Catering vs. Take-Out Delivery, Part IICatering vs. Take-Out Delivery, Part II

In my previous post, I talked about the difference between catering and take-out delivery services. I mentioned that as caterers, we do more than just show up with food.

As caterers, we are building relationships, providing more than just a delivery service and serving every need of our customers. We connect with those we cater for. It’s more than just food.

As caterers, we:

• Consult about menu choices.

• Advise on proper food quantities.

• Prepare food in a controlled environment within a licensed facility.

• Employ professional drivers.

• Inspect and clean our delivery vehicles.

• Ensure proper food temperature at all times.

• Pay our employees a living wage.

• Can Favor, Seamless, Uber and the rest claim the same? How are they going to handle a 50-person delivery? Do these middlemen really care if the food is late? Have any of these drivers passed a ServSafe course?

We’re different

As caterers we need to remind our customers and potential customers that we are indeed in business to cater to them as we—as Google defines it—“provide them with food and drink in a professional capacity.” We look at the big picture, and that entails more than merely delivering a brown bag of food.

Do you think caterers should seek out partnerships with third party delivery services? Or, do you feel that these new companies are a threat to your business? I’d be happy to know your thoughts. Just email me!

Michael Rosman is a member of the Catersource consulting team. If you would like information about him coming to your business to address your specific needs, please email Carl Sacks at [email protected]. His book, Lessons Learned From Our Mistakes – and other war stories from the catering battlefield is available through the Catersource store.

You can visit Michael’s website at www.TheCorporateCaterer.com email [email protected].