If you’ve got a catering business, then you’ll know all too well how chaotic things can get. One minute you’re sorting menus, the next you’re chasing down suppliers, and before you know it, you’re worrying about whether the food is going to be hot by the time it reaches the guests. It’s a lot, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly on the back foot. The good news is, there are a few small tweaks that can make your life a whole lot easier and keep everything running smoothly.
5 ways to make catering business less chaotic
1. Get your prep right
Most of the stress in catering comes from the last minute rush, and half the time it’s because prep wasn’t done properly. Having a solid prep system is like giving yourself a head start. Whether it’s chopping ahead of time, portioning sauces, or laying out equipment so you’re not scrambling for it later, this is what will keep you calm when the orders start flying in. The smoother your prep, the less firefighting you’ll need to do.
2. Build strong supplier relationships
You can’t deliver good food without good ingredients, and you need reliable people to get them to you. Having dependable suppliers means fewer panics and better consistency in what you serve. This goes for everything from fresh meat and fish to produce and even frozen vegetables suppliers who can keep your kitchen stocked when fresh produce isn’t an option. When you’ve got trust in your suppliers, you spend less time worrying and more time focusing on your customers.
3. Train your team well
A catering business is never a one-person show. You might be the brains behind it, but you need people around you who know what they’re doing. Training doesn’t just mean teaching them how to plate up nicely; it’s about making sure everyone understands how things flow from start to finish. A well-trained team can jump in where needed, cover each other when things get busy, and keep standards high without you having to micromanage.
4. Stay organised with your bookings
When the phone rings and the emails ping, it’s easy to lose track of who’s booked what and when. That’s where things start falling apart. Even a simple spreadsheet or online booking tool can save you from double-bookings or forgetting details. Keep everything in one place, check it daily, and you’ll avoid the stress of last minute surprises. Organisation doesn’t sound exciting, but it’s the backbone of a smooth operation.
5. Focus on customer experience
At the end of the day, catering isn’t just about the food. It’s about the whole experience you’re giving people. The way you communicate, how quickly you respond, and how flexible you are when someone makes a last minute request can make or break your reputation. Word of mouth is everything in this industry, so keeping your customers happy will always pay off. If you can make the process easy and enjoyable for them, they’ll keep coming back.
Running a catering business will always be busy, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Get your prep in order, lean on the right suppliers, build a strong team, stay organised, and put your customers first. Do those five things, and you’ll find everything starts to flow a lot more smoothly.
