This just in from a client:
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Michael, you know that I sold my drop-off catering business and now manage a law office. While we have talked about my interesting career change, that’s not why I am writing you today.
We Have Frequent Lunches
Our office has regular meetings where we order food, and the people here always ordered from restaurants. I wasn’t that happy with restaurant catering because:
- It was not packaged properly.
- It was presented poorly.
- It wasn’t always at the right temperature.
- Sometimes we had to pick it up.
It seemed that restaurants that catered really didn’t care too much, and that drop-off catering looked like an afterthought.
Went to Caterers
Logically, I began to order from caterers. I was really impressed at first by Alonti, but then they delivered our box lunches a full hour late. Other local caterers delivered on time, but I could tell that our cold food had been made well in advance and had not been kept cold.
Other Offices
I also recently attended some meetings at other offices, and instead of nicely presented food, I saw lots of sloppy aluminum pans placed directly on a counter with haphazard utensils randomly lying around.
It’s Easy
When we operated our $1 million+ business, we paid special attention to our presentation.
- Napkins, flatware and condiments all were placed in cloth napkin lined baskets.
- Hot food was served in wire chafers with sterno underneath.
- We provided a bowl of ice for beverages along with clear plastic cups.
- We always sent a tablecloth.
- Our drivers set up everything.
- We partially opened aluminum pans so that customers could easily remove the lids.
Opportunity
We have talked about this, and I just find it amazing. Every day someone is doing drop-off catering the wrong way and there is great opportunity everywhere for those who take the time to do it right!
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Friends, if my colleague took the time to send me his thoughts, you know that he is definitely aware of a trend. If you need any help with presentation issues, feel free to contact me. We’re here to help!
