Seasonal Fall Menu Hacks

/
Seasonal Fall Menu Hacks

It’s hard to think about fall favorites when the summer is still going strong, but now is the time to start menu planning for upcoming autumn celebrations. And if you are planning on simply dusting off the old menu from last year, think again.

Navigating today’s market may feel more challenging than in most years, so this season calls for creativity and flexibility. Between supply chain blockages and ever-evolving culinary trends, your fall menu deserves a refresh — and we’re here to show you how.

As we head into the cooler months, let’s switch gears and start thinking seasonal with foods and flavors. We have touched on seasonality before, but in a year presenting caterers with countless challenges, it is more vital than ever to lean into seasonal fall ingredients as a way to save money, mitigate setbacks, and satisfy clients’ tastebuds.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you head to the menu drawing board.

Read More

How to Keep Up with Food & Beverage Trends Without Overspending

/
How to Keep Up with Food & Beverage Trends Without Overspending

From the menus we create to the price points we offer, we all know that industry trends influence how we do business as caterers. In some cases, they can reduce expenses — like the shift towards plant-based proteins replacing traditional cuts of meat and seafood with cost-effective alternatives like tofu, tempeh, beans, and lentils.

However, trends often have the opposite effect on an event’s budget, driving up costs for high-demand ingredients and high-touch serving styles. As caterers, our goal isn’t solely to provide an excellent dining experience. We must also support our clients’ needs by maximizing their investment and helping them to save wherever possible.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to avoid overspending while still offering the trendiest flavor profiles, presentation styles, and menu options. Here are a few strategies to get the best of both worlds.

Read More

Common Money-Saving Mistakes Caterers Make

/

Every business owner should be watchful of their profit margins, but it’s particularly vital for caterers who must balance revenue with significant overhead. A team of experienced chefs and a fully-stocked kitchen don’t come cheap, so it’s wise to employ saving strategies to maximize profits as much as possible.

Yet, saving money can feel challenging in a business with such high liquidity. When the cash flow is always churning, it’s difficult to pinpoint opportunities to cut down on costs and stack savings.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled the five most common mistakes that leave caterers at a loss — and how you can cover up those gaps and grow your bottom line.

Read More

Should You Consider Purchasing New Products in the New Year?

/
Should You Consider Purchasing New Products in the New Year?

Those who work in the food and beverage industry are no strangers to spoilage, and we’re quick to discard any ingredients that are past their prime. All you have to do is take a look (or a whiff) to know whether something is still viable. Keep it or toss it — it’s a simple choice in most cases.

On the other hand, with physical and non-perishable assets, it can be trickier to determine when it’s time to trade up for a new model. Think about equipment and technology — your refrigerators, stovetops, company cars, cell phones, and computers. It’s not as simple as giving it a sniff test; instead, you have to be mindful of a product’s depreciating value and how its performance measures up to industry standards.

Read More

Housekeeping Tips to Clean Up Your Business After the Holiday Season

/
Housekeeping Tips to Clean Up Your Business After the Holiday Season

Fortunately, this time of year is actually a great time for cleaning house — not just for catch-up purposes, but for planning ahead as well. After all, the new year is a great time for setting new goals and mapping out a strategy for the year ahead.

Now’s your time to reset and restart; here’s what our experts have to say about post-holiday housekeeping.

Read More