Should You Start Catering?
Developing a successful catering program for your restaurant or business requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps to take when developing your catering program:
Determine your target market - The first step in developing a successful catering program is to determine your target market. This will help you understand the needs and preferences of your potential customers and tailor your menu and services accordingly. Specifically, determine the type of events and clients you want to target, such as corporate events, weddings, or private parties.
Develop a menu - Develop a catering menu that is both appealing and profitable. Consider offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Consider offering customizable options to meet specific requests.
Invest in the right equipment - Investing in the right equipment is essential to delivering quality food and service. Your existing kitchen may be able to produce the food for the event, but transport and off-premise service require entirely different tools. This may include investing in specialized equipment such as chafing dishes, portable ovens, and warming trays. This can help ensure the food stays at the proper temperature and is presented well.
Hire the right staff - Hiring the right staff is crucial to delivering quality service. Consider hiring experienced catering staff who are trained in food handling, service, and event management is ideal; but don’t overlook your existing staff who may relish the idea of participating in a new venture. Either way, if you plan to do catering and run the restaurant at the same time, it will require more staff.
Promote your catering program - Promote your catering program through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and advertising. Offer discounts or specials to encourage customers to try your catering services.
Focus on presentation - The way your food is presented can have a big impact on how it is perceived. Focus on presentation by using high-quality serving dishes, platters, and utensils.
Provide excellent customer service - Providing excellent customer service is key to building a loyal customer base. Ensure that your staff is trained to provide friendly and professional service and respond quickly to customer inquiries and concerns. Making sure to have a single point of contact for your customers is of the utmost importance. Initially this may be one of the host staff, or a shift manager; but with a successful program it will grow into a position of it’s own.
Monitor and evaluate - Continuously monitor and evaluate your catering program to identify areas for improvement and ensure it aligns with your overall business goals.
By following these steps, you can develop a successful catering program that meets the needs of your target market and delivers quality food and service.
Hiring a consultant in this area, whether to start a new venture or review your existing services, is an excellent way to enhance your business with minimal risk.
