How to Conquer Grubhub Catering: A Restaurant Owner’s Blueprint

So, you want to tap into the lucrative world of Grubhub catering? Excellent choice! You’re aiming to snag a slice of a multi-billion dollar market, and with the right strategy, you absolutely can. Here’s the direct route: to get catering orders on Grubhub, you need to enroll in the Grubhub catering program, optimize your menu for large groups, maintain excellent operational efficiency, and actively promote your catering services within the Grubhub platform. Let’s break down each element to turn your restaurant into a Grubhub catering powerhouse.

Laying the Foundation: Joining the Grubhub Catering Program

This is step one and non-negotiable. You can’t get catering orders without being part of the catering program. Contact Grubhub directly – their website has information on how to apply or contact your account manager if you are an existing Grubhub restaurant partner.

Meeting the Requirements

Before you jump in, ensure you meet Grubhub’s criteria. While the specifics may vary slightly depending on location and market conditions, generally, you’ll need:

• A proven track record on Grubhub: They’ll want to see consistent positive reviews and a solid order fulfillment rate.
• Sufficient kitchen capacity: Catering requires handling larger volumes, so you need the staff and equipment to cope.
• Reliable delivery infrastructure: This might involve your own drivers or partnering with a third-party delivery service capable of handling bulk orders.
• Appropriate packaging: No one wants a sad, soggy salad. Your packaging needs to keep food fresh and presentable during transit.

The Application Process: Nailing the Details

Treat your application like a job interview. Show them why your restaurant is the perfect fit for their catering program. Highlight your:

• Experience with large orders: If you’ve handled big deliveries before, shout it from the rooftops (or at least include it in your application).
• Specialized catering menu: Showcase your offerings tailored to groups. Think platters, buffets, and family-style meals.
• Operational excellence: Emphasize your commitment to on-time delivery, accurate orders, and exceptional customer service.

Crafting Your Catering Menu: Big Flavors, Big Portions

Your regular menu might be fantastic for individual meals, but catering requires a different approach. This is where you can truly set yourself apart.

Designing Group-Friendly Options

Think beyond single entrees. Cater to groups with:

• Platters and buffets: Offer variety and allow people to choose their favorites.
• Family-style meals: Perfect for smaller gatherings, these provide a shared dining experience.
• Individually boxed lunches: Convenient for corporate events and meetings.

Pricing Strategically for Profitability

Catering orders are often larger, but that doesn’t mean you should undervalue your food. Calculate your costs carefully, considering ingredients, labor, packaging, and delivery. Markup should reflect both the added value of catering and competitive pricing within your local market. Don’t forget to offer volume discounts for larger orders to incentivize bigger spending.

High-Quality Photos: Making Mouths Water

People eat with their eyes first, especially online. Invest in professional-looking photos of your catering menu items. Show the generous portions, vibrant colors, and attractive presentation. A picture is worth a thousand orders, especially when someone is making a quick decision on where to order lunch for the office.

Optimizing for Grubhub’s Algorithm: Get Seen, Get Ordered

Simply being on Grubhub catering isn’t enough. You need to actively work to improve your visibility within the platform.

Keywords and Descriptions: Speak Their Language

Use relevant keywords in your menu descriptions. Think “office catering,” “corporate lunch,” “party platters,” “vegetarian options,” etc. Consider what potential customers are likely searching for and incorporate those terms naturally into your listings.

Promotions and Deals: Attract Attention

Grubhub offers various promotional tools. Take advantage of them! Offer discounts for first-time catering orders, volume discounts, or special packages for specific events. Experiment with different promotions to see what resonates best with your target audience.

Responding to Reviews: Show You Care

Positive reviews build trust. Negative reviews are opportunities to improve. Respond promptly and professionally to all reviews, addressing any concerns and demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Operational Excellence: The Key to Repeat Business

Catering is a high-stakes game. Mess up one order, and you could lose a valuable client.

Streamlined Order Processing

Implement a clear and efficient system for processing catering orders. Double-check everything before it leaves your kitchen. Confirm details with the customer.

On-Time Delivery: Punctuality is Paramount

Late deliveries are a catering nightmare. Plan your production and delivery schedules meticulously to ensure everything arrives on time. Communicate proactively with the customer if any delays occur.

Exceptional Customer Service: Go the Extra Mile

Make your catering clients feel valued. Provide friendly, responsive, and helpful service from the initial order to the post-delivery follow-up. Resolve any issues quickly and professionally. Consider a small, thoughtful touch like including extra napkins or utensils.

Active Promotion: Driving Demand

Don’t just wait for orders to come to you. Take an active role in promoting your catering services.

Targeted Marketing Campaigns

Use Grubhub’s marketing tools to target businesses and organizations in your area. Highlight your catering menu and special offers.

Building Relationships with Local Businesses

Reach out to local businesses and organizations directly. Offer them a special catering package or a free sample tasting.

Leverage Social Media

Promote your Grubhub catering services on your own social media channels. Share photos of your catering platters and meals. Run contests and promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions restaurant owners have about getting catering orders on Grubhub:

1. How much does it cost to join the Grubhub catering program?

The costs vary based on your restaurant’s location, agreement with Grubhub, and the specific terms of your contract. Contact Grubhub directly for accurate pricing information relevant to your specific situation.

2. What type of cuisine is most successful for Grubhub catering?

Popular choices are generally universally appealing, like American, Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisines. However, any cuisine can succeed with the right menu, marketing, and operational excellence. Consider what’s popular in your area and what you can offer that’s unique.

3. Can I set a minimum order size for catering on Grubhub?

Yes, you can and should set a minimum order size to ensure profitability on catering orders. Determine the minimum amount that makes sense for your business, considering food costs, labor, and delivery expenses.

4. How far in advance should customers place catering orders?

You can specify the lead time required for catering orders. A minimum of 24 hours is generally recommended, but you might need longer for larger or more complex orders.

5. Can I offer different delivery options for catering orders?

Yes, you can usually specify whether you’ll handle delivery yourself or utilize Grubhub’s delivery network (if available).

6. How does Grubhub handle payment for catering orders?

Grubhub processes payments directly from the customer and remits payment to you according to your agreement with them, similar to regular order payments.

7. How do I handle dietary restrictions or allergies in catering orders?

Clearly indicate on your menu whether you offer gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary options. Train your staff to handle allergy requests carefully and avoid cross-contamination.

8. What kind of packaging should I use for catering orders?

Invest in high-quality, food-safe packaging that keeps food fresh, presentable, and at the correct temperature. Consider insulated containers, sturdy platters, and spill-proof lids.

9. How can I track the success of my Grubhub catering program?

Grubhub provides data and analytics on your order volume, revenue, customer feedback, and other key metrics. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and optimize your catering offerings.

10. What happens if a catering order is incorrect or missing items?

Contact the customer immediately to apologize and offer a solution, such as a refund, a replacement item, or a discount on their next order.

11. How can I get more customer reviews for my Grubhub catering service?

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Grubhub. You can include a thank-you note with the order or send a follow-up email requesting feedback.

12. Is it worth investing in professional photos of my catering menu items?

Absolutely! High-quality photos are essential for attracting customers and showcasing your catering offerings. If you can’t afford professional photos, at least use good lighting and take clear, well-composed shots with your smartphone.

By following these steps and constantly refining your approach, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and profitable Grubhub catering business. Remember to stay adaptable, keep your customers happy, and never stop innovating!