31 Oct Why Catering Should Be a Part of Your Restaurant Plan

If you own a restaurant, you likely understand the importance of serving quality food and creating a memorable dining experience. But if catering isn’t already a part of your business strategy, you may be leaving money on the table—literally. Adding catering services to your restaurant plan not only diversifies your revenue streams but also helps expand your brand, reach new customers, and optimize your kitchen during off-peak hours. Here’s why catering should be an essential part of your restaurant’s growth strategy.

1. Diversified Revenue Streams

Offering catering services provides your restaurant with an additional income source. This diversification is especially useful during slower seasons when foot traffic in your dining room may decline. For example, the holidays are a prime time for catering, whether it’s for corporate events, family gatherings, or festive parties. By catering, you can tap into a market that brings in large orders and ensures you maintain steady cash flow year-round. 

2. Boost Brand Visibility

Catering events serve as powerful marketing opportunities. Whether it’s a corporate lunch, a wedding, or a community event, catered meals help you reach people who may not have previously heard of your restaurant. Every meal served at a catered event can be a potential introduction to a new customer. Plus, if the food is memorable, attendees will likely spread the word or even visit your restaurant later. 

Think of catering as a ‘try before you buy’ for all of your clients’ guests – a way to make a memorable experience & powerful sense memory they will remember the next time they are looking for a catering service or a tasty night out with the family.

3. Increase Customer Loyalty

Providing catering services enhances customer satisfaction by offering convenience. Your regular diners may already love your food, and when they have an event, being able to rely on your catering saves them the hassle of searching for another service. By offering seamless, high-quality catering, you’re giving your loyal customers more reasons to stay connected to your brand and recommend you to others.

4. Optimize Kitchen Efficiency

Running a restaurant often comes with non-peak hours in which the kitchen isn’t operating at full capacity. Catering allows you to use this downtime more effectively by preparing bulk orders that can be done ahead of time. This not only makes your kitchen more efficient but also maximizes the use of your staff and equipment. On the days your dining room isn’t packed, you can still be fulfilling catering orders to keep the kitchen buzzing & revenue coming in.

5. Attract Corporate Clients

The corporate sector is a goldmine for catering opportunities. Companies regularly host meetings, training sessions, and events that require quality meals. By offering catering services, you can tap into a lucrative market that provides consistent, large-volume orders. Corporate clients also tend to be repeat customers, as they frequently host similar events, meaning you can create long-term business relationships.

6. Expand Menu Offerings

Catering allows you to experiment with new menu items that might not be ideal for regular dining service. You can tailor specific dishes for larger groups or themed events, giving you the freedom to innovate. This is also an excellent way to test out new dishes with a diverse audience before introducing them into your restaurant’s regular menu.

7. Leverage Online Ordering for Catering

In today’s digital age, online ordering is key. Many restaurants already offer online ordering for takeout or delivery, but adding an option for catering can significantly boost orders. With the right marketing and user-friendly platforms, customers can easily place large orders for events directly from your website. This streamlines the process, making it convenient for both you and your customers, while also capturing more sales.

8. Increase Word-of-Mouth Marketing

A catered event gives you a captive audience to impress. If you provide high-quality service and delicious food, people will talk about it. Word-of-mouth marketing is still one of the most effective forms of advertising, and catering helps generate that buzz. From social media shout-outs to glowing reviews, this aspect allows you to build a positive reputation with a broader audience & potential new clients.

9. Stay Competitive in Your Market

In the competitive restaurant industry, you need to stand out. Offering catering services sets you apart from competitors who don’t. Many customers look for restaurants that can provide a one-stop solution for both dining out and events. By expanding your services, you become a go-to option for various occasions, from family dinners to large-scale corporate events.

10. Increase Profit Margins

While restaurant service is often constrained by seat availability and dining hours, catering is not limited in the same way. You can cater multiple events in a single day and serve larger groups, which naturally increases your profit margins. Additionally, it allows you to sell items in bulk and charge for the added services of delivery, setup, and sometimes staffing, further boosting your bottom line.

Don’t Wait to Add Catering to Your Menu

Incorporating catering into your restaurant plan is a smart business move that offers numerous benefits. From increasing revenue and brand visibility to optimizing your kitchen and attracting loyal customers, catering helps restaurants thrive in today’s competitive market amongst. If you haven’t already, now is the time to explore how it can enhance your business model and fuel future growth.

If you’re ready to add catering to your restaurant’s offerings, start by creating a plan that leverages your current strengths, menu items, and customer base. With the right strategy, catering can be a win-win for your business and your customers.

Need guidance on how to incorporate this aspect into your digital marketing presence? We can help! Contact us today for a free consultation and a few tips to help your business grow.