In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Jessica Lehrer, Owner of Adam & Joe’s Gourmet Eatery, a catering company that has mastered high-volume, high-quality corporate catering with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service.
Jessica shares how she and her family grew their business from a small restaurant into a thriving catering operation, emphasizing the power of personalized service, strategic marketing, and premium presentation. She also discusses her journey from criminology and law enforcement back into the family business—and how her investigative skills even helped bust a credit card fraud ring!
In this episode, Jessica dives into:
✅ The best marketing strategy for corporate catering—and why in-person relationships still win
✅ Why premium presentation & packaging help command higher prices
✅ How strategic LinkedIn outreach lands high-value catering clients
✅ The power of customer service and becoming a catering “partner,” not just a vendor
✅ How technology and AI are shaping the future of catering sales & efficiency
If you’re looking for practical, proven strategies to grow your catering business while standing out from the competition, this episode is full of valuable insights you can apply today!
Listen to the podcast episode below:
Prefer listening on your favorite streaming platform? We’ve got you covered!
And don't forget to subscribe to Restaurant Catering Smarts to stay up to date with the latest episodes.
Sign up to find out when we release our next episode!
✅ In-Person Marketing Still Works – Jessica has tested every marketing method, but nothing beats cookie drops, cold calls, and face-to-face relationship-building when it comes to landing and keeping corporate catering clients.
✅ A Strong Customer Database is Your Secret Weapon – Jessica focuses on reaching back out to existing customers, ensuring that relationships stay strong and repeat business keeps flowing.
✅ Presentation & Packaging Matter – High-quality packaging and food presentation create a premium perception that justifies higher pricing and keeps customers coming back.
✅ Service is More Valuable Than Price – Corporate clients care about reliability, consistency, and professionalism—not just the lowest bid. Jessica’s team goes the extra mile, and clients pay more for that peace of mind.
✅ LinkedIn is a Powerful Sales Tool – Jessica uses direct outreach to executives on LinkedIn to get introduced to key decision-makers for corporate catering orders.
✅ Follow-Up is Key – If a client stops ordering, it might just be a new admin or office manager—a simple follow-up call can reignite the relationship and bring back lost business.
✅ Technology Increases Efficiency – Fast quote turnarounds, automated customer tracking, and AI-powered analytics help streamline operations and create a better customer experience.
✅ Creativity & Customization Set You Apart – Jessica thrives on creative catering setups, from African safari-themed menus to high-end corporate presentations, making her business the go-to for unique, elevated events.
🔹 “No amount of online marketing has ever outperformed an in-person visit or a simple cold call.”
🔹 “When corporate clients know they can trust you to show up on time, every time, price becomes less of a factor.”
🔹 “If you’re not following up with past customers, you’re leaving money on the table—sometimes they just have a new admin, and all it takes is a phone call.”
🔹 “Premium packaging isn’t just about looks—it’s part of the experience, and it justifies higher pricing.”
🔹 “LinkedIn is an underused goldmine for catering sales—if you ask the right executive, they’ll introduce you to the person who places the catering orders.”
🔹 “A simple ‘congrats’ message with a cookie drop for a new job or promotion has turned into thousands of dollars in catering sales.”
🔹 “We focus on being a catering partner, not just a vendor—clients want solutions, not just food delivery.”
🔹 “Service is what makes customers come back, not discounts—it’s about reliability, professionalism, and making their job easier.”
