled by the rising adoption of mobile payments and the surge in online shopping.

Gift Cards as a Holiday Sales Booster

The festive season is the perfect time to make gift cards part of your sales strategy. With people shopping for gifts, hosting parties, and planning family meals, restaurant and takeaway gift cards hit that sweet spot between easy gifting and meaningful experiences.

Each card purchased does double duty; it generates instant income and brings in a future customer. And when powered by Foodhub’s digital gift cards for restaurants, the process is even smoother.

Customers can instantly send a digital card to friends and family, who can then redeem it through your Foodhub listing. Every card is effectively a referral in disguise, helping your restaurant or takeaway reach a wider audience at zero extra cost.

What’s New with Foodhub Gift Cards

Foodhub’s new digital gift cards for restaurants and takeaways is designed to make gifting easier for customers and more profitable for you.

Here’s how it works for diners:

• Customers can buy digital gift cards directly from the Foodhub marketplace.
• They can then send them instantly to loved ones for birthdays, holidays, or “just because” moments.
• Recipients can redeem them easily when ordering their next meal online.

It’s simple, quick, and interactive, turning every purchase into an opportunity for engagement. For restaurants, it’s a new income stream with minimal effort and maximum visibility across the foodhub network.   

Pro Tip: Tips for Restaurants to Create a Successful Loyalty Program in 2025

Why Gift Cards Keep Paying Off After the Holidays

Gift cards aren’t just for Christmas; they’re the gift that keeps on giving. Once the festive season wraps up, those cards continue to drive footfall and online orders well into the new year. Here’s why:

• They encourage repeat visits: once a guest enjoys their first experience, they’re likely to return.
• They build loyalty: satisfied customers often repurchase or gift your cards again.
• They support long-term marketing: customer data from redemptions helps you tailor offers and campaigns.
• They boost word-of-mouth marketing: happy customers share their experience, effectively becoming your brand ambassadors.

With digital gift cards for restaurants, you’re not just boosting holiday sales; you’re investing in sustainable customer relationships.

How to Set Up Gift Cards with Foodhub

Getting started is incredibly simple. Foodhub’s system is designed for ease, not complexity.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Log into My Business Hub.
2. Activate the gift card feature.
3. Select your preferred card values.
4. Promote your new cards on your storefront, website, and social channels.

That’s it, no technical hassle, no special equipment, and no extra staff required. It’s the quickest way to create gift cards for restaurants that work effortlessly in the background.

Smart Ways to Market Your Gift Cards

Once your gift cards are live, spread the word! The more visibility they get, the faster they’ll start driving sales. 

Try these simple but effective ideas: 

• Feature them prominently on your Foodhub page and website.
• Launch festive promos like “Buy a £50 card, get an extra £10 for free.”
• Share posts about them on social media with holiday-themed visuals.
• Add QR codes for easy access on receipts, packaging, and table cards.
• Encourage your staff to mention them to dine-in guests.

The goal is to keep restaurant gift cards top of mind throughout the season and beyond.

Why Foodhub Gift Cards Stand Out

There’s no shortage of digital tools out there, but Foodhub keeps things refreshingly straightforward for restaurant owners.

Here’s what makes it a better choice:

• Zero commission fees: you keep every penny of your gift card revenue.
• Instant integration: works seamlessly with your existing Foodhub setup.
• Marketplace exposure: lets more customers discover your brand.
• Smooth redemption: customers can redeem their cards online without any trouble.

Foodhub’s gift card for restaurants helps you grow your business while staying in full control of your profits and customer relationships.

Wrapping It Up: Make Every Holiday Order Count

The festive period is all about giving, and gift cards let your restaurant be part of that generosity while boosting your bottom line. They help you reach new diners, build stronger loyalty, and drive more holiday restaurant sales, all without adding to your workload.

So don’t wait until the new year to make a change. Take advantage of the busiest time of the year to future-proof your growth. 

Ready to Get Started?

Partner with Foodhub and start your free trial today to activate digital gift cards for your restaurant. Make this holiday season your most profitable one yet, one gift card at a time.