Grow Your Catering Business: A Guide to Attracting & Retaining Clients

kati

August 8, 2025

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In the fast-paced world of corporate catering, standing out is key to success. Your incredible food is the foundation, but a seamless and professional customer experience is what turns a one-time order into a loyal client. At Caterplace, we’re dedicated to helping our restaurant partners thrive. We’ve compiled a few key strategies that our most successful vendors use to attract new business and keep clients coming back for more.

1. First Impressions Matter: Your Digital Storefront

Your menu on the Caterplace platform is your digital storefront. It’s the first thing potential clients see, and it needs to be as enticing as your food.

• Show, Don’t Just Tell: High-quality photos are the single most effective way to grab a customer’s attention. Take the time to upload real, professional-looking pictures of your food and packages. A vibrant, mouth-watering image of your sandwich platter or individually boxed meals is far more appealing than a generic stock photo.
• Keep Your Menu Fresh and Accurate: A well-organized, up-to-date menu builds trust. Check your offerings regularly, and if you need to make a change, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Caterplace team. Staying on top of your menu ensures clients never face a last-minute surprise.

2. Simplify the Ordering Process with Smart Packaging

Corporate clients, especially busy office managers and pharma reps, value simplicity and reliability. Making it easy for them to order is a surefire way to win their business.

• Create Easy-to-Order Packages: Consider offering “packages” for a set price per person. Think along the lines of “The Ultimate Lunch Box” or “The Classic Wrap Platter” that include a main item (sandwich, wrap, or bowl), a side, and a drink. This not only simplifies the ordering process but also helps clients easily budget for a large group.
• Minimize Hassle for the Office: Offer catering packages that come with everything a client needs, such as serving trays, plates, cups, and utensils. This thoughtful touch minimizes hassle for the office and makes you their preferred vendor.

3. Attention to Detail: The Little Things Make a Big Impact

The details are what elevate a good catering experience to a great one. These small steps can make a lasting impression and ensure clients look good to their own teams.

• Labeling is a Game-Changer: For individual boxed meals, labeling each box on the outside with its contents (e.g., “Chicken Caesar Wrap” or “Veggie Bowl”) is a huge time-saver for clients. This allows them to quickly and easily hand out meals without any confusion.
• Be Mindful of Allergies and Restrictions: Clearly labeling items with common allergy warnings (e.g., “Contains Nuts,” “Gluten-Free”) is a critical step in building trust and ensuring the well-being of the entire office.
• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Things happen, and delays are sometimes unavoidable. What matters is how you handle them. Staying in prompt communication with both the customer and the Caterplace team about any potential delays or issues shows a level of professionalism that clients deeply appreciate. This ensures their meetings start on time and they can count on you for future events.

4. The Power of CaterCash: Reward and Retain

CaterCash is a powerful tool to help you attract and retain clients. It’s how our customers earn rewards for their loyalty, which they can then convert into Amazon gift cards.

• Leverage the Program: You have control over your CaterCash percentage. By offering a competitive rate, you incentivize customers to choose you over other vendors and build a loyal following. It’s a direct way to reward the clients who consistently choose your business.

At Caterplace, we are committed to your success. By following these suggestions, you can not only help us provide an exceptional experience for our mutual clients but also help your business thrive in the competitive New York and New Jersey catering market. We are always here to support you in any way we can, from updating your menu to offering tips on how to maximize your platform’s potential.