Creating a catering menu for your restaurant is exciting, as it presents an opportunity to expand the business and offer customers something new. Whether one caters for office lunches, parties, or events, a well-thought-out menu can make all the difference. The key is designing a menu representing some of your best offerings, which fit different occasions, diverse tastes, and dietary needs. With projections of the global catering market reaching a valuation of $498 billion by 2032 while scaling up at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2032, now is the time to take advantage of this booming industry and expand your restaurant's offerings.
Explore ideas to assist you in creating a catering menu that will make you stand out and keep your clients coming back for more.
Benefits Of Catering Menu
Adding catering menus to a restaurant can be one of the easiest ways to expand your business. As a restaurant owner, your ultimate objective is to attract guests and keep them returning. A catering menu serves your loyal customers in new ways and reaches new people through office events, lunches, and parties.
The catering market in the United States reached USD 72.67 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2024 to 2032, reaching approximately USD 124.36 billion by 2032.
Catering can also increase your profits. Whereas the average restaurant makes a profit margin of 4-7%, catering services will bring in 10-12% on average. Even with a tiny increase in the profit margin, it may make all the difference in your bottom line. In addition, offering catering will set your restaurant apart from competitors and show customers that you can meet their special needs easily.
How To Make A Catering Menu?
Creating a catering menu can be one of the most exciting ways to grow your restaurant's business. A well-thought-out menu reflects your culinary prowess and caters to every possible event-hosting customer's needs. Here's how to create a trending catering menu that stands out:
Pair Menu To Your Restaurant
Your catering menu should be thematically consistent with your restaurant, including style, food concept, and guiding principles. If your restaurant caters to the Italian niche, your catering menu should also concentrate on pasta dishes, antipasti, and typical Italian desserts. Keeping your menu consistent reinforces your brand and ensures customers know what they will get from you.
Know Your Numbers
Understanding your costs and budgeting is critical when creating a catering menu. Calculate the following things for balancing a new revenue stream:
- Cost per Plate (Total Food Cost ÷ Total Guests Served)
- Cost per Person
- Number of Guests
- Labor Hours
- Profitability
Offer packages of food related to specific types of events you are catering for; for example, set menu per person for corporate events. It can help organize the ordering process for clients and can be quite resource-efficient.
Design And Layout
A well-structured menu will help attract more customers. The structure should be clean, simple, and easy to use, with dishes divided into appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
The menu can become beautiful with high-quality food images and create excitement about the dishes one will try. Add short but engaging menu descriptions that reveal the ingredients and flavors of each dish.
Create A Schedule
The key to a seamless catering experience is scheduling efficiently. With the help of catering management software, develop a timeline for preparing and transporting food so it always arrives fresh. Create a schedule for your staff for larger events and establish realistic deadlines for accepting orders to avoid last-minute rushes.
Best Catering Menu Ideas
Creating a catering menu that appeals to various tastes and event types can make your service more successful. Here are different catering menu ideas that can inspire you to offer diverse and flexible options for your clients:
Widespread Catering Menu Items
Some catering menu items are universally loved and work well for almost any event. Including these items ensures you can cater to a broad audience and remain adaptable to different tastes and preferences.
- Chicken Skewers: Grilled or baked with flavorful marinades, these are easy to eat and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy, comfort-food favorite that works well as a side or a standalone dish.
- Sandwich Platters: Offer a variety of options such as turkey, roast beef, and vegetarian sandwiches that can be customized based on dietary preferences.
- Mini Burgers or Sliders: Bite-sized and perfect for casual events, with customizable toppings.
- Vegetarian Options: Including dishes like roasted vegetable platters or stuffed peppers ensures you meet the needs of plant-based eaters.
Famous Entree Items
Entrees are the centerpiece of any meal and are key to creating a lasting impression at events. When designing your catering menu, consider popular entrée items that suit various occasions and dietary needs. Digital menus can also provide detailed descriptions, helping customers make informed decisions.
- Grilled Chicken or Beef: Classic and versatile, these can be served with various sides like mashed potatoes or grilled veggies.
- Salmon or Grilled Fish: A lighter, healthier option for more formal or health-conscious events.
- Pasta Dishes: Options like lasagna or spaghetti with meatballs are hearty, comforting, and easy to serve in large quantities.
- Vegetarian Entrees: Vegetable stir-fries, vegan curries, or quinoa salads appeal to plant-based guests.
- BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: Perfect for casual gatherings and outdoor events.
Popular Appetizers And Side Dishes
Appetizers and side dishes are just as important as the main course. They add flavor and variety to the meal, complement the entrees, and set the tone for the rest of the dining experience.
- Appetizers: Serve a variety of bite-sized options to spark guests’ appetites.
- Mini Quiches: These can be made with different fillings, such as spinach, bacon, or cheese, providing a versatile option for various events.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Bite-sized and filled with savory ingredients, perfect for any event.
- Seasonal Salad Mixes: Light salads with fresh, seasonal ingredients are ideal for heavier entrees.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini bring out natural flavors and are great for vegan or gluten-free menus.
Offering Of Your Current Menu
Expanding your catering offerings using items from your regular restaurant menu is effective and cost-efficient. It streamlines operations and allows for a quicker setup without reinventing the wheel.
- Signature Dishes: For catering, use popular dishes from your restaurant menu, such as signature pastas, pizzas, or sandwiches.
- Pre-Made Sauces: For catering events, use sauces you already make in-house, such as your house-made marinara or BBQ sauce.
- Portion Control: Many regular menu items can be easily adjusted to fit catering needs by making them in smaller or bulk sizes.
- Cost Savings: Using existing ingredients reduces the need for additional purchases, helping keep catering costs in check.
Seasonal, Farm-To-Table, Or Rotational Menu
Consider offering seasonal, farm-to-table, or rotational options to keep your catering menu fresh and aligned with food trends. These types of menus appeal to guests looking for variety and sustainability.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Design your menu around the best ingredients of each season, such as fresh berries in the summer or root vegetables in the fall.
- Farm-to-Table Offerings: Use locally sourced produce and meats to create a fresh, sustainable menu that appeals to eco-conscious customers.
- Rotational Menus: Offering new dishes periodically keeps the catering experience exciting and fresh for repeat customers.
- Sustainability Focus: Highlight dishes emphasizing sustainability, such as organic produce or grass-fed meats, to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly options.
By combining these ideas, you can create a versatile catering menu that’s appealing to a wide range of clients and events.
How To Set A Catering Menu Price?
Pricing a catering menu requires careful consideration of factors beyond the usual menu pricing at a regular restaurant. Since catering often involves large quantities, logistics, and different service setups, your pricing must reflect these differences. Here’s how to price your catering menu effectively:
- Volume-Based Pricing: Catering orders usually involve larger quantities than regular orders, allowing for bulk pricing—offer discounted rates for large events or big-volume orders.
- Labor and Setup Costs: Catering services often include setup, delivery, and clean-up, which are additional costs compared to standard restaurant meals. Make sure to factor in staff time and effort for these tasks.
- Food Preparation: Cooking in bulk can sometimes reduce the cost per serving, but be mindful of food waste and the complexity of large orders.
- Specialty Ingredients: If a menu item uses specialty ingredients or requires additional preparation time, ensure these costs are reflected in the pricing.
- Travel and Delivery Fees: Include transportation costs for delivery, as well as potential parking fees, tolls, or special permits required for large setups.
In addition to traditional catering options, restaurant owners can enhance their revenue and delivery capabilities with services like DoorDash Drive, Relay, and Uber Direct. These services allow restaurants to offer catering delivery for large orders, expanding the reach of their catering menu.
Get The Custom Catering Solution With Checkmate
Checkmate makes managing your catering services easy. You can create a simple digital catering menu, reduce the stress of phone orders, and let your staff focus on providing great service. With us, customers can easily place orders and pay online, making the process smooth and hassle-free. Whether it's a big event or a small gathering, we help you simplify everything and improve the customer experience. Get a demo of catering solutions to improve your restaurants.
