Making the Most of Catering at a Family Style Restaurant with a House Account

Catering is a great way to make a large family-style restaurant more profitable. Creating and managing a house account can allow restaurants to more easily facilitate catering requests, while also streamlining and simplifying the process. In order to make the most of this opportunity, it's important to understand the benefits and strategies associated with catering.

Benefits of Setting up a House Account

Setting up a house account for catering services helps to streamline the process for both the restaurant and the customer. This allows customers to easily place orders, make payments and track the progress of their orders. For the restaurant, it eliminates the need for manual billing and payment processing. Additionally, it makes it easier for the restaurant to track customer history and preferences, which can be used to customize catering packages for returning customers. This can also be used to maximize profits and streamline marketing efforts.

Having a house account also allows customers to save time and money. Customers can save time by not having to enter their payment information each time they place an order. They can also save money by taking advantage of discounts and loyalty programs offered by the restaurant. Furthermore, customers can benefit from the convenience of having their orders delivered directly to their door.

Types of Food Perfect for Catering

The type of food offered will depend on the specific restaurant but, generally speaking, family-style restaurants should focus on providing large portions of popular main dishes. This could include dishes such as lasagna, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, roasted chicken, and more. Side dishes should also be offered in large quantities. These could include salads, potatoes, vegetables, and other sides. It's also important to provide a variety of desserts that are easily transportable and can be served immediately.

When catering for large events, it is important to consider the dietary needs of guests. Offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options can help ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the food. Additionally, providing a selection of appetizers can help to keep guests satisfied while the main dishes are being prepared. Finally, it is important to provide a variety of beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages, to ensure that everyone is able to find something they enjoy.

Tips for Planning and Organizing a Catering Event

When planning a catering event, it's important to consider all the different elements involved. This includes selecting the menu, determining the number of guests, selecting the delivery method, and setting up a timeline for preparing and delivering the food. Additionally, it's important to account for any special requests that may be made by the customer. It's also helpful to have a plan in place for dealing with any potential issues that may arise.

It is also important to consider the cost of the event. Make sure to factor in the cost of the food, the cost of the delivery, and any additional costs associated with the event. Additionally, it is important to consider the budget of the customer and ensure that the event is within their budget. Finally, it is important to ensure that the event is properly staffed and that all necessary supplies are available.

How to Stay Within Budget when Catering

When catering for a family-style restaurant, it's important to stay within budget. The best way to do this is to plan ahead and create a detailed budget before the event begins. Additionally, it's important to look for ways to reduce costs by opting for cheaper ingredients or streamlining the menu. It can also be helpful to shop around for the best prices on ingredients or supplies.

It's also important to consider the cost of labor when creating a budget. Hiring experienced staff can help ensure that the event runs smoothly, but it can also add to the overall cost. To save money, consider hiring part-time or seasonal staff to help with the event. Additionally, it can be helpful to look for ways to reduce labor costs, such as using pre-prepared ingredients or having staff work in shifts.

Strategies for Maximizing Profits When Catering

In order to maximize profits when catering, it's important to look for ways to increase sales. This could include offering discounts or promotions to customers who order larger catering packages. Additionally, offering side dishes and desserts can help to boost profits. Furthermore, upselling additional menu items or services can be an effective way to maximize profits.

It is also important to consider the cost of ingredients when creating catering packages. By using locally sourced ingredients, catering businesses can save money and increase profits. Additionally, offering catering packages that are customizable can help to attract more customers and increase sales. Finally, creating relationships with local vendors can help to reduce costs and increase profits.

How to Ensure Quality Control with Catering Services

Ensuring quality control is essential when catering for a family-style restaurant. This requires having a set of procedures in place that are designed to ensure that food is being prepared according to best practices. These procedures should include monitoring food temperature, food safety protocols, and proper food handling techniques. Additionally, it's important to ensure that all staff are properly trained in food safety protocols.

It is also important to have a system in place to track and document any issues that arise during the catering process. This can include tracking customer complaints, food waste, and any other issues that may arise. Having a system in place to document these issues can help to identify any areas that need improvement and ensure that quality control is maintained.

What to Look for in a Caterer

When selecting a caterer for a family-style restaurant, it's important to choose someone who is reliable and experienced. This includes selecting someone who has a thorough understanding of food safety protocols, as well as a good knowledge of local health regulations. In addition, it's important to choose someone who has a good reputation for providing quality food and services. Finally, it's important to select someone who is willing to work within the budget.

When considering a caterer, it's also important to ask for references and read reviews. This will help to ensure that the caterer is experienced and reliable. Additionally, it's important to ask about the caterer's menu options and pricing. This will help to ensure that the caterer is able to provide the type of food and services that are desired, and that the pricing is within the budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Catering

When catering for a family-style restaurant, there are some common mistakes that should be avoided in order to ensure success. These include not properly communicating expectations to the caterer, not considering special dietary requirements, not taking into account food allergies or intolerances, not providing enough food or servings for all guests, not accounting for food waste, or not having a plan in place for dealing with unexpected situations.

It is also important to ensure that the caterer is aware of any special requests or needs that the guests may have. This could include providing vegetarian or vegan options, or accommodating guests with food allergies or intolerances. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the caterer is aware of any dietary restrictions that the guests may have, such as gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Finally, it is important to ensure that the caterer is aware of any food safety regulations that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of all guests.

Benefits of Working with an Experienced Caterer

Working with an experienced caterer can help a family-style restaurant achieve success when catering. Experienced caterers have a good understanding of food safety protocols, local health regulations, and customer expectations. They also have experience dealing with unexpected situations and can provide helpful advice on menu planning and cost-saving strategies. Additionally, they can provide valuable insights into customer preferences that can be used to create more personalized catering experiences.