Huddle House is known for its down-home breakfasts and all-day menu of comforting favorites. But that’s not the only reason Christmas is the busiest day of the year for the Atlanta-based family-dining chain.
“We’re also known for our warm atmosphere and friendly service, and guests embrace the restaurants as part of their community,” said Jorge Pederzini, VP of marketing for Huddle House. “For many, it has become a tradition to gather at their neighborhood Huddle House on Christmas day.”
Most of the chain’s nearly 300 units, located primarily in the Southeast and Texas, have traditionally stayed open on Dec. 25, and many are decked out in their holiday best with plenty of decorations. Close competitors, including Cracker Barrel and most Denny’s, are closing on Christmas this year, although Shoney’s will start serving at 11 a.m.
But customers can come into Huddle House as early as 6 a.m. or soon after they get out of their pajamas on Christmas morning. For late risers, breakfast is served all day.
The generous portions and wide selection are a draw, with signatures like the Big House Breakfast (three eggs, crispy hashbrowns or fruit, biscuit with sausage gravy or homestyle grits, toast or biscuit, and choice of bacon, country sausage or turkey sausage) and the best-selling MVP or “Most Valuable Platter” (choice of waffle or buttermilk pancake along with most options in the Big House.) Sweet Cake (Pancake) Platters, Waffle Platters and Stuffed Hashbrowns are other customer favorites, said Pederzini. For the holiday season, two breakfast LTOs are on offer, too: Prime Rib Tips Stuffed Hashbrowns and a Prime Rib Tips Omelet.
Although Pederzini couldn’t quantify “busy” with data, the company bases it in terms of transactions, customer count and sales. The average check is typically higher on Christmas because people are in a festive mood and order more, he added. Mother’s Day is the next busiest day for the chain.
POP is positioned in stores to let guests know the restaurants are open on Christmas.
Huddle House does some marketing around the holiday, mostly to remind guests that the restaurants are open all day on Christmas. “We send out the message to our email list, create social posts and develop POP materials to put in our stores,” said Pederzini.
Most Huddle House units are operated by franchisees, but managers work out incentives with the staff to work on Dec. 25, if needed. But according to Pederzini, “many servers are long-time employees and know their customers well. They’re very proud that Huddle House is a gathering place for the community.”
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