The holiday season is a prime time for restaurants to consider new revenue streams. As a restaurant owner, one of the big questions you might be asking yourself is, Should I offer catering during the holidays? Is catering the right choice for your restaurant? How can technology, like BIM POS software, make holiday catering a smooth, profitable experience and help you turn holiday chaos into a well-organized, profitable venture?

Why Catering During the Holidays Is a Smart Move

Think about it—holidays are synonymous with gatherings, and gatherings need food. Most consumers plan to celebrate the upcoming holidays; Christmas (91%), and New Year’s (69%) focus more on family, friends, and food. Companies host many gatherings during the holidays benefiting from catering services.

The demand is there, and customers are willing to spend more for convenience and quality. Whether it’s office parties, family celebrations, or Friendsgiving get-togethers, people seek reliable, delicious catering options. If your restaurant can meet this demand, you’re not just adding revenue; you’re potentially gaining new, loyal customers for the long term.

Which Restaurants Should Consider Catering?

Not every restaurant needs to jump into catering, but certain types are particularly well-suited:

Casual Dining and Fast-Casual Restaurants

If your restaurant offers dishes like platters, shareables, or comfort foods, you’re perfectly positioned for catering. Think along the lines of trays of nachos, party wings, or hearty pasta dishes—crowd-pleasers that work well in large quantities. Plus, casual restaurants often have flexible kitchens that can handle bulk orders with relative ease.

Specialty or fine-dining restaurants

If your restaurant focuses on unique, high-quality dishes, holiday catering could help you tap into an upscale clientele. Offering curated holiday menus with your signature dishes—like gourmet roasts, specialty seafood, or artisanal desserts—positions your restaurant as the go-to for elegant holiday events. Pro tip: upscale packaging with a luxurious touch can go a long way in elevating your brand.

Benefits of Holiday Catering

Aside from boosting your bottom line, catering offers several advantages:

• Attract New Customers: Catering gives you a chance to reach people who might not typically visit your restaurant. A well-presented meal at someone’s party can turn into future in-house reservations.
• Strengthen Your Brand: When you deliver high-quality food with impeccable service, it creates a lasting impression. For example, you could include custom thank-you cards or holiday-themed packaging to delight your customers.
• Use Slow Hours Effectively: Prep catering orders during non-peak hours to make the most of your kitchen's downtime, spreading out labor costs without straining your dine-in service.

How can technology transform your holiday catering?

Taking on catering, especially during the holidays, can feel daunting. But with the right tools, you can streamline operations and maximize profits. That’s where BIM POS comes in.

Automate and Simplify Orders

BIM POS’s online ordering system makes it easy for customers to place catering orders. Clients can customize their meals and place their orders seamlessly all without taking up your staff’s time. You can increase sales in catering revenues simply by reducing order friction.

Advanced Scheduling and Delivery Tracking

With features specific to catering events, BIM POS includes features to schedule orders ahead of time and track deliveries while measuring your delivery effectiveness with BIM Dispatcher. You’ll know exactly which orders go where and when preventing mix-ups and ensuring your customers are delighted.

Manage Inventory with Precision

One of the biggest challenges in catering is inventory management. BIM POS can track your stock levels in real-time, ensuring you have enough supplies for both your regular operations and catering orders. This helps reduce waste and avoids the nightmare of running out of ingredients mid-season.

Analyze Performance with Real Data

The system provides in-depth reporting to help you understand what’s working. For example, you might discover that your holiday dessert platters are outselling savory dishes. Armed with this data, you can adjust your offerings to maximize profits.

Tips for a Successful Holiday Catering Program

If you’re ready to dive into catering, here’s how to make it shine:

1. Offer Tiered Menus Create packages for different budgets, from basic party trays to premium options with all the trimmings. This gives your customers flexibility while boosting your sales potential.
2. Start Marketing Early Don’t wait until December—start promoting your catering services now. Use email blasts, social media campaigns, and in-store signage to spread the word. For example, “Book your holiday catering by November 30th and enjoy free delivery!”
3. Focus on Presentation Your food presentation is a reflection of your brand. Invest in high-quality, festive packaging—think holiday-themed containers, eco-friendly wraps, and branded labels. These little touches make a big impression.
4. Train Your Staff Make sure your team is equipped to handle the extra workload. Clear communication about roles and responsibilities can prevent burnout and keep everything running smoothly.

Beyond the financial rewards, catering builds your brand, expands your customer base, and keeps your kitchen buzzing during what might otherwise be slow periods.

With tools like BIM POS to help manage the logistics, offering holiday catering has never been easier. From taking orders online to tracking inventory and delivery schedules, technology ensures that your catering operations are as smooth as your gravy.

The holidays are coming—will your restaurant rise to the occasion? Start planning now, leverage the power of technology, and get ready to delight your customers with unforgettable holiday meals.