Holiday menu trends 2025: What equipment dealers should stock this season

The holidays are here, and with them comes one of the biggest equipment-selling opportunities of the year.

From countertop ovens to hot beverage equipment and high-volume prep tools, operators are looking for ways to increase speed, expand their seasonal offerings, and handle higher foot traffic. But what exactly are customers asking their operators for right now? And how can equipment dealers stock, recommend, and position equipment that supports these seasonal menu trends?

Welcome to your 2025 holiday menu trends guide. A clear look at what operators are preparing, which menu categories are growing, and the equipment customers are most likely to need this season.

1. Warm, comforting classics are still king

Winter demand is driving operators toward nostalgic dishes that require consistent heat, reliable prep tools, and efficient batch production.

What operators are serving:

• Creamy soups and stews
• Roasted vegetables
• Slow-braised meats
• Gourmet grilled cheeses
• Classic holiday platters

What this means for dealers:

Comfort foods require equipment that holds heat well and can handle increased volume. Consider featuring or recommending items like soup kettles, stock pots, hot holding cabinets, convection ovens, combi ovens, and panini grills. These menu items rely on equipment that is simple, durable, and easy for staff to operate during peak season.

2. Holiday beverages are a high margin secret weapon

Seasonal drinks continue to drive big profits for coffee shops and restaurants, and operators often upgrade or add equipment to meet demand – a great reason to recommend Rent-Try-Buy.

Top holiday drink performers:

• Peppermint mochas
• Gingerbread lattes
• Spiced chai
• Maple or brown-butter seasonal coffees
• Signature hot chocolates
• Mulled cider or wine in dine-in settings

What this means for dealers:

High margin beverages often require espresso machines, blenders, grinders, hot chocolate dispensers, and flavour dispensing systems. Countertop beverage equipment also tends to be compact, making it an easy upsell for operators looking for quick wins during the holidays. This category is a strong opportunity to pair equipment with financing options, especially for operators looking for seasonal upgrades.

3. Baked goods and holiday treats are flying off shelves

Festive treats are in high demand, and operators are looking for reliable baking equipment to keep up with volume.

Customer favourites:

• Shortbread and sugar cookies
• Mini holiday tarts
• Croissants with seasonal fillings
• Yule logs
• Cinnamon pastries
• Gingerbread desserts
• Panettone, stollen, and other traditional breads

What this means for dealers:

Bakeries and cafes may need mixers, sheeters, proofers, convection ovens, and refrigerated display cases to maximize output and showcase seasonal products. These treats also lend themselves to batch production, making upgrades to speed or capacity especially appealing for operators during the holiday rush.

4. Shareable items are more popular than ever

Holiday dining means group orders, which require equipment that supports larger portions and family-style offerings.

High performing menu items:

• Charcuterie boards
• Slider trios
• Mezze platters
• Dessert boards
• Family-style pasta and entrées

What this means for dealers:

Operators may be seeking slicers, cold tables, prep counters, warming cabinets, and large capacity cookers. These menu items rely on prep space and efficient ingredients management, which is where equipment upgrades can make a noticeable difference.

5. Catering bundles and seasonal packs are driving growth

More families and businesses are placing holiday orders, which increases the need for reliable, high-volume equipment.

Popular offerings:

• Holiday dinner boxes
• Brunch kits
• Sandwich or pastry platters
• Office lunch bundles
• Take-and-bake meals

What this means for dealers:

Catering creates demand for holding cabinets, blast chillers, packaging stations, warming drawers, and transport-ready equipment. These items help operators maintain consistency and quality at scale, and many businesses look to invest right before the holiday rush.

6. Plant-forward holiday dishes are gaining momentum

Menus are evolving, creating new equipment needs for operators offering modern, inclusive dishes.

What operators are serving:

• Roasted vegetable mains
• Stuffed squash
• Cauliflower steaks
• Plant-based wellingtons
• Dairy-free seasonal desserts

What this means for dealers:

Plant-forward dishes often require equipment that supports roasting, grilling, and precision cooking. Convection ovens, combi ovens, griddles, and food processors are key tools operators may upgrade to meet growing demand.

7. Limited time exclusives drive urgency

Seasonal menu items create buzz and often push operators to add equipment that supports quick production of limited-time offerings.

Examples:

• A once-a-year signature dessert
• A seasonal latte flavour
• A festive sandwich or pastry
• A winter-only entrée

What this means for dealers:
Limited-time items often require equipment that is small footprint, fast, and efficient enough to justify a seasonal spike. Countertop fryers, induction burners, high speed ovens, and specialty drink equipment can help operators introduce holiday items without major kitchen reconfiguration.

How dealers can support operators this holiday season

Helping your customers take advantage of holiday demand does not have to be complicated.

A few ways dealers can make an impact:

• Showcase equipment that improves speed, consistency, and holiday volume
• Stock small footprint items that help operators expand menus without major renovations
• Use your sales knowledge to suggest equipment based on trending menu categories
• Offer bundles or pairings that make it easier for operators to prepare seasonal items
• Recommend financing through EconoLease for operators who want to upgrade without impacting cash flow

Sometimes even a single piece of equipment can unlock new seasonal revenue for your customers.

Final thoughts: Make this holiday season a win for you and your customers

The holidays are a major opportunity for operators and dealers alike. By understanding what menu items are trending and the equipment required to support them, dealers can provide real value, build stronger relationships, and increase sales.

And when your customers need new equipment to bring their holiday ideas to life, EconoLease is here with flexible financing designed to support fast moving hospitality businesses.

Interested in offering financing options that help your customers invest confidently this season? Connect with our team today.

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