SPECIAL OCCASION, EVENT AND HOLIDAY PLANNING GUIDE FOR Operators

Restaurant Operations Consultants Jason Mead and Chad Rickman are firm believers in systems. They know that after implementing all the marketing tips above, orders will be pouring in. To manage those orders, they want to make sure you have systems in place, so your customers aren’t left hanging and your staff is prepared on the big day.

Here are their recommendations for a smooth event or holiday:

• Create a contract for your event, if applicable
  • This is key for large parties or caterings to protect your profit
• Determine order period
  • When will you open pre-orders, what is the cut-off and will you take live orders the day of the event?
• Determine ordering method
  • Will you be taking orders online only? Can customers order via email? What about phone or walk-in orders?
  • Set up those channels early, and plan to manage them daily or even hourly
• Determine payment method
  • Will you require customers to pre-pay – either partially or in full? Can they pay cash upon pickup or delivery?
• Determine meal retrieval options
  • Customers like flexibility when it comes to receiving their meals – will you offer delivery, curbside and/or catering?

Pro Tip – Our CHECK^® Business Tools partner BentoBox offers a pre-ordering and catering feature that is perfect for streamlining orders for special events. You can even print off print production prep sheets based on the orders.