Do you constantly have customers asking if you can sponsor an office party, or something of that nature? Then offering a catering service might be a great thing for your restaurant! Catering services allow for customers to get the experience of your restaurant without having to actually visit your restaurant—and they’re still paying for it! Catering garners plenty of exposure for your restaurant because people who have never visited still get to try your food! Here are some things to think about when starting a catering service:
Professionalism
You want your catering service to be professional! Nothing screams unprofessional like being late or cold food. The employees you have dealing with customers should be taught how to communicate well on the phone, and in person. These employees should almost be event planners in the sense that they're detail oriented and will go the extra mile for customers in making sure everything is perfect.
Separate Ordering System
You may want to consider creating a catering ordering system separate from your regular ordering system. Someone who is placing a huge order for catering shouldn’t have to wait in line like your regular customers. If you have a separate system in place, you can give catering customers the attention they need without taking away from the customers in your restaurant.
Treat as a Marketing Opportunity
The experience you provide to your customers is in itself a form of marketing. While your catering menu may be slightly different from your regular menu, the experience should be the same. Experience aligns with brand identity, and catering can and should be something that gains repeat customers.
Catering services can add a ton of value to your restaurant, whether it is through word of mouth and repeat customers, to actually increasing profits. Remember, catering services and the employees that run catering services can speak for your brand outside of the physical restaurant, so you want to make sure they’re conveying your restaurant in the way you want!
