For restaurants looking to grow their revenue streams, catering is one of the most profitable and scalable options available. Catering brings in high-value customers, fills large orders, and opens doors to new business opportunities—whether through corporate events, weddings, or local gatherings. The best part? With the right strategy, you can turn your catering arm into a consistent and reliable revenue generator.

Here’s how to unlock the full potential of catering for your restaurant.

1. Build Relationships with Local Businesses and Event Planners

The catering business is all about connections. High-revenue restaurants know the value of building relationships with the right people. Partner with local businesses, event planners, and venues to secure ongoing catering gigs. Corporate offices, in particular, are a goldmine for recurring catering opportunities, providing steady business throughout the year.

Pro Tip: Offer exclusive discounts or packages for local businesses that book regularly. Make it easy for them to rely on you as their go-to caterer for events, lunches, and celebrations.

2. Create Tailored Catering Menus for Different Occasions

Your in-house menu might be the star, but catering demands a different approach. Tailor your catering menu to meet the needs of different events, whether it’s a corporate lunch, a wedding reception, or a casual weekend gathering. Offering customizable packages gives clients the flexibility to choose options that fit their event type and budget, increasing the likelihood of securing more bookings.

Pro Tip: Create separate menus for formal events, casual get-togethers, and corporate functions. This allows you to appeal to a wider range of customers, each with specific needs and preferences.

3. Promote Your Catering Services Like a Product

Your catering services should have just as much visibility as your restaurant’s dine-in experience. Promote your catering through all available channels—your website, social media, Google ads, and even in-restaurant signage. Make sure it’s easy for customers to find information about your catering offerings and book online or over the phone.

Pro Tip: Dedicate a section of your website solely to catering, complete with high-quality visuals, sample menus, and a simple contact form. The easier you make it for customers to inquire, the more likely they are to book.

4. Leverage Customer Testimonials and Success Stories

When potential customers see proof that you’ve successfully catered for others, it builds trust and credibility. Feature testimonials, event photos, and positive reviews on your website and social media channels. If you’ve catered high-profile or large-scale events, don’t be afraid to showcase those wins. The more you demonstrate your ability to handle a variety of events, the more comfortable people will be choosing you.

Pro Tip: Encourage customers to share their event experiences online and tag your restaurant. User-generated content acts as social proof and helps expand your reach organically.

5. Streamline the Booking and Ordering Process

The key to scaling your catering business is efficiency. The easier it is for clients to book catering, the more likely they are to become repeat customers. Streamline your ordering process by offering online booking options, simplified menus, and clear pricing. Clients don’t want to jump through hoops to get the details they need—provide them upfront to make the decision-making process as smooth as possible.

Pro Tip: Use automated email or SMS systems to follow up with catering inquiries and past clients, keeping you top-of-mind for future events.

Turn Your Catering Department Into a Revenue Driver

Catering is more than just an add-on service—it’s an opportunity to significantly increase your restaurant’s revenue. By building relationships, tailoring your offerings, and making the booking process easy, you can turn your catering into a powerhouse that generates steady income year-round.

At restauWant, we specialize in helping restaurants develop successful catering strategies that drive growth. From targeted marketing campaigns to streamlined booking systems, we’ll help you scale your catering business and unlock its full potential.