Holiday Corporate Catering: A Strategic Guide to Mastering the Busy Season

When you hear the words “holiday catering,” a few things likely come to mind: big sales numbers, busy kitchens, and, yes—some chaos.

If you're leading catering operations at a prominent restaurant, you're intimately familiar with the whirlwind that is the holiday season. We're referring to that pivotal period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s—where catering orders skyrocket. During this holiday season, staying ahead of the curve is paramount to making your holiday catering program successful. 

If you've been keeping up with the Nash Catering Series, you're well-versed in the nuts and bolts of catering: from building your client list, to building a successful outbound sales team, to mastering last minute catering.

Now, as the holidays are just around the corner, let's dive into the goldmine of holiday catering opportunities. With insights from catering industry expert Jim Rand, we'll explore the myriad of possibilities for catering program growth during the holidays.

The Importance of Holiday Catering

The holiday season is more than just festive celebrations; it's a prime opportunity for caterers to shine and grow their businesses. But why is it so important to focus on holiday catering? 

1. Seasonal surge: The holidays are synonymous with gatherings. From corporate end-of-year parties to strategic planning meetings in the new year, the demand for quality catering services surges, presenting a golden opportunity for caterers to showcase their expertise.
2. Brand visibility: With larger guest lists and often media coverage, holiday events can significantly elevate your brand's visibility, leading to increased recognition and potential future business. This means that your reach is larger, which can make revenue grow throughout the entire year—beyond the holiday season. 
3. Operational efficiency: While some restaurants may experience lulls during the holidays, catering can keep your kitchen bustling and your staff gainfully employed.
4. Client trust: The holidays can be stressful, but delivering impeccable catering service, from ordering to delivery, can earn you the trust and loyalty of clients, ensuring they return for future events.

Identifying the Opportunities

The holiday season is rife with events and gatherings. Knowing when and where to focus your efforts can set you apart from the competition. Here are the top four holiday opportunity areas where you might focus: 

1. Thanksgiving and Black Friday: These are the initial milestones of the holiday season. If you haven't already secured bookings by now, it might be a little late. However, there's still a chance to tap into opportunities with big box retailers who cater to their employees during these peak shopping days. Have your catering sales team do some mass outreach to see if you can be of service. 
2. Post-Thanksgiving to Christmas: As offices celebrate the end of the year and families come together, this period is bustling with daytime office luncheons and other parties, all requiring top-notch catering services.
3. Planning Meetings: As companies strategize for the upcoming year, December and January see a surge in corporate meetings. These meetings, often extended past normal working hours, require quality catering, presenting yet another opportunity for caterers to step in.
4. Post-Holiday Healthy Eating: Come January, there's a noticeable shift towards healthier eating habits. Caterers offering fresh, healthy, and innovative menus can tap into this trend, catering to health-conscious clients.

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the pivotal moment for your sales and marketing teams to actively post and engage in outreach. Seizing this window of opportunity can significantly boost your holiday sales and set the tone for a prosperous new year.

Preparation is Key

To capitalize on the holiday rush, caterers must be well-prepared. Here's some expert advice on gearing up for the season.

1. Plan ahead by looking back: Utilize historical data and past experiences to anticipate the demands of the upcoming season. This foresight allows you to stock up on necessary supplies, adjust menus, and set realistic expectations.
2. Train and provide your team with support: Investing time in comprehensive training sessions ensures that your team is equipped to handle the holiday rush. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and providing necessary resources can boost morale and efficiency.
3. Outreach and marketing: The early bird gets the worm. Begin your marketing and sales campaigns early, ensuring potential clients are aware of your offerings well in advance.
4. Specialized holiday menus: Stand out by crafting unique holiday-themed menus that cater to traditional tastes and introduce clients to new culinary delights. (Do ensure alignment with your brand's core offerings, as highlighted in our “Stay on brand” section below.)
5. Stay prepared for multiple deliveries: With extended shopping hours, especially on Black Friday, be ready to cater to different shifts. This requires meticulous planning to ensure fresh and timely deliveries, meeting the expectations of clients during these peak times.

Operational Excellence During the Holidays 

Ensuring smooth operations during the busy season is crucial for client satisfaction and your brand's reputation.

• Stay on brand: If your brand is known for something specific, like gourmet sandwiches, highlight that during the holidays. While it's tempting to try new things, it's important to stay true to what your customers love and expect from you. Additionally, sudden changes can overwhelm your staff, so it's best to maintain consistency.
• Efficient deliveries with Nash: In the fast-paced holiday season, Nash ensures timely and efficient deliveries. With real-time tracking and optimized routes, caterers can guarantee that meals reach clients promptly and in perfect condition.
• Thanksgiving Day preparations: If Black Friday is on your radar, gear up for a busy Thanksgiving Day. With many orders lined up for the next day, preparation is key.
• Brand culture decisions: Operating on major holidays is a significant decision. Reflect on your brand's ethos and consider the implications of this choice on your staff and clientele.

Wrapping Up: Mastering the Holiday Catering Landscape With the Right Resources

The holiday season presents a variety of events and opportunities, opening doors for caterers to thrive. By understanding and adjusting to the market dynamics, maintaining brand consistency, and optimizing operations, you can significantly boost your earnings and lay a strong foundation for the upcoming year.

But to make all of this happen, you need the right team and resources in place. 

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of holiday catering and understand the nuances of managing costs, profitability, and operations, our comprehensive P&L template is an invaluable resource. Download now and navigate the holiday season with confidence and clarity.