Holidays can bring temporary adjustments that affect handover times, production schedules, or reschedules. Knowing what to expect helps you plan staffing and workflow so you can stay aligned and deliver consistentlyâwithout surprises.
Note: This information is only applicable for U.S. operations. Canada (Toronto) operates business as usual without modifications.
đ§ What Holidays Should You Plan Around?
Most U.S. holidays do not affect regular operationsâbut in cases where adjustments are needed, theyâre primarily driven by courier availability. Market size can also play a role in how reschedules are applied.
When changes happen, CookUnity prioritizes minimizing disruption for both your experience and the customerâsâaiming to maintain smooth operations and reliable delivery.
Hereâs a breakdown of key holidays to keep on your radar:
| Month | Holiday | Operational Notes |
| January |
New Yearâs Day (Jan 1) |
Part of a busy week with high demand. Operations usually stay open with adjusted schedules. Chefs are encouraged to fully participate. Small markets may vary. |
|
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Mon) |
Typically runs with normal schedules. | |
| February |
Presidentsâ Day (3rd Mon) |
Typically runs with normal schedules. |
| May |
Memorial Day (Last Mon) |
Operations continue, but volume may shiftâexpect busier production days before/after the holiday. |
| July |
Independence Day (July 4) |
Adjustments vary by market. Schedules may shift, but plan for business as usual unless otherwise notified. |
| September |
Labor Day (1st Mon) |
Normal operations in most markets, but production flow may change. Plan as if itâs a regular week unless told otherwise. |
| November |
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thu) |
No pause in operations. Kitchen schedule adjusts at start of the cycle. Expect 1â2 busier-than-normal production days due to volume redistribution. |
| December |
Christmas Day (Dec 25) |
One day (usually Dec 25) is closed. The rest of the week runs on a modified schedule. Volume redistribution will increase workload on surrounding days. |
đ What Adjustments Should You Expect?
Adjustments depend on market size and local logisticsâlarge and small markets may follow different plans. Hereâs what might change during holiday weeks:
- Handover times may shift temporarily
- If a holiday aligns with your Kitchen Day, operations typically continueâbut with a modified schedule
- Production may scale up or down based on demand and courier availability
- Volume redistribution may lead to busier-than-normal production days before or after the holiday
đŁ Youâll always be notified about reschedules and logistics changes at least 6 weeks in advance, so you can confirm availability and make any necessary updates before menu planning begins.
â How Should You Prepare?
- Review holiday updates carefully to see if your Kitchen Day or production schedule is impacted
- Confirm team availability earlyâtime-off is rarely approved during modified or peak weeks
- Modifications arenât allowed after menu lock, so plan ahead to ensure smooth execution
- Prepare for the extraordinary: consider overtime pay, incentives, or other support to keep your team staffed and motivatedâespecially during high-risk no-show periods
-
Stay flexible: some weeks may bring higher or lower volume depending on holiday timing and customer behavior
Final Thought:
By staying alert to holiday guidance and prepping ahead, youâll protect your operations and make the most of peak demand.
Consistent planning = consistent successâeven during the holidays.
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