Whether it’s the food trucks that line every street corner, or your coworkers posting pictures of their delicious office lunches on social media, it seems like catering companies are everywhere. The good news for your business is that this growing momentum means a bigger market for corporate catering services.
For restaurants, catering is one of the most lucrative revenue streams available. And as the workplace continues to evolve, catering to corporate customers is more important than ever. As a result, many restaurants are expanding their catering offerings and hiring new employees to meet this demand. But before you can get started, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of full service catering.
Full service catering offers a turnkey experience, including meal preparation, delivery, setup, and cleanup. The pricing structure varies depending on the level of service and the type of event, but can be as low as $15 per person. Some caterers also offer a la carte options that allow customers to customize their order and select items they want for each of their guests.
Another factor that influences price is the season in which you’re planning your event. Peak-season events (usually during the summer and around holidays) will typically cost more than off-season events. Additionally, weekend events tend to cost more than weekday events. This is because the caterer will need to pay extra staff to cover more shifts on those days.
Once you’ve determined how much to charge for your catering services, it’s time to think about other expenses. In addition to the actual costs of the food, there may be additional fees like a deposit or setup fee. You’ll also need to consider whether you’ll need plates, cups, silverware, or a small heat source to keep hot dishes warm. It’s important to clarify all of these details when making a reservation to avoid any surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.
Corporate catering can be a great way to boost employee morale and increase productivity. By providing employees with a convenient option for on-site meals, you can reduce the need to leave the office for lunch and focus on more important tasks. Additionally, it’s a great way to build team relationships and improve collaboration.
While full service corporate catering can be more expensive than QSR or eat-in catering, it’s often worth the investment in terms of convenience and quality. In addition to delivering the food itself, it’s important for catering companies to provide excellent customer service and to be flexible with their customers.
With features like House Accounts for flexible payments, Prep Sheets for efficient planning, Delivery Dispatch for operational efficiency, and DeliverThat for white-glove delivery service, Lunchbox is uniquely positioned to help restaurants take advantage of this lucrative opportunity and grow their catering business. With a robust CRM, it’s easier than ever to track catering data and action it to drive growth and retention. To learn more about how to boost your catering business, schedule a free consultation with our Lunchbox team today!