When it comes to a catering business, for it to not just survive but thrive, you need to make a mark. You know the drill: great food, stunning presentation, and that extra touch that turns a meal into an experience. But you’re not the only caterer in the catering industry who does all this—so what catering tips do you need to know to truly stand out and get recurring revenue?
Well, read on to ensure that as much as possible, it’s your name—and your menu—on everyone’s lips!
Catering Tips 1 of 5: Close Corporate Catering Clients—And Stay Friends With Them!
Out of the many catering tips for your next corporate event, here’s one to keep in mind. Why? Well:
- Corporate clients often host multiple events throughout the year, providing a steady stream of opportunities. Research corporate events and you’ll find plenty of variations: team buildings, awarding ceremonies, recognitions, Christmas parties, and so on. Imagine being able to cater for all those!
- Satisfied corporate clients are likely to recommend your services to other businesses and colleagues.
- Corporate events often have larger budgets, allowing for more creative and expansive catering options. Of course, they may have higher expectations as well, but I’m sure you’re more than able to meet that challenge!
- Catering for corporate events can increase your brand’s visibility among a wider, professional audience. That’s especially true since these events are great for networking, potentially leading to more business and partnerships. Of course, this means you need a team to do everything for you while you network and shake hands—don’t forget this part!
At the end of the day, you need leads and returning clients to survive—money, after all, is the lifeblood of all businesses. Corporate clients help you achieve that. By nurturing strong relationships with them, you’re doing more than just catering – you’re creating a supportive network for your business.
Catering Tips 2 of 5: Specialize In A Catering Style
If you read Chef Joey Prats’ spotlight in this blog, you’d know that one of the things he advocates for is focusing on one product. That way, you can go all in on creating the product and becoming known for it.
Well, guess what? You can apply the same concept to your catering. Specializing in a particular style or type of cuisine can set you apart from competitors.
Whether it’s gourmet, vegan, local cuisine, or themed events, having a niche makes your service unique and memorable. By specializing in a certain type of food or style, like gourmet, vegan, or local dishes, you become the go-to person for that special kind of catering. It’s a great way to draw in customers who want exactly what you offer and to build a name for yourself as the expert in your chosen area.
Catering Tips 3 of 5: Develop “Travel-Friendly” Food Selections And Solutions
One challenge when it comes to preparing food ahead of time is transportation. No one wants their beautifully prepared dishes to turn into a messy, unappetizing heap during the journey, agree? That’s why developing a menu with “travel-friendly” food selections is so important.
Here’s how to ensure your dishes remain appealing and delicious, even on the go:
- Opt for foods that can withstand travel to the event space without losing their appeal. Baked goods, casseroles, and sturdy salads are great choices.
- Select items that stay fresh at room temperature or can be easily reheated without compromising quality.
- Food safety is important! Use containers that protect the food, maintain food temperature (both hot and cold), and prevent cross-contamination and spills or messes during transport.
- Conduct trial runs to see how dishes fare during transport to the event space, adjusting recipes or packaging as needed.
- Ensure that the food still looks appetizing upon arrival, considering factors like sauce separation or garnish displacement.
- Design dishes that are easy to plate quickly and attractively at the event location, minimizing on-site prep work.
Remember, in catering, how your food travels is just as important as how it tastes! Considering these factors ensures that your food is always served at its best, leaving a lasting impression on your clients and their guests.
Catering Tips 4 of 5: Create Crisis Management Protocols
According to cvent, there are different types of caterers: front-facing caterers who help with setup and guest relations; catering chefs who stay in the kitchen; and catering managers who oversee the entire catering team of servers and cooks.
However, as the business owner, whether you prefer front-facing catering or staying in the kitchen as the catering chef, you’ll have to be prepared for any crisis that may arise. And yes, in the catering business, unexpected situations are bound to arise!
Here’s how you can create effective crisis management protocols to save the day:
- Understand the types of emergencies that could occur, such as food shortages, equipment malfunctions, or staffing issues.
- For each potential crisis, have a clear plan of action. This might include backup suppliers, extra equipment, or a pool of on-call staff.
- Ensure every team member knows their role in a crisis. Regular training sessions can help keep everyone prepared and confident.
- Establish clear lines of communication for quick and effective coordination during a crisis.
- Of course, don’t forget that as your business grows and changes, so should your crisis management plans. Regularly review and update them to ensure they remain effective.
By having solid crisis management protocols in place and being prepared for the unexpected, you show professionalism and can significantly enhance your reputation in the industry.
Catering Tips 5 of 5: Catering A+++ After Service
Out of all the catering tips here, this might be the most important.
You know what pro caterers do when they’re done with the event? They don’t just pack up and leave! They make sure that they have excellent after-service.
Here’s why and how to excel in after-service:
- Reach out to your clients to ask for their feedback. This shows that you care about their experience and are always looking to improve. Constructive feedback is invaluable for refining your service and menu.
- A simple thank you note or call to your clients can go a long way. It demonstrates your appreciation for their business and helps in building a lasting relationship.
- Use the follow-up as an opportunity to discuss future events. Inquire about any upcoming events they might be planning and how you can be a part of them. This proactive approach can secure future bookings.
- If your clients are happy with your service, ask them to refer you to others. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in the catering industry, and satisfied clients are often your best advocates. Try getting them on video talking about their experience with your company.
- Keep your clients in the loop about your new services, menus, or special offers. Regular, non-intrusive communication keeps you at the forefront of their minds for future catering needs.
- If a client has any complaints, address them promptly and professionally. How you handle issues can sometimes leave a more lasting impression than the service itself. Be as nice and graceful as possible, and remember that most people aren’t trying to be difficult; they just want someone to listen to them and give them a solution to their problem.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, these five catering tips are your roadmap to not just surviving but thriving in the competitive world of catering. By implementing these tips, you’re setting yourself up for success and longevity in the catering business. Remember, it’s not just about serving great food; it’s about creating an entire experience that resonates with your clients.
Ready to start your catering business but you don’t know where to start? Watch for my next blog post. I’ll be featuring some successful caterers, what they did, and how you can copy some of their methods to start a catering business of your own this 2024!
And before I go, I’d just like to remind you: don’t forget to sign up at The Bailiwick Academy for recipes you can use in any catering event!
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