Summer’s in full swing, and so is catering season. From backyard weddings to corporate picnics, July is packed with reasons for people to gather. And that means opportunity for restaurants willing to meet guests where they are: off-site, on the move, and hungry for memorable food.
If your restaurant offers catering, this is your season. But success doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s how to stay proactive, stay visible, and stay booked through the hottest months of the year.
Show What You Can Do
Make your catering options obvious. Guests aren’t going to dig through your website or call to ask, so feature summer catering front and center on your homepage, social media, and in your restaurant. Use photos of recent events, reels of staff in action, and testimonials to tell the story. This is a visual sell, so show the spread.
If you offer themed packages (BBQ, Mediterranean mezze, taco bars, etc.), spell those out. Keep the booking process simple, with clear call-to-actions and fast responses.
Be the Solution to Summer Stress
For your guests, hosting can be overwhelming. Position your catering as a relief: delicious food, no cleanup, and a team that can make the event feel effortless. Offer setup and breakdown as an option. Build sample menus for events by group size and type. If you have servers or bartenders available, say so. Anticipate their needs before they know what to ask.
Stay in Front of Local Planners
Event coordinators, Executive assistants’, and venues are all booking summer events right now. This is a good time to reintroduce yourself. Reach out with updated menus, limited-time seasonal offerings, or “book by X date” incentives. Use LinkedIn, your newsletter and your past catering list. Consider offering a free tasting for planners or partnering with nearby venues to create exclusive packages.
And if you’ve done a great job at a past event, ask for referrals.
Keep the Kitchen Ready
Catering doesn’t always mean big formal events. Smaller drop-off orders can stack up quickly if your marketing is working. Make sure your team is trained, your packaging is dialed, and your kitchen flow can handle prep alongside regular service. Having dedicated staff or a specific catering menu can make all the difference.
Celebrate the Season
Lean into what makes summer food great. Think grilled proteins, fresh herbs, stone fruits, colorful salads, and light desserts. Feature seasonal beverages or add-ons like watermelon agua fresca or housemade ice cream sandwiches. These little touches make the experience memorable, and sharable on social media.
