Author: Jeff Haselman, October 2025
Seasonality is a fact of life in many industries. Tourism, attractions, parks, resorts, and even food and beverage operations often see dramatic swings in foot traffic throughout the year. During slower months, operators face a critical challenge: how to manage labor costs while keeping the guest experience strong and revenue flowing.
The Seasonal Challenge
Seasonal fluctuations are not just anecdotal. Many venues experience predictable peaks during summer, holidays, and school breaks, followed by sharp valleys in the off-season. Restaurant and attraction operators frequently report shifts in demand tied to weather, tourism cycles, and event calendars; these swings are part of the operational reality.
Labor is often the biggest cost lever. In food service, a common benchmark is that labor should account for around 25 to 35 percent of total revenue. TimeForge notes that when revenue drops during off-peak periods, those labor percentages become unsustainable unless operators find ways to offset costs or unlock new revenue.
At the same time, expenses are rising across the board. The National Restaurant Association reports that food costs are up over 20 percent, and labor costs have risen more than 18 percent in recent years. Every dollar of revenue matters more than ever.
So how can you maintain margin and guest satisfaction without overstaffing or leaving revenue on the table?
Digital Ordering as a Strategic Lever
Digital ordering—whether through mobile apps, kiosks, web portals, or order-ahead solutions—offers a powerful buffer during slower seasons. Here’s how operators are using it to protect performance when volume drops.
Average digital orders tend to be higher because systems can recommend add-ons or bundles in ways that staff may not consistently deliver.
1. Capture Revenue Beyond Foot Traffic
When fewer people are onsite, digital ordering helps you serve those who prefer takeout, delivery, or quick pickup. HospitalityTech reports that about 67 percent of restaurant sales now happen off-premise.
Incentivio found that in some operations, over 50 percent of orders now come through digital channels.
That reach gives you a revenue cushion even when walk-in traffic slows.
2. Lower Labor Costs per Order
Digital orders require less manual work than traditional transactions. Guests handle tasks like browsing, customizing, and paying. As a result, frontline staff can focus on prep and fulfillment rather than taking orders.
Kiosk usage in particular is rising. According to Modern Restaurant Management, kiosk usage is up about 27 percent year-over-year.
This shift allows operators to consolidate staff functions and reduce the number of employees needed during slow shifts without compromising service.
3. Boost Average Check Size
Guests often spend more through digital channels. Retail Insider notes that average digital orders tend to be higher because systems can recommend add-ons or bundles in ways that staff may not consistently deliver.
When guest volume dips, increasing per-person spend becomes even more important—and digital interfaces make that easier. At Cinchio we see digital channels drive up to a 45% higher average order value than our traditional channels.
4. Improve Staffing and Forecasting
Digital platforms give you real-time data on order trends, helping you make better staffing and inventory decisions. With accurate demand forecasting, you can reduce overstaffing during slow windows while staying prepared for unexpected bumps in traffic.
Rather than relying on guesswork, operators can use real data to optimize shift schedules and reduce waste.
How to Make It Work
- Offer hybrid ordering through POS, kiosks, and mobile options
- Enable order-ahead functionality to allow guests to schedule pickups during off-hours
- Streamline digital menus during the off-season to focus on high-margin, low-waste items
- Integrate systems so that inventory, labor, and ordering work in sync
- Use promotions to drive demand during slow periods
- Monitor real-time dashboards to track performance and pivot as needed
Conclusion
Seasonal slowdowns are inevitable, but they do not have to be painful. By investing in digital ordering and aligning it with operations, you can reduce labor intensity, lift per-guest revenue, and keep your business resilient through every season.
McKinsey projects that food costs and operational complexity will remain high for the foreseeable future. Flexibility is no longer optional.
Digital ordering gives you that flexibility—helping you adapt, streamline, and grow, even when the crowds thin out.
Cinchio supports a wide range of seasonal operators across campgrounds, cultural attractions, and resort properties. Our digital ordering tools—including mobile, kiosk, and integrated POS workflows—help streamline staffing, reduce overhead, and keep revenue flowing year-round. Whether you’re ramping up for summer or scaling down in the off-season, Cinchio makes it easier to stay efficient without compromising the guest experience.
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