What separates your catering company from the competition?  If you’re having a hard time answering this question, it may be time for some changes.  Providing a unique experience to your customers not only results in good reviews and customer satisfaction, it can bring about the golden goose of catering marketing; referrals.  Here we provide 10 ways you can avoid becoming just another “run of the mill” catering company.

Seasonal Menus

Crafting unique menus for winter, spring, summer and fall will provide your guests with a variety of fresh, in season options to choose from.  Not only will this make for higher quality dishes, it can also save you money on food costs.  Your menu design should also change with the seasons.  Small details like flowers for spring or a winter scene in the colder months can catch the eye of potential customers.

Unique Foods

Gone are the days when simply offering chicken, steak and pasta constitutes a catering menu.  Experimenting with your own take on traditional dishes as well as offering international dishes with exotic ingredients can make your menu selection a powerful selling point.  Research trends in the food industry for direction and inspiration.

Lemonade Stand

Setting up a lemonade stand is a fun way to add some flavor to your spring and summer events.  Of course, you’ll want to offer more than just lemonade.  Having a variety of seasonal themed drinks, glasses and accessories can give your bar a unique flair.

Dessert Buffet

Tastes tend to vary when it comes to sweet treats and hosts want to make sure all of their guests have a chance to indulge.  Setting up a dessert buffet that includes sugar free and gluten free options as well as traditional items will ensure everyone gets what they are looking for.  Make your display colorful and eye-catching while including detailed descriptions of your dishes.

Themed Events

Most catering companies offer seasonal and wedding themes, but to take your business to the next level, consider offering a wider variety.  Some ideas include super heroes, popular movies and television shows and even sports themes.  Craft your décor, server outfits and menu around the theme for maximum effect.

French Fry Station

There are many French fry lovers out there and most kids can’t get enough of them.  A French fry station that includes a variety of toppings can be a hit for any party.  Some things to include are chili, cheese, a variety of veggies and of course ketchup!

Hibachi Style

Hibachi restaurants are extremely popular these days and incorporating that style into your catering offerings can be a big win financially.  You can choose to have an experienced chef put on a show for the guests or have each person cook their own.  This makes your event a memorable experience and can cut down on your overhead.

Crepe Station

A crepe station that offers both sweet and savory ingredients can add a touch of class to any event.  You’ll want to have at least one experienced chef running the station so guests aren’t made to wait and everything is cooked to perfection.  Make sure your ingredients are fresh and be sure to include some exotic offerings so guests can try something new.

Lunch Boxes

It is well known that high-end dishware can help you stand out.  A unique twist on this is to package your dishes in a lunch box.  These boxes should fit the theme of your event and include personalization such as a guest’s name and menu choice.  These can serve as great keepsakes for guests and if branded properly can provide years of free advertising.

Family Style

Family style menus are a hit in many restaurants and can be used to create a close atmosphere at catering events as well.  Be sure your meal selection contains universally liked meals and offer a variety for those that may be picky eaters.  Some simple meal ideas include spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, roasted turkey and baked honey ham.  Make sure your side dishes are on point as these will make the meal.

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