How to Use Restaurant Systems for Catering

Caterers, have you ever wondered if restaurant systems could work for you? Today, I want to address the question: "Do your systems work for catering companies?" The short answer is absolutely! But let's dive deeper into why restaurant systems are essential for any food and beverage business, including catering.

The fundamentals: restaurants and catering

Whether you're running a bustling restaurant or a thriving catering business, the fundamentals remain the same. At their core, both operations need to deliver quality food, provide exceptional service, and maintain profitability. This is where systems come in. Systems are the backbone of consistency, efficiency, and success in any food and beverage operation.

Key systems for success

Here are some key systems crucial for both restaurants and catering businesses:

1. Inventory management
   Knowing what you have in stock, what you need to order, and what’s getting wasted is critical. For caterers, this is especially important because you work on a per-event basis. Running out of ingredients or over-ordering can significantly impact your profits.

2. Recipe costing
   Understanding the cost of each dish or menu item ensures you price your offerings correctly. This applies to both restaurants and catering. For caterers, it’s vital to know the cost of the food you're producing for large groups to avoid undercharging and losing money.

3. Labor scheduling
   Efficient scheduling can make a huge difference in your bottom line. In catering, this means knowing how many servers, cooks, and support staff you need for each event, avoiding both overstaffing and understaffing.

4. Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
   Clear, documented procedures ensure everyone knows how things should be done, maintaining consistency and quality. This is just as important in a catering business as it is in a restaurant setting.

5. Customer service
   Great customer service is universal. Whether you're serving guests in a restaurant or at a catered event, how you interact with your clients or guests can make or break your business. Training your team to deliver exceptional service is crucial.

Why systems are non-negotiable for caterers

In catering, the stakes are often higher because you're working event by event. Each event is a new opportunity to impress or disappoint, and the margin for error is slim. Here’s why applying these systems to your catering business is a must:

• Consistency: Systems ensure that every event meets your standards or exceeds your client's expectations.
• Efficiency: Streamlined operations allow you to focus on delivering an unforgettable experience.
• Profitability: Keeping your costs in check ensures you're making the profits you deserve.

Whether you're running a restaurant or a catering company, the systems I teach are designed to create consistency, efficiency, and profitability. By implementing these systems, you'll be better equipped to handle the unique challenges of catering and set your business up for long-term success.

Be sure to visit my YouTube channel for more helpful restaurant management video tips.