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Close Venue ​

Temporarily or permanently close your venue.

Overview ​

Close your venue for holidays, maintenance, emergencies, or other reasons. Manage closures, prevent bookings, and communicate with customers professionally.

Accessing Venue Closures ​

Navigate to All Venues > Select your venue > Close Venue

Types of Closures ​

Temporary Closures ​

Holiday Closures

  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Easter
  • National holidays
  • Staff vacation
  • Seasonal breaks

Maintenance & Renovations

  • Refurbishment work
  • Equipment upgrades
  • Deep cleaning
  • Repairs
  • Remodeling
  • System upgrades

Private Events

  • Full venue buyout
  • Exclusive use
  • Corporate events
  • Weddings
  • Private functions

Emergency Closures

  • Equipment failure
  • Weather events
  • Power outages
  • Health & safety issues
  • Staff shortages
  • Unforeseen circumstances

Permanent Closures ​

Business Changes

  • Venue permanently closing
  • Ownership transfer
  • Concept change
  • Location closing
  • Business ending

Creating Closures ​

Single Day Closure ​

Close for specific date:

  1. Go to Close Venue
  2. Click Create Closure
  3. Select date
  4. Click All Day or set times
  5. Choose closure type
  6. Add reason (internal note)
  7. Add public message (optional)
  8. Enable customer notifications
  9. Save closure

Date Range Closures ​

Close for multiple consecutive days:

  1. Click Create Closure
  2. Select Date Range
  3. Choose start date
  4. Choose end date
  5. Set closure type
  6. Add details
  7. Configure notifications
  8. Save closure

Recurring Closures ​

Set regular closure patterns:

Weekly

  • Closed every Monday
  • Closed Sunday/Monday
  • Closed for lunch daily
  • Closed specific day each week

Monthly

  • First Monday each month
  • Last Sunday each month
  • Specific date pattern
  • Deep cleaning schedules

Annual

  • Same dates every year
  • Holiday patterns
  • Seasonal closures
  • Traditional breaks

Partial Day Closures ​

Close specific times:

Morning/Lunch

  • Open for dinner only
  • Closed until 5:00 PM
  • Evening service only

Evening/Late

  • Close early
  • Lunch only
  • Special hours
  • Reduced service

Closure Settings ​

Booking Management ​

Block All Bookings

  • No reservations accepted
  • Calendar unavailable
  • Prevents customer bookings
  • Standard for full closures

Accept Existing Only

  • Honor confirmed bookings
  • No new reservations
  • Phased closure
  • Private events

Waitlist Enabled

  • Allow waitlist sign-ups
  • Notify if reopening early
  • Capture interested customers
  • Flexibility

Customer Communication ​

Automatic Notifications

Enable for:

  • Customers with existing bookings
  • Subscribers (optional)
  • Waitlist members
  • Recent customers (optional)

Notification Timing

  • Immediate (emergencies)
  • 1 week advance (standard)
  • 2-4 weeks (major closures)
  • As soon as decided

Message Content

Include:

  • Closure dates/times
  • Reason (brief)
  • Reopening date
  • Apology
  • Alternative suggestions
  • Contact information
  • Rebooking options

Public Messaging ​

Website Banner

  • Prominent display
  • Closure dates
  • Brief explanation
  • Reopening information

Platform Display

  • Shows on venue page
  • Calendar updated
  • Search results noted
  • Prevents attempted bookings

Social Media

  • Announcement posts
  • Story updates
  • Pinned post
  • Regular reminders

Communication Templates ​

Holiday Closure ​

We're Closed for Christmas

Our venue will be closed December 24-26 for the Christmas holiday. We'll reopen December 27 for regular service.

Thank you for your understanding, and happy holidays from our team!

Renovation Closure ​

Exciting Renovations Ahead

We're closing March 1-15 for renovations to enhance your dining experience. We'll emerge with a refreshed space and can't wait to welcome you back on March 16.

Existing reservations will be contacted individually. Thank you for your patience!

Emergency Closure ​

Temporary Closure Notice

Due to an unexpected equipment failure, we're temporarily closed while repairs are completed. We expect to reopen within 48 hours.

All affected reservations are being contacted. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Weather Closure ​

Closed Due to Weather

For the safety of our staff and customers, we're closed today due to severe weather conditions. We plan to reopen tomorrow, weather permitting.

Check our website and social media for updates. Stay safe!

Permanent Closure ​

Thank You for 10 Wonderful Years

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the permanent closure of [Venue Name] effective [Date]. Thank you for your support and memorable moments.

All outstanding reservations will receive full refunds. Gift cards can be redeemed until [Date].

Managing Affected Bookings ​

Automatic Actions ​

When closure is created:

  1. Identify Conflicts - Find overlapping reservations
  2. Cancel Bookings - Automatic cancellation
  3. Send Notifications - Email/SMS to customers
  4. Process Refunds - Automatic if deposits taken
  5. Update Calendar - Prevent new bookings

Customer Options ​

Offer alternatives:

Reschedule

  • Book alternative date
  • Priority access
  • Same table/time preference
  • Seamless rebooking

Full Refund

  • Return all payments
  • Quick processing
  • No penalties
  • Professional handling

Credit/Voucher

  • Store credit
  • Future use
  • Additional value (optional)
  • Extended validity

Alternative Venue

  • Sister location
  • Partner restaurant
  • Recommendations
  • Assistance booking

Emergency Closures ​

Rapid Response ​

For unexpected closures:

1. Assess Situation (0-30 minutes)

  • Determine severity
  • Estimate closure duration
  • Confirm no alternative
  • Make decision

2. Update System (30-60 minutes)

  • Create closure immediately
  • Block all bookings
  • Set tentative reopen date
  • Enable urgent notifications

3. Notify Customers (1-2 hours)

  • Send mass notification
  • Contact today's bookings by phone
  • Update website
  • Post on social media

4. Handle Inquiries (ongoing)

  • Dedicated phone coverage
  • Email responses
  • Social media monitoring
  • Clear communication

5. Follow Up (after resolution)

  • Announce reopening
  • Thank customers for understanding
  • Offer incentives (optional)
  • Rebuild confidence

Common Emergencies ​

Power Outage

  • Cannot operate safely
  • Food safety concerns
  • Close immediately
  • Update when power restored

Gas/Water Issues

  • Kitchen cannot function
  • Health & safety priority
  • Close until repaired
  • Communicate timeline

Health Department Order

  • Legal requirement
  • Close immediately
  • Full compliance
  • Reopen when cleared

Severe Weather

  • Staff safety priority
  • Customer safety concern
  • Preemptive closure
  • Monitor conditions

Staff Shortage

  • Sudden illness
  • Emergency situations
  • Cannot serve safely
  • Protect reputation

Planned Maintenance ​

Scheduling Wisely ​

Choose Slow Periods

  • Off-season
  • Quieter days (Monday/Tuesday)
  • Post-holiday lulls
  • Between peak seasons

Advance Planning

  • 4-8 weeks notice minimum
  • Book contractors early
  • Order materials
  • Notify customers
  • Build anticipation

Minimize Duration

  • Efficient scheduling
  • Coordinate contractors
  • Minimize downtime
  • Realistic timelines
  • Buffer time included

Renovation Communications ​

Before Closure

  • Announce plans
  • Show excitement
  • Share vision
  • Final service date
  • Booking rush opportunity

During Closure

  • Progress updates
  • Behind-scenes content
  • Sneak peeks
  • Maintain engagement
  • Staff updates

Reopening

  • Big announcement
  • Grand reopening event
  • Special offers
  • Media coverage
  • Celebration

Holiday Planning ​

Annual Holiday Schedule ​

Set recurring closures:

Common Holidays

  • New Year's Day
  • Independence Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day
  • Local holidays

Industry Standards

  • Check local customs
  • Competitor practices
  • Customer expectations
  • Staff preferences

Strategic Decisions

  • Holiday premium service vs. closure
  • Special event opportunities
  • Triple revenue potential vs. staff time off
  • Work-life balance

Advance Notice ​

Holiday closure planning:

3-6 Months Advance

  • Set major holiday closures
  • Enable in system
  • Calendar blocks
  • Staff planning

2-3 Months Advance

  • Public announcement
  • Website updates
  • Email campaigns
  • Social media posts

1 Month Advance

  • Reminders
  • Last booking opportunities
  • Alternative dates
  • Finalizing plans

Private Event Closures ​

Full Venue Buyout ​

When closing for private events:

Booking Process

  1. Private event inquiry
  2. Confirm full closure acceptable
  3. Check public bookings
  4. Create venue closure
  5. Process existing bookings
  6. Finalize private booking

Communication

To public customers:

  • "Closed for private event"
  • No specific details needed
  • Alternative dates offered
  • Professional and brief

Timing Considerations

  • Minimum advance notice to public
  • Compensate displaced bookings
  • Balance public vs. private revenue
  • Reputation management

Permanent Closure ​

Final Shutdown ​

If closing permanently:

Legal Requirements

  • Notice to authorities
  • Staff termination process
  • Lease obligations
  • Supplier contracts
  • Legal compliance

Customer Obligations

  • Cancel all future bookings
  • Process all refunds
  • Honor gift cards/vouchers
  • Outstanding obligations
  • Professional communication

Communication Plan

  • Formal announcement
  • Personal messages to regulars
  • Media statement
  • Social media
  • Website notice
  • Final service dates

Final Service

  • Last day of operation
  • Special farewell event
  • Thank loyal customers
  • Staff appreciation
  • Graceful exit

Reopening ​

Preparation ​

Before reopening:

Operational Readiness

  • All repairs completed
  • Equipment tested
  • Staff trained
  • Inventory stocked
  • licenses current
  • Health inspections passed

System Updates

  • Remove closure
  • Enable bookings
  • Update calendar
  • Test booking system
  • Verify notifications

Marketing

  • Reopening announcement
  • Special promotions
  • Media outreach
  • Social media buzz
  • Email campaigns

Soft Reopening ​

Consider gradual return:

Soft Opening

  • Limited hours initially
  • Reduced capacity
  • Staff training period
  • Work out issues
  • Build confidence

Grand Reopening

  • Full capacity
  • Special event
  • Media invited
  • Promotional offers
  • Celebration atmosphere

Best Practices ​

Planning Closures ​

  1. Advance Planning - Maximum notice to customers
  2. Strategic Timing - Choose slow periods
  3. Clear Communication - Transparent and honest
  4. Alternative Solutions - Offer options
  5. Professional Handling - Respectful to customers

Customer Service ​

  1. Apologize Sincerely - Even if unavoidable
  2. Provide Options - Reschedule, refund, alternatives
  3. Process Quickly - Fast refunds, easy rebooking
  4. Stay Positive - Enthusiastic about reopening
  5. Follow Up - Check customer satisfaction

Communication Excellence ​

  1. Timely Notifications - Don't delay announcements
  2. Multiple Channels - Reach all customers
  3. Consistent Messaging - Same information everywhere
  4. Contact Availability - Easy to reach for questions
  5. Update Regularly - Status changes communicated

Reporting & Analytics ​

Track Closures ​

Monitor venue closures:

Frequency

  • Days closed per month/year
  • Planned vs. emergency
  • Reasons for closures
  • Duration patterns

Financial Impact

  • Revenue lost
  • Cost of closure
  • Renovation ROI
  • Customer impact

Customer Impact

  • Bookings affected
  • Cancellation sentiment
  • Return rate
  • Complaints/concerns

Optimization ​

Use data to:

  • Choose best closure dates
  • Minimize customer impact
  • Plan efficient maintenance
  • Improve scheduling
  • Reduce emergencies

Troubleshooting ​

Frequent Closures ​

If closing too often:

Identify Root Causes

  • Equipment reliability
  • Maintenance schedule
  • Operational issues
  • Management problems

Solutions

  • Preventive maintenance
  • Equipment upgrades
  • Better planning
  • Operational improvements
  • Financial investment

Customer Backlash ​

Managing negative reactions:

  • Acknowledge frustration
  • Explain necessity
  • Offer compensation
  • Provide alternatives
  • Rebuild trust
  • Learn from feedback

Booking System Issues ​

If closures not blocking bookings:

  • Check closure settings
  • Verify dates/times
  • System refresh
  • Contact support
  • Manual monitoring
  • Prevent overbooking

Staff Impact ​

Closures affect staff income:

  • Communicate early
  • Fair scheduling
  • Alternative work if possible
  • Understanding and support
  • Consider compensation
  • Maintain morale

Support ​

Need help with venue closures?

Customer Impact

Frequent or unexpected closures can damage customer trust and loyalty. Plan carefully and communicate professionally.