Catering orders are some of the most valuable orders a restaurant can receive — higher ticket sizes, repeat business, and predictable demand. Yet many restaurants struggle to grow catering because their ordering process isn’t designed for large or planned orders.
If you want to increase catering sales without adding more phone calls or back-and-forth emails, the right online strategy makes all the difference. Below are practical, proven tips to help you improve online catering orders and turn catering into a consistent revenue stream.
Most catering issues aren’t about demand — they’re about friction.
Common problems include:
When catering feels complicated, customers move on. This is why restaurants benefit from an online catering system built specifically for catering workflows, not just standard takeout orders.
👉 Learn more about a catering-ready solution here: Online Catering System
Your regular takeout menu isn’t always ideal for catering. Catering customers think in groups, budgets, and simplicity.
To improve online catering orders:
A well-structured catering menu reduces confusion and increases order completion — especially for first-time catering customers.
For more on why website structure matters, see: Why a Good Restaurant Website Matters
Catering customers want confidence. They need to know their order will be received, prepared correctly, and delivered or picked up on time.
An effective online catering setup should include:
When customers can place large orders without calling or emailing, catering becomes scalable instead of stressful.
👉 See how this works in practice: Online Catering System
Many restaurants offer catering but don’t actively promote it.
Smart catering promotion ideas include:
Driving traffic to the right ordering experience is just as important as having the system itself.
Related reading:How to Drive Traffic to Restaurant Online Ordering
Restaurants using a dedicated online catering system can simplify large orders and increase repeat catering clients.
Catering customers often reorder — offices, schools, churches, and event planners rarely order just once.
To increase repeat catering orders:
Owning your customer data allows you to build long-term catering relationships instead of relying on one-off orders.
Learn more about this strategy here:Customer Data for Restaurants
Many basic online ordering tools focus on single meals, not large or scheduled orders. This can lead to:
Restaurants serious about catering growth benefit from an ordering system designed with catering in mind — from menu structure to fulfillment and automation.
👉 Explore a catering-focused solution here: Online Catering System
Growing catering doesn’t require more staff or more phone calls — it requires a better system.
If you’re looking to:
You can:
A streamlined online catering system can turn catering into one of your most reliable revenue channels.
Q1: How can I make my online catering menu more attractive?A1: Highlight popular items, provide clear portion sizes, and include pricing. Add high-quality images and use descriptive names for dishes to make your menu engaging.
Q2: Can I accept large catering orders online?A2: Yes! Use an online ordering system that supports catering, allows special instructions, and can handle group orders without errors.
Q3: How do I promote my catering services online?A3: Use your website, Google Business Profile posts, social media, and email marketing. Ensure your catering page is easy to find and linked from your homepage.
Q4: Should I offer delivery for catering orders?A4: If possible, yes. Delivery convenience is a key factor for customers placing large orders. If you can’t deliver, clearly state pickup options.
Q5: How can I encourage repeat catering customers?A5: Implement a loyalty program, offer discounts for repeat orders, and make it easy for customers to reorder the same items online.
