Corporate clients can add significant revenue to your restaurant business, but connection is key. Many of today’s businesses are looking to work with like-minded companies that share and support their mission and values – even from their catering partners.
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There are several ways that your restaurant can connect with your clients as you cater to their corporate needs:
Sustainability: ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals are becoming a top priority as companies navigate a shifting workforce. From sourcing local ingredients to using sustainable packaging to reducing waste, companies are looking for more transparency around green initiatives. Take steps to show that eco-friendly options are important to you so you can stand out with your clients.
Menu flexibility: With so many dietary concerns these days, a workplace may have a variety of requests for flexible ingredients, menus, and preferences. Offering options that suit everyone’s needs will help your restaurant become a go-to for catering.
Versatility: Similarly, multi-cultural workplaces often look for global flavours to introduce something new, appeal to employee tastes, or to celebrate their own stories. While you may not be able to address every request, making your menu versatile enough to encompass more than one culture may make you more appealing than the competition.
Delivery: Many post-pandemic workspaces look different, and companies may want to celebrate with remote employees or staff that are located in more than one building. Having the ability to deliver to different locations may help your restaurant meet the growing needs of your corporate clients.
Creativity: Some companies might offer catered food to entice employees back to work, celebrate employee accomplishments, or host team events, so quality isn’t the only consideration. While some companies may want sit-down meals or buffet-style dining, you may want to get creative, incorporating tasting menus, dessert boards, pairings, and more to make the experience engaging, as well as unique.
Technology: Using today’s technology to connect with your clients should be standard. Optimize your services by analyzing your corporate client behaviour, spending, scheduling, and needs to refine your services and provide a better experience going forward.
As the need for catering continues to grow, predicted to rise by 4.3 per cent in 2025, restaurant operators who take the time to connect with their customers and exceed their expectations will see success in this space.
