Catering

6 ways to maximize December catering orders to drive January revenue

With the right strategies, you can leverage your catering business in December to keep the revenue flowing well into the new year.

Photo: Adobe

December 18, 2024 by Kelly Grogan — Co-Founder, CRUMBS

December is the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year filled with bustling restaurants, ringing phones, lots of catering orders and many new faces. Whether guests are snagging gift cards, catering their office parties or stopping by the restaurant to refuel before they head back to the bustling stores, there are endless opportunities to plan ahead for the slower month of January! With the right strategies, you can leverage your business in December to keep the revenue flowing well into the new year.

Here are some fun, actionable tactics you can implement immediately to maximize every transaction in December and plant the seeds for January success.

1. Check your list (and build it twice)

GROW YOUR CUSTOMER DATABASE | Every order, interaction and transaction is an opportunity to capture that guest's information for future follow-up, not just opt-ing in to your standard marketing. Make it a priority to gather contact details (email addresses, phone numbers, and even company names) from every December guest. A table with a fishbowl in the restaurant encouraging guests to enter to win, bag stuffers with a QR Code, check presenters, And, be sure to take note of the names of the companies ordering & where they are going.

2. Add a dash of holidaymagic

MAKE IT PERSONAL & MEMORABLE | Stand out in the sea of restaurants by creating a personalized touch. Include a small thank-you card or a branded treat with each order, letting clients know you value their business. This small gesture will make them think of you when planning their next event or when they need to order lunch for the office. Make sure the guest won't miss it when they are opening the food; packaging it inside of an empty to-go container or tape it to a sweet treat.

3. Sleigh the deliveries this season

BE THE DELIVERY DRIVER | Instead of relying solely on automated systems and third-party drivers, personally handle December orders when possible. A quick, friendly phone call or email to confirm details ensures a smooth experience and creates a relationship. Use this opportunity to shake hands with the client, ask them to share your information with anyone who orders & remind them you'll be there in January when things slow down. Maximize your time outside of the restaurant by bringing a few sweet treats to drop off at local businesses on the way back & snag all the business cards you can while in the office.

4. Sharing is caring

POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA | Catering orders are the perfect chance to showcase your team and engage clients on social media! Share fun behind-the-scenes photos of your team prepping orders, making deliveries, or setting up onsite. Get clients involved by inviting them to snap photos and tag your restaurant for a chance to be featured. Don't forget to collect testimonials and share photos of your spreads with captions like,"This could be your January meeting fuel!" It's a simple way to build trust, inspire future orders, and highlight the energy and quality of your catering services.

5. Wrap up the year with thoughtful follow-ups

ASK FOR FEEDBACK | After every order, follow up with a quick thank-you email to show your appreciation and ask if the team enjoyed their meal. Take it a step further by including a QR code for easy, real-time feedback while they're still enjoying the food. Use this opportunity to mention any exciting plans you have for January, such as new menu items or special deals. Make it effortless for them to take action by including a link to your catering menu or an exclusive January promotion—making it even easier for them to say "yes" to their next order!

Drive revenue now, and reap the rewards in January

With a little forward-thinking and a focus on building relationships, your December orders can do double duty — driving revenue in the moment and setting you up for a strong start to the new year. Whether it's creating a killer database, offering January incentives or simply asking for the next opportunity, these tactics will keep the orders (and revenue) flying in.

Start spreading that holiday cheer now, and watch your January shine bright like the new year.

About Kelly Grogan

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