As more and more employees head back into offices or adopt hybrid schedules, company culture is on the minds of many businesses, and holiday parties are one way to get teams together. Research shows that 43 per cent of companies are planning to increase the budget for their holiday party, spending an average of $44 on each person for food and drink this year.
What makes or breaks a successful event for employees? 78 per cent of people list food as the most important factor in a holiday party, and 21 per cent of employees feel that food is so important that they will attend a party just to eat and leave right afterwards.
54 per cent of companies are planning parties for 100 guests or less, affording many restaurant operators the opportunity to impress companies and stand out with a winning catering strategy, while adding to their bottom line this holiday season.
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With 86 per cent of company holiday parties happening in December, it’s the perfect time for restaurants to plan for customers’ corporate and catering needs. What are companies looking for? 66 per cent of companies are interested in buffets, while 34 per cent are looking for heavy appetizers, 28 per cent want stations, and 25 per cent plan to serve sit-down meals.
In an effort to get employees together and entice more office visits, many companies are considering catering for more than just holiday parties, and ordering food is becoming more common for team bonding, training sessions, client meetings, after-hours meals, appreciation celebrations, and more.
For companies considering catering, 45 per cent of businesses are looking at offering grab-and-go options to their teams and 36 per cent of businesses are looking at providing employee meal programs as part of their office perks.
With 47 per cent of people visiting a restaurant after trying it first at work, operators can capitalize on the opportunity to reach more potential customers through corporate catering this season.
