As a caterer, you are one of the most important elements of a successful event. It's a good feeling to be indispensable but this also means that you need to perform at the highest level every time. This is the only way to ensure repeat business, as competition is high. Want to position yourself as the number one catering expert in your region? Follow our tips to make sure your next event is a roaring success.
Get the most out of your catering business with these three tips
Tip 1: know your customers and their guests
As a caterer, you play an essential role in the most memorable moments of your customers’ lives. Whether it's a wedding, communion party or birthday party: every special occasion calls for delicious food and exceptional hospitality. It's therefore crucial that you understand the needs and wishes of your customers and their guests. Armed with this knowledge, you can perfectly meet their expectations and contribute to the success of their party.
Therefore, you should start every project with a lengthy discussion. Ask open questions to discover their needs, preferences and any dietary limitations. Enquire about their favourite dishes, positive and negative experiences in the past, the atmosphere they wish to create and what they need help with. Pay close attention to the small details in their answers. Customers often unknowingly give subtle hints about what they find important.
Tip: before the meeting give your customers a list with various options. This gives them the time to think about what they really care about. Also, it positions you as an expert because it gives off a professional impression.
After the introduction, invite your customers for a tasting session to try different dishes and sample your service style. It's the perfect moment for them to give feedback and for you to implement any changes. Don't forget to offer gluten free, lactose free, vegan and halal options to cater to the dietary preferences of your customers and their guests.
Extra tip: create customer files in which you record the preferences of your customers and any other important information about them.. Then you can immediately cater to their needs if they hire you again later. Loyal customers deserve only the best service and a feeling of recognition is an important part of that.
Extra advice:
Tip 2: create a unique offering
As a caterer, you can create a unique offering in many different ways. Customers are not only choosing you for your food but also for your service, so there are many ways to differentiate yourself and make a good impression on your customers and their guests. Some examples:
Personalise your menu
Offer customisable menus. Give customers the option to adapt dishes to their personal tastes or dietary preferences. A personalised menu creates a unique experience and makes your offering more special.
Focus on local and seasonal ingredients
Work with local suppliers and choose seasonal ingredients. It's not only sustainable but also gives your menu an authentic flavour experience. Fresh, local ingredients give your dishes a story that will capture your customers’ imaginations and are better for your food cost percentage.
Develop a unique dish
Create a special dish that can be found nowhere else. This could be an innovative dessert, a unique main course or a special way of preparing the food that differentiates you from the competition. Make this dish your business card. For this, you'll need to hone your recipe development.
Adapt to trends without losing your identity
Be aware of culinary trends, like plant-based dining or fusion dishes and integrate them into your offering. Make sure that these trends are compatible with your brand identity and the wishes of your customers.
Tip: read all about food trends here.
Offer exclusive packages
Combine your catering services with unique concepts like themed evenings, culinary workshops and a private chef service. This way you can offer customers more than just food: an unforgettable experience.
Invest in presentation and styling
The way you serve your dishes makes all the difference. Take the time to perfect your food presentation and the atmosphere in which it is served. Visual appeal makes your offering more memorable. Here we tell you all about how to present your desserts.
Create a flexible and customisable range
Create packages that customers can customise to their liking. Offer options for different portion sizes, dietary restrictions or combinations of dishes. This flexibility will make your offering attractive to a wide range of events.
Sustainable and socially responsible
Integrate sustainable practices into your catering company: for example, limit food waste and use compostable packaging. Customers value companies that are consciously trying to reduce their impact on the environment and this can be a unique selling point for your brand. Sustainable entrepreneurship in hospitality is a hot topic.
With this approach, you can create a range that not only meets the specific needs of your customers but also leaves a lasting impression due to your originality, creativity and well-thought-out execution.
Tip 3: make sure you have enough staff
Efficient service is crucial for every event. As a caterer, it's your responsibility to ensure you have enough staff to make sure each task is carried out on time, effectively and with a smile. Some benefits of having enough helping hands:
Optimal customer experience
Flexibility in case of unexpected situations and peak times
Less chance of mistakes
A calm and organised workplace for your team
Professional impression
In short, by having enough staff members on hand, you not only guarantee the quality of your service but also create a smooth customer and guest experience which will lead to satisfied and loyal customers.
An efficient range with the products from LLBG
Want to expand your range with products that are done in an instant? Take a look at La Lorraine Bakery Group's (frozen) product range. Bread products, viennoiserie, patisserie, savoury snacks, sweet snacks... Discover the flavours of LLBG and optimise your range.
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