The Real Cost of Trading on Public Holidays: Should Your Café or Restaurant Open?
- Ben Maher
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Public holidays can feel like a golden opportunity for hospitality businesses — packed streets, more foot traffic, and the chance to cash in while everyone else takes the day off.
But behind every big public holiday trading day is the real cost — higher wages, operational challenges, and the risk that after paying penalty rates, you might actually lose money.
So how do you decide if it’s worth opening your café or restaurant on a public holiday?
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and real costs — including current penalty rates for South East Queensland venues.
The Pros of Trading on Public Holidays
1. Increased Foot Traffic
Public holidays often bring out the locals and tourists looking for somewhere open. If other venues around you are closed, you can capture that demand.
2. Opportunity for Higher Sales
If your venue is in a high-traffic area or a tourist hotspot, trading can be a profitable move — especially if you have strong margins or a special public holiday menu.
3. Brand Visibility
Being open on a public holiday builds a reputation for reliability. Customers remember the places that saved their morning coffee run or brunch plans.
4. Extra Hours for Staff
Some staff appreciate the chance to pick up penalty rates and earn more in a short shift — if they’re willing and available.
The Cons of Trading on Public Holidays
1. Higher Wage Costs (Penalty Rates)
This is often the deal-breaker for many operators. The wage bill can stack up fast.
In South East Queensland, most hospitality businesses operate under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2020. Here’s what that means for public holiday rates:
Employee Type | Public Holiday Pay Rate | Notes |
Full-Time & Part-Time | 225% of base rate | 2.25 x base hourly rate |
Casual | 250% of base rate | 2.5 x base hourly rate (includes casual loading) |
Example:If your casual café staff usually earn $30/hour, you’ll be paying them $75/hour on a public holiday.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman – Hospitality Award
2. Staffing Challenges
Not all staff want to work public holidays — especially if it’s back-to-back with busy weekends. You may need to offer incentives or roster carefully to avoid burnout.
3. Customer Price Sensitivity
While you can charge a public holiday surcharge, some customers may push back or choose to dine elsewhere. Make sure your surcharge is clearly displayed to avoid complaints.
4. Operational Limitations
Suppliers may be closed. Deliveries may be delayed. Prep may be limited. This can affect menu availability and service flow.
How To Decide If You Should Open on a Public Holiday
Before committing to trade, ask yourself:
1. What Does My Data Say?
Look at previous public holidays. Were sales strong enough to offset wage costs? What was your average spend per head?
2. Do My Menu Margins Support Higher Costs?
Can you run a streamlined, high-margin menu for the day? Are your prices set up to absorb penalty rates?
3. Can I Staff It Without Hurting Team Culture?
Are your team happy to work? Is it worth the operational strain?
Bonus Tip: Consider a Public Holiday Menu
Many venues create a reduced or specialised public holiday menu focusing on high-margin items, faster prep, and lower labour intensity.
Think:
Brunch-only service
Pre-order platters
Set menu pricing
Surcharge clearly communicated
Final Thoughts
Public holidays can be a big opportunity for hospitality businesses — but only if the numbers stack up.
Knowing your costs, reviewing past sales, and having a menu strategy are key to making sure you’re not just busy — you’re profitable.
Need Help Crunching the Numbers?
This is exactly the kind of thing I help café and restaurant owners with.
Book a free 15-minute menu or venue review with me — we’ll talk through your public holiday strategy and find a way to make trading (or closing!) work for your business.
👉 Book here: bambamculinaryconsultants@gmail.com
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