February 2023

2023 American Holiday Guide: How to Navigate Time Off Requests

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June 19, 2024

In some countries, like Canada, there are specific rules and regulations regarding how much employers need to pay employees for certain holidays. In the US, things work a bit differently. The United States Congress has not passed a law that requires all businesses to close on specific days, although there are holidays that are listed in Title V of the United States Code that apply to federal institutions and federally owned properties – and top businesses tend to give employees extra pay on holidays, as well.


So, those ten federally observed holidays in the United States include:

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
  • Presidents' Day (Third Monday in February)
  • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day (First Monday in September)
  • Columbus Day (Second Monday in October)
  • Veterans Day (November 11)
  • Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
2023 USA federal holidays

In this article, we’ll give restaurant owners and managers some tips on how to handle time off requests during the holidays, while offering some pay guidelines to help make sure that your restaurant is well-staffed and ready.

Federal Law Doesn’t Require Employers to Pay Extra for Working on Holidays

Before we dive in, it should be noted that employers don’t technically have to pay their employees extra for working on holidays. Typically, holiday pay is referred to as “time-and-a-half,” which, as the name suggests, is typically 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked on federal holidays. Federal law doesn’t require employers in the United States to pay employees any extra for working on holidays.


The Federal government only has the power to create holidays for federal institutions. In terms of the law, it’s just another day. Furthermore, some of the busiest holidays aren’t even federally observed, as you’ll see below.

The Busiest Holidays for Restaurants

First, in order to plan appropriately, restaurant owners should have an idea of which holidays are the busiest. The National Restaurant Association has been carefully reviewing data for the past two decades on the busiest holidays for restaurants.

Here are the busiest holidays, in order, as well as the date that they’re observed in 2023:

  1. Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14, 2023)
  2. Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, February 14, 2023)
  3. Father’s Day (Sunday, June 18, 2023)
  4. New Year’s Eve (Sunday, December 31, 2023)
  5. Easter (Sunday, April 9, 2023)

So, if you’re a restaurant owner, it’s a good idea to jot down these holidays on your calendar and start planning appropriately. Our next section covers some helpful tips to help you navigate time off requests on these busy days.

A family sharing turkey to celebrate a USA holiday.

5 Tips for Managing Time-Off Requests During the Holidays

Choosing which workers get to take time off can be a stressful process, but there are things that you can do to make it as easy as possible for you and your team. Here are some strategies to help you set clear expectations and approach time off requests fairly.

1. First Come, First Served Holiday Requests

Wherever your workers go to get information – whether it’s a bulletin board or a website – make sure that they know how far in advance they can start scheduling off for the holidays. A good general guideline is to start these requests two months before the holiday and close the requests two weeks prior.


The most straightforward approach to handle time off requests is through a first-come, first-served basis. The employee who submits the request first will be granted the days off. Implementing this policy encourages staff to submit their leave requests well ahead of time, which can be advantageous for the company.

2. Seniority Based Time Off Requests

One approach that managers can use to handle time off requests is based on seniority. Establish a priority system where employees with longer tenure at the company are given preference. This means that the time off requests of more senior employees will be processed first and if the schedule allows, then the requests of less senior employees will be considered. 


This policy can reward loyalty to the company, but it’s important to consider other factors. Many workers see this system as unfair. If you have a few senior employees who request every holiday off, the newer employees may get frustrated and leave. If using the seniority approach, we recommend capping the amount of holidays any one person can request per year. 

3. Raffle-Based Time Off

Raffles can be a creative way for managers to handle time off requests, especially in cases where there are a large number of requests and limited available time off. In this approach, managers randomly select employees who have requested the same day off, only approving the winning names drawn.


This gives all employees an equal chance of having their request approved, regardless of seniority or any other factor. This approach is usually popular among employees as it generates excitement and anticipation, and adds an element of fun to the time off request process. However, it's important for managers to ensure that the raffle is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, and that all employees are aware of the rules and regulations involved.


Alternatively, to encourage employees to pick up additional shifts or go above and beyond, you can offer additional raffle ballots for completing certain tasks. For example, one extra ballot for every five star review when you are mentioned by name , or an extra ballot for every 3 shifts that you pick up. To boost team morale, you may even opt to allow team members to nominate one another for additional ballots when they provide coverage for other tables, run food, or handle a difficult customer. This encourages your staff to really work as a team and rewards top performers.

Two smiling restaurant servers helping each other on a busy holiday.

4. Assigning Holidays at the Beginning of the Year – And Letting Workers Trade

Assigning holidays at the beginning of the year sets clear expectations for your team, and allows each member to get at least one holiday off. Employees will know at the beginning of the year that they’re working Christmas – but they get Thanksgiving off. Additionally, let workers trade holidays with one another, if they so desire.


This prevents last minute requests, while giving the power to your staff to work it out themselves.

5. Financial Incentives for the Holidays

As the saying goes, "money talks". One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll always have enough workers for the holidays is to offer them financial incentives. Time-and-a-half is a great way to encourage your team to come in, and you won’t have to worry about no-shows or those last minute “sick” calls. According to research from Gallup, hourly workers are about 15% less satisfied than salaried workers with their time off and flexibility.


This offers managers an opportunity to set themselves apart from the competition and acquire top talent, while boosting overall team morale.

A restaurant manager handing out cash as an incentive to work on an American holiday.

Conclusion: American Holidays Managing Time Off Requests

When it comes to time-off requests for holidays, there are several approaches managers can take including: first-come first-serve, seniority, raffle-based, assigning holidays at the beginning of the year, or financial incentives. It's important for managers to establish expectations in advance, ensure fairness and transparency in the time-off request process, and have a system in place to keep track of scheduling.

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

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For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

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Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

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What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

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Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

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  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
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  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
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  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
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  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
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  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.
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Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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