If you want to stay ahead of the curve and keep your clients coming back for more, you’ve got to adapt and innovate. Luckily, CaterZen has got your back. Let’s explore five key trends shaping the catering industry in 2024, and how our features can help you ride these waves to success.
1. Technology Integration: Streamlining Operations and Enhancing Customer Experience
Trend: A study by the National Restaurant Association found that 79% of restaurant operators believe that the use of technology in restaurants provides a competitive advantage.
CaterZen Feature: Online Ordering System
Let’s face it, folks: we live in a digital age. Your customers expect seamless online experiences, and that includes placing their catering orders. CaterZen’s robust online ordering system is your ticket to reducing staff workload and ensuring order accuracy.
This system integrates beautifully with your existing website and offers real-time order tracking, making it a win-win for you and your clients. Your customers will love the convenience, and you’ll appreciate the streamlined operations. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
2. Health-Conscious Menus: Catering to a Growing Demand
Trend: Research from Forbes shows that there is a significant increase in the demand for gluten-free, low-carb, and plant-based menu options.
CaterZen Feature: Customizable Menu Options
Health is wealth, and today’s consumers are more health-conscious than ever. With CaterZen, you can easily create and update menus to highlight those all-important healthy options.
The software lets you provide detailed menu descriptions, nutritional information, and special sections for dietary-specific choices. Whether your clients are looking for gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie options, you’ll be ready to meet their needs and keep them coming back for more.
Easily indicate the dietary restrictions for any menu item, where clients will see clear icons next to the item title:
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And add any relevant dietary restriction options:
3. Customization Trend: Personalization is Key
Trend: According to Eventbrite's TRNDS 2024 report, personalization at scale is a key trend for events in 2024
CaterZen Feature: Proposal Customization Tool
In the world of catering, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Event planners and clients crave personalization, and CaterZen’s proposal creation tool delivers just that.
Tailor each proposal to the specific needs and preferences of your clients. Include personalized menus, branded cover letters, and detailed event planning options. By making each proposal unique and client-focused, you’ll stand out from the competition and win more business.
4. Off-Peak Ordering: Maximizing Your Business Potential
Trend: According to the National Restaurant Association, 52% of consumers, including 67% of millennials and 63% of Gen Z adults, say ordering takeout from a restaurant is an essential part of their lifestyle.
CaterZen Feature: Flexible Scheduling and Delivery Management
Who says catering has to stick to traditional meal times? With CaterZen’s flexible scheduling and delivery management features, you can efficiently manage and optimize off-peak orders. This not only ensures timely deliveries but also helps you maximize your business potential during non-traditional hours. Embrace the trend and watch your revenue grow.
5. Effective Communication and Customer Organization: Enhancing Engagement and Loyalty
Trend: According to an article by Libro, email marketing is a powerful tool for restaurants, with 60% of consumers completing a purchase after receiving a marketing email.
CaterZen Features: Email Marketing & Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Effective communication and meticulous customer organization are key to building lasting relationships in the catering industry. CaterZen’s CRM module, combined with our robust email marketing tools, ensures you stay connected with your clients in meaningful ways. Our CRM helps you gather and analyze customer data, track past orders, note client preferences, and manage detailed dietary notes and restrictions.
With CaterZen, you can segment your email lists to target specific customer groups with personalized messages and promotions.
Our email marketing capabilities allow you to send relevant and timely offers, driving repeat business and enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. This approach not only meets individual customer needs but also leverages the power of email marketing to convert interest into actual sales, ensuring a high level of customer engagement and retention.
Get Started with CaterZen and Transform Your Catering Business!
Staying ahead of the competition in the catering industry means embracing the latest trends and leveraging the best tools available. CaterZen is designed to help you do just that, with features that streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost your bottom line.
Ready to see how CaterZen can make a difference for your business? Schedule a quick-start training session to explore the power of our all-in-one catering software, or sign up for a 30-day free trial. Experience firsthand how our solutions can help you stay on top of industry trends and deliver exceptional service to your clients. Your future in catering starts with CaterZen!
