Catering businesses can take many forms, from large hospitality venues to small-scale family run businesses, or the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and bars sector, the industry is huge! Although, there is one very common denominator regardless of the type of catering you provide - and that’s the level of competition!
Putting together a catering business designed for success takes lots of dedication and is a constant learning process. So, we’ve compiled this blog with help and advice on where you should focus your efforts to ensure your catering business maximises its full potential.
First impressions
Standing out from the crowd is a must if you want to make your catering business succeed. But as there are so many things to consider, it is likely some things may have slipped your attention. From the obvious things such as the food you serve, to the small details, such as sandwich packaging, everything around your catering business will be analysed. Likewise, how do you decide what focus should be a priority, given there are so many components to factor in?
Providing options that catch the eye is invaluable for any catering business. Essentially, your products and services are always going to be on show to the public, whether that is in a catering sense at a function such as a wedding or celebration party, or displayed in a restaurant or bar setting. First impressions are critical, and it is extremely important that your business is striking and memorable.
Presentation and buffet display
Perhaps your catering business provides hospitality services for weddings, and the potential business opportunities extends to a large number of guests. How your food tastes and how it is presented is going to determine how well received your business will be. If you usually serve buffets at functions, be sure to explore creative options around buffet display, as a striking aesthetic doesn’t have to just be limited to your food options.
Buffet display stands are a great way to show off your best gourmet creations, leaving guests at your function dazzled. Or, if you are providing a set menu, be sure to explore the wide-ranging array of cutlery and tablecloth options available on the market. In catering, presentation means everything, so explore relevant buffet display ideas online if you are struggling for new concepts that thrill and exhilarate your audience.
Having the right catering products
As each catering business differs, different tools and equipment will be required. There are a plethora of catering products available, and some are likely to be way more relevant to your business needs than others. Before each event, make a detailed list of all the equipment you have, and all the equipment you may need. There is always likely to be an item that you may forget, or that could come in handy depending on the type of catering you are providing.
If you’re a mobile catering business that generally operates at outdoor events like a gala or summer fayre for example, you will need to ensure you are appropriately stocked with disposables, such as throwaway cutlery, sandwich packaging or disposable cups and plates.
If you are running a kitchen, the constant upkeep of equipment and kitchen essentials may seem arduous, but there is great necessity to maintain this. Regular stock checks and orders are advised, or why not make a list of everything your business needs to always have stocked, so that you can track orders and ensure you are efficiently stocked.
Carry out an extensive inventory of all your current stock and highlight any gaps in equipment you may need. Ensuring your catering business is properly stocked and equipped ahead of the day of the event or service you are providing will minimise the potential for problems at the time of the event.
The commercial equipment should be able to deal with any level of catering you need to carry out. Conduct checks beforehand, either with a prior visit to the venue or if you are using your own equipment, test this out with plenty of time before so that you can make any contingency plans if you need to.
Finding your niche
Carving a niche is an obvious starting point for your catering business. As there are so many businesses that may have the same offering as you, how can you elevate your appeal and create a sense of anticipation and excitement around the services you provide?
It doesn’t have to be limited to the food or catering products you provide either, although quirky food options are always going to attract the attention of people who love trying something new. Perhaps there is a niche element to your branding that you can turn into an opportunity, in how you present and market your brand?
Or maybe there is an offering that others simply don’t provide, so promote that in the most effective way possible and you could transform the fortunes of your catering business.
Customer feedback
Like any good business, obtaining customer feedback is essential to help you grow and develop your catering services. Ensure there is a space online for customers to leave reviews, or why not be proactive and ask for feedback at the time of the event on the food, presentation and customer experience?
Extensive reviews that gauge opinions not just on the food but the customer experience of your business will help elevate your brand above many. The food is the centralised aspect of your offerings, but experience and presentation is becoming increasingly important as designs and concepts evolve constantly. Stay ahead of the curve and ahead of the competition!
Gauging how your product is received is vital, and listening to customer feedback and their ideas is key to growing your business and developing new or improved concepts. Equally, if something has worked wonderfully for your guests or customers, you’ll know what not to tinker with to ensure you maintain consistency for your business and brand.
Get your catering business supplies with Nobisco
As our blog has highlighted, there is a high level of detail and planning required to ensure your catering business runs smoothly and effectively. Making sure you have the correct equipment and stock levels are adequately maintained requires an efficient catering supplier that can deliver all the goods you need.
Nobisco prides itself on being the one-stop solution for all your catering needs. Find out more about how to place your orders using our online shop.
To speak with us directly, you can contact us by telephone, fax or by email, using the contact details below.
T: 0800 197 5656
F: 0121 328 2375
E: sales@nobisco.co.uk
Alternatively, why not fill in one of our contact forms, so that we can direct your query to that right area and provide the right solution for you.
