Operator's Journal
Get Ready for the Iftar Rush: 8 Tips for Restaurants in Qatar
Most orders arrive in the same short window before and after Iftar. These simple steps help your team keep up.
Published byDashDine Editorial Team
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- Updated
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- 3 min read
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Why Iftar is different
During Ramadan, many orders arrive in a short window before and right after Iftar. Dine-in tables fill at the same moment. Delivery and pickup orders come all at once.
A few simple steps make that hour much calmer.
1. Build a short Ramadan menu
Fewer dishes mean faster cooking. Put your Iftar dishes and set meals at the top of the menu.
2. Use photos
Guests decide faster when they see the food. Add a clear photo to every Iftar dish.
3. Set limits for special dishes
If you make a fixed number of a special dish, set a limit per service. It shows sold out on its own when it runs out.
4. Let guests order by themselves
QR ordering at the table and a self-service kiosk at the counter take pressure off your staff when everyone arrives together.
5. Take pickup orders early
Share your online ordering link before Ramadan starts. Guests can order ahead for pickup and skip the line.
6. Plan your kitchen stations
Make sure each station sees only its dishes. The grill, the cold kitchen and drinks each work from their part of every order.
7. Know when to pause
If the kitchen falls behind, pause new orders from your own channels. Resume when you catch up. It is better than making guests wait an hour.
8. Close the day carefully
Ramadan days are long. Close each day with the Z-report and compare it with your cash and card totals.
A one-week plan before Ramadan
- Day 1: Write the short Ramadan menu and price it.
- Day 2: Take photos of the Iftar dishes.
- Day 3: Update the menu in Arabic and English, and set limits for special dishes.
- Day 4: Print table QR codes and test one order from each table type.
- Day 5: Share your ordering link on Instagram and WhatsApp.
- Day 6: Run a full practice service with your team.
- Day 7: Rest. The rush starts tomorrow.
After Ramadan
When Ramadan ends, look back at what happened. Open your reports and check:
- Which Iftar dishes sold the most
- Your peak hours, so you can plan staff next year
- How many orders came by QR, kiosk and online
Keep the dishes guests loved. Some of them can stay on your menu all year. Write down what you would change, so next Ramadan starts even better.
Ramadan Kareem
Plan ahead, keep the menu short and let your systems do the counting. Your team can focus on welcoming guests.