Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feast. While many people choose to cook their own Thanksgiving meal, a growing number are opting for restaurant Thanksgiving catering instead. As a restaurant owner, this presents a fantastic opportunity to attract new customers and improve sales during the busy holiday season. Here are five tips to help you make the most of Thanksgiving catering:
1. Plan Ahead
Thanksgiving catering requires meticulous planning. Start by determining your capacity and available resources. This includes assessing your staff’s availability, kitchen space and equipment. Once you have a clear understanding of your limitations, you can set realistic expectations for the number of orders you can accommodate.
Next, create a comprehensive menu that caters to various dietary needs and preferences. Offer various options, from traditional turkey dinners to vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. Be sure to include all the classic Thanksgiving dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
2. Source Quality Ingredients
The key to a successful Thanksgiving feast is using high-quality ingredients. Source your ingredients from reliable suppliers who can provide fresh, seasonal produce. Consider partnering with local farms to offer unique and sustainable options.
When it comes to meat, try to go for high-quality, free-range turkeys. Ensure proper storage and handling to maintain freshness and flavor.
3. Perfect Your Packaging
Presentation is crucial when it comes to catering. Invest in high-quality packaging that keeps food hot or cold, depending on the dish. Use sturdy containers that are easy to transport and microwave-safe for reheating. Add festive touches like branded stickers or tags to enhance the dining experience.
4. Offer Convenient Pickup and Delivery Options
To cater to your customers’ needs, offer a variety of pickup and delivery options. Set up a convenient pickup location at your restaurant. For delivery, partner with a reliable delivery service to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
Consider offering pre-ordered meal kits that customers can pick up or have delivered. These kits can include pre-cooked dishes and easy-to-follow instructions for reheating and assembly.
5. Promote Your Thanksgiving Catering Services
Effective marketing is essential to attract customers for your Thanksgiving catering. Utilize various marketing channels to reach your target audience.
- Social Media: Create visually appealing posts showcasing your delicious Thanksgiving menu and highlight the convenience of catering.
- Email Marketing: Send targeted emails to your existing customer base and promote your Thanksgiving catering services.
- Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, such as grocery stores and event planners, to cross-promote your services.
- Online Ordering: Make it easy for customers to place orders online through your website or a third-party platform.
Following these tips, you can position your restaurant as the go-to choice for Thanksgiving catering. Excellent food, convenient service and effective marketing are the keys to a successful Thanksgiving catering season.
Peddler’s Son is Arizona’s Top-Quality Food Supplier
Peddler’s Son is a beloved local food distributor, delivering farm-fresh food to Arizona restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more. Family-owned and operated since 1988, Peddler’s Son offers honest pricing, unparalleled customer service, and reliably farm-fresh produce and provisions daily.
We believe in quality and that’s what you’ll get when you rely on us to deliver high-value foods for your dishes. We prioritize our food quality and reliable delivery service, along with the customers we serve all across the state.
Want reliable, quality fresh foods for your restaurant, school or business? We can help! Contact us today for a complete list of available bulk food items and how we can work together to deliver everything you need on time!