The Secrets to Successful Catering

4 Min Read By Izzy Kharasch

A strong catering business can be a restaurant’s biggest moneymaker. You know exactly how many people you’re going to serve, how many portions will be provided, what the cost is, what you’re going to charge and what your net profit will be.

Most of the year, catering can comprise 10 to 15 percent of your total sales, but during December, if 20 percent of sales are not coming from catering, you’re missing an opportunity. Start contacting customers in August to plan for holiday parties, but spend the first half of the year honing your catering operation.

Just like everything else in hospitality, there are guidelines that make for more successful outcomes. Just about all of my customers cater, and these are a few of the tips that I usually provide. (And you’re getting them for free!).

Devote a section of your website to catering Offer a fixed-price catering menu inclusive of desserts Choose items that will travel well Make sure customers get everything they need Avoid…