How to Build a Catering Service for Your Chinese Restaurant

Why Should Your Chinese Restaurant Offer Catering?

Expanding your Chinese restaurant into catering isn’t just about serving more food; it’s about serving more customers and growing your business. Think of it as adding another stream of revenue, a powerful new engine for your growth. Why is this important? Well, let’s dive into the benefits:

The Untapped Potential of Catering

• Increased Revenue: Catering orders are typically larger and more profitable than individual dine-in orders. You’re essentially selling your food in bulk, boosting your income significantly.
• Brand Awareness: Every catering event is a mini-advertisement for your restaurant. Attendees get to experience your delicious dishes firsthand, encouraging future visits and referrals.
• Customer Loyalty: Catering can create deeper connections with your customers. They trust you to deliver great food for their special occasions, strengthening loyalty to your brand.
• Off-Peak Revenue: Catering can help fill in the gaps during slow periods. Even if your lunch service is slow, a weekend catering event can bring in significant revenue.
• Community Engagement: Catering allows you to actively participate in local events, showcasing your restaurant as a pillar of the community.

Is Catering Right for You?

Before jumping headfirst into catering, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have the capacity? Can your kitchen handle larger orders without sacrificing dine-in service quality?
• Do I have the staff? Do you have enough staff to prepare, deliver, and serve catering orders?
• Am I passionate about it? Catering is an extension of your restaurant. If you’re not genuinely excited about it, your enthusiasm may reflect in the food and service.
• Do I have the financial resources? Catering involves some upfront costs for equipment and marketing, which you need to be prepared for.

If your answer is "yes" to the above, then let’s explore how to make catering a reality.

Building Your Catering Menu: A Feast for Every Occasion

Your catering menu shouldn’t be a carbon copy of your regular restaurant menu. It needs to be tailored for larger groups and various events. Here’s a detailed guide:

The Essentials of a Great Catering Menu

• Variety is Key: Offer a range of dishes, from appetizers to main courses, sides, and desserts. Consider different dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free).
• Crowd-Pleasers: Include your most popular dishes and signature items that people already love. Don’t overthink it, stick to winners.
• Logistical Feasibility: Choose dishes that can be easily prepared in large quantities and that travel well. Saucy dishes can be packaged separately to prevent sogginess.
• Price Point: Determine a competitive pricing structure that allows for profit while remaining attractive to customers.
• Package Options: Create pre-designed packages for different group sizes and budgets. This simplifies decision-making for customers.

Menu Item Examples

Let’s craft a sample catering menu for a Chinese Restaurant:

Appetizers:

• Spring Rolls (Vegetable/Pork): Crispy and classic, perfect for a crowd. Offer a vegan alternative.
• Crab Rangoon: Creamy filling with a golden-fried exterior, a crowd favorite.
• Potstickers (Steamed/Pan-Fried): Versatile and delicious, offering a choice of cooking methods.

Main Courses:

• General Tso’s Chicken: A slightly spicy, sweet and savory classic.
• Sweet and Sour Pork: A familiar and crowd-pleasing option.
• Kung Pao Chicken: A flavorful dish with peanuts and chili peppers, offering a bit of spice.
• Beef and Broccoli: A simple but popular option.
• Vegetable Lo Mein: A stir-fried noodle dish with an assortment of vegetables.
• Moo Shu Pork/Chicken (with pancakes): Offers a fun and interactive element.

Sides:

• Steamed White Rice: A staple that complements many dishes.
• Brown Rice: A healthier alternative for health-conscious clients.
• Vegetable Fried Rice: A flavorful side option with a mix of vegetables.
• Plain Chow Mein: Simple and delicious noodle dish.

Desserts:

• Fortune Cookies: A fun and traditional finish to any meal.
• Mango Sticky Rice: A refreshing and popular dessert (offer seasonally).
• Almond Cookies: A classic Chinese cookie, light and sweet.

Drinks:

• Bottled Water: Essential for any event.
• Canned Sodas: Offer a selection of popular sodas.
• Iced Tea (Sweet/Unsweet): A refreshing alternative.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Plates, Cutlery, Napkins: Consider providing biodegradable options.
• Serving Utensils: Don’t forget tongs, spoons, and ladles.
• Chafing Dishes: For keeping hot food warm.

Building Your Menu Strategy

• Start Small: Don’t overcomplicate things initially. Begin with a smaller menu of your best-selling items and expand as needed.
• Gather Feedback: Get input from customers on their catering needs and preferences to fine-tune your menu.
• Seasonal Variations: Incorporate seasonal ingredients and special menus for holidays and events.

Getting the Logistics Right: From Kitchen to Customer

Catering is not just about cooking; it’s also about careful planning, coordination, and flawless execution.

Equipment and Supplies

• Large-Capacity Cooking Equipment: Ensure you have enough woks, pots, and ovens to handle bulk orders.
• Food Storage: Invest in food storage containers to keep prepped ingredients and completed dishes fresh.
• Delivery Vehicles: Reliable vehicles are crucial for timely and safe delivery of catering orders.
• Chafing Dishes and Warmers: Essential for keeping food warm at events.
• Serving Utensils: Tongs, spoons, ladles, etc., are a must-have.
• Packaging: Food-grade containers, foil, and catering bags are essential.
• Serving Dishes: Provide options if the client prefers more elegant or disposable serving ware.

Staffing for Catering

• Dedicated Catering Team: Assign specific staff members responsible for catering preparation, delivery, and setup.
• Training: Provide comprehensive training on food handling, delivery protocols, and customer service.
• Cross-Training: Train staff on multiple roles so they can fill in as needed.
• Delivery Drivers: Ensure your drivers are reliable, courteous, and have a good sense of direction.

Delivery and Setup

• Punctuality: Timely delivery is crucial to a successful catering event.
• Proper Packaging: Ensure food is packaged securely to avoid spills and damage during transport.
• Setup: Offer setup services for an additional fee. This includes arranging the food, placing chafing dishes, and setting out serving utensils.
• Clear Instructions: Provide detailed instructions for the client regarding serving sizes, storage, and heating.
• Friendly Service: Train your delivery staff to be friendly and helpful to ensure a positive customer experience.

Handling Special Requests and Allergies

• Allergy Information: Make sure your staff is well-informed about all the ingredients in your dishes, especially potential allergens.
• Customization: Be flexible and willing to customize orders to accommodate specific requests and dietary restrictions.
• Clear Communication: Communicate any changes or substitutions with the client beforehand to avoid surprises on the day of the event.

Streamlining Your Catering Process

• Order Management System: Implement a system to track orders, payments, and delivery schedules.
• Pre-Ordering: Allow customers to pre-order several days or weeks in advance to help with planning and preparation.
• Inventory Control: Monitor your ingredient inventory carefully to avoid running out of essential items.

Marketing Your Catering Services: Getting the Word Out

Building a catering service is not just about excellent food and service; it’s also about effective marketing and outreach.

Online Presence

• Dedicated Catering Page: Create a separate page on your website for your catering services. Include your menu, pricing, contact information, and a booking form.
• SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords to optimize your website and catering page for search engines (e.g., “Chinese restaurant catering,” “event catering”).
• Online Listings: List your catering service on local business directories like Yelp, Google My Business, and other relevant platforms.
• Social Media: Share photos of your catering spreads and success stories on social media platforms. Run targeted ads to reach local audiences.

Offline Marketing

• Flyers and Brochures: Distribute flyers and brochures at local events, businesses, and community centers.
• Business Cards: Create professional business cards that include your catering information.
• Local Partnerships: Partner with local event planners, businesses, and venues to generate leads and referrals.
• Networking: Attend local events and connect with potential clients.
• Word-of-Mouth: Encourage satisfied clients to spread the word about your catering services.

Special Promotions

• Introductory Offers: Provide special discounts or bonuses for new catering clients to encourage trial.
• Loyalty Programs: Reward repeat customers with exclusive perks and discounts.
• Seasonal Promotions: Offer special catering packages for holidays and seasonal events.
• Referral Programs: Incentivize clients to refer your services to friends and family.

Building Your Brand

• Branding: Create a professional brand identity that is consistent across all your marketing materials.
• Customer Testimonials: Collect and showcase positive customer reviews and testimonials on your website and social media.
• Professional Photography: Use high-quality photos of your food and catering setups in your marketing materials.
• Community Engagement: Participate in local events and charities to showcase your restaurant as a pillar of the community.

Pricing Your Catering Services: Finding the Sweet Spot

Pricing your catering services is an art and a science. You need to consider costs, desired profit margins, and what your target market is willing to pay.

Cost Analysis

• Food Costs: Determine the cost of ingredients for each menu item.
• Labor Costs: Factor in the cost of staff time for food preparation, delivery, and setup.
• Equipment Costs: Account for the cost of catering equipment, including depreciation and maintenance.
• Packaging and Supply Costs: Calculate the costs of containers, serving utensils, and other supplies.
• Transportation Costs: Consider the fuel costs and maintenance associated with delivery.
• Overhead Costs: Allocate a portion of your restaurant’s overhead costs to your catering operations.

Pricing Strategies

• Cost-Plus Pricing: Calculate your total costs and add a desired profit margin.
• Competitive Pricing: Research the prices of other catering services in your area and price your services accordingly.
• Value-Based Pricing: Price your services based on the perceived value and unique qualities you offer.
• Package Pricing: Create pre-designed packages that offer bundled services at a set price.

Pricing Tips

• Be Transparent: Be upfront about your pricing and any additional fees (delivery, setup, etc.).
• Offer Options: Provide a range of catering packages and pricing options to accommodate different budgets.
• Adjust Accordingly: Regularly review your pricing to ensure it is competitive and profitable.
• Don’t Underprice: Avoid underpricing your services, which can devalue your brand and harm your profitability.
• Consider Minimums: Set minimum order sizes to ensure your time and effort are properly compensated.

Legal Considerations

Starting a catering service requires that you understand and meet various legal requirements.

Licenses and Permits

• Food Handling Permits: Obtain all required permits and licenses to handle food safely.
• Business License: Ensure that your catering business is properly registered and licensed.
• Health Inspections: Be prepared for regular health inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Liquor License: If you plan to serve alcohol, obtain the necessary liquor license.

Insurance

• Liability Insurance: Protect your business from claims for accidents and injuries that may occur during catering events.
• Property Insurance: Cover your business assets, including kitchen equipment and delivery vehicles.
• Workers’ Compensation: Provide coverage for your employees in case of workplace injuries.

Contracts and Agreements

• Clear Contracts: Use clear contracts that detail catering services, pricing, payment terms, and cancellation policies.
• Payment Terms: Establish clear payment terms and methods.
• Cancellation Policies: Have a cancellation policy to protect your business from losses due to last-minute cancellations.

Food Safety Standards

• Proper Food Handling: Follow all food safety guidelines and practices to prevent foodborne illness.
• Temperature Control: Maintain proper food storage and serving temperatures.
• Training: Ensure all your catering staff are trained on food safety and handling procedures.

Seek Legal Advice

• Consult an Attorney: It is advisable to consult an attorney to ensure you are in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Learn Business: Your Partner in Business Success

Setting up a catering service for your Chinese restaurant is an exciting venture, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s where Learn Business comes in. We offer the tools and guidance to simplify the process.

How Learn Business Supports Your Restaurant

• Templates and Checklists: Access downloadable templates and checklists for menu planning, pricing strategies, and operational guidelines.
• Business Plans: Learn Business can guide you in creating comprehensive business plans to help you understand your goals and manage expectations.
• Marketing Strategies: Get access to effective marketing techniques and strategies specifically designed for the restaurant industry.
• Financial Guidance: Use our tools to develop accurate pricing and budgets for your catering business.
• Expert Advice: Our platform offers access to expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
• Resources and Tools: Learn Business provides a variety of resources that simplify the complexities of starting and managing a catering service.

Why Choose Learn Business

• Tailored to Your Business: We understand the needs of Chinese restaurants, including the challenges and opportunities.
• Affordable Solutions: Access valuable tools and resources without breaking the bank.
• User-Friendly Platform: Our user-friendly platform and easily digestible information helps you navigate your catering business.
• Proven Strategies: Benefit from tried-and-true strategies for your catering services.
• Time Savings: Save valuable time by using our pre-made templates and guidelines.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Catering Success

Building a successful catering service for your Chinese restaurant is a challenging yet highly rewarding endeavor. By carefully planning your menu, implementing effective logistics, marketing your services, pricing appropriately, staying compliant with legal standards, and making the most of tools like Learn Business, you’ll be on the path to significant growth. With dedication and attention to detail, your restaurant can become a catering powerhouse. So start planning, focus on the customer experience, and watch your business flourish.