12 Best Catering CRM Software Solutions 2024

Running a catering business isn't just about delicious food; it's about building lasting relationships. With so many moving parts—client communications, order management, inventory tracking—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where a good catering CRM comes in.

Everyone in the catering and restaurant industry knows too well: that the chaos is real! Spreadsheets everywhere, missed orders... it was messy. Good thing that catering and restaurant CRM software exist to optimize business processes, provide seamless customer experience, and keep things organized.

The right software is a powerful tool that not only keeps everything organized but also helps you connect better with clients. Imagine knowing exactly what each client loves or hates at their events without scrambling through notes.

Table of Contents:

• 12 Best Catering CRM Software Solutions
  • Curate
  • ReServe Interactive (Infor)
  • Flex Catering
  • FoodStorm Catering
  • Caterease
  • CaterZen
  • Total Party Planner
  • Planning Pod
  • Better Cater
  • Tripleseat
  • HoneyBook
  • Salesforce

• Key Features to Consider When Selecting a Catering CRM
  • Contact Management
  • Order Management
  • Inventory Tracking
  • Reporting and Analytics
  • Integration with Other Tools

• How a Catering CRM Can Boost Your Business
  • Streamline Operations
  • Improve Customer Relationships
  • Increase Sales and Revenue
  • Enhance Team Collaboration

• Conclusion

12 Best Catering CRM Software Solutions

As a catering business owner, you know how crucial it is to keep track of client relationships and streamline your operations. That's where catering CRM software comes in.

The right CRM tool can be a game-changer, helping you manage leads, orders, and events more efficiently. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one for your business?

Curate

Curate is an advanced CRM that is specifically equipped with features needed to automate and streamline your business. It features a centralized client database, a custom proposal builder with e-signature capabilities, project management tools, reporting & analytics, among others.

Unlike any software, Curate is a platform that is specifically designed for caterers. It is a very easy-to-use CRM that provides all the tools you need in the catering industry and more importantly, makes your business a lot easier to manage.

Another item that makes Curate unique is that caterers who have rentals and design arms of their business can also take advantage of features to make these areas efficient as well.

Curate is the only tool that has integrations for both Nowsta and Galley.

Top Features

• ​Pipeline management
• Customized proposals
• Event Calendar
• Reporting and analytics
• Integration
• SAVE 9 HOURS A WEEK!

ReServe Interactive (Infor)

Reserve Interactive, now known simply as Infor, which acquired the former in April 2019, is a comprehensive catering and event management solution that includes powerful CRM capabilities. It features a reliable lead management system that tracks the entire sales process, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up.

One notable aspect of Reserve Interactive is its advanced reporting and analytics. It allows you to generate detailed analysis reports to gain valuable insights into your business performance.

Top Features

• ​Lead management
• Reporting and analytics
• Marketing tools

Flex Catering

Flex Catering is a user-friendly catering management software with built-in CRM functionality. It streamlines your operations with features like event management and scheduling, delivery tracker, and more.

Flex Catering also offers a client portal where customers can view their order history, make payments, and even place new orders online. This self-service feature can greatly reduce your administrative workload.

Top Features

• ​Event manager
• Client portal
• Custom website

FoodStorm Catering

FoodStorm is an all-in-one catering software that combines CRM tools, order management, and production planning. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to access customer information and manage orders. Online ordering is also possible via their custom e-commerce platform.

Other notable features of FoodStorm include POS integration, reports to keep you updated on how your business is doing, and a robust communication system that enhances the client experience by giving customers updates on their orders via email. 

​Top Features

• Order management
• E-commerce platform
• Marketing tools
• Integration

Caterease

Caterease is a comprehensive software solution suited for caterers and event planners that offers a plethora of necessary tools including a booking management system, a flexible reporting system, and integrated payment.

Caterease also provides a robust events calendar that gives you greater control over your catering operations.

Top Features

• Booking management
• Payment processing
• Event calendar
• Flexible reporting

CaterZen

CaterZen is a catering management software that simplifies your entire management process. With features like kitchen production reports and delivery manager, it will streamline your workflow from start to finish.

Additionally, CaterZen's CRM capabilities allow you to store customer information, track interactions, and manage menu items. Its reporting tools provide valuable insights into your sales trends and customer behavior.

Top Features

• Delivery manager
• Kitchen production reporting
• Contact management

Total Party Planner (Acquired in 2021)

Total Party Planner is an all-in-one catering and event management software that helps you streamline your operations from start to finish. With features like client management, an event calendar, and a centralized online payment solution, it's a comprehensive solution for busy caterers.

Another standout feature of Total Party Planner is its customizable templates for proposals and 3rd party app integration. These tools save you time and ensure consistency across your events.

Top Features

• Client management
• Event calendar
• Integration
• Reporting

Planning Pod

Planning Pod is a cloud-based software that offers a suite of tools for catering businesses, including a robust CRM system. With Planning Pod, you have access to essential features that let you manage clients and files, and process payments in this all-in-one business software.

What sets Planning Pod apart is its user-friendly interface that works well even on mobile devices and extensive customization options. You can tailor the software to fit your unique workflows and branding.

Top Features

• ​Guest management
• File management
• Event timelines
• Payment processing

Better Cater

Better Cater is a game-changer for those in the catering services industry. This simple yet powerful software streamlines your entire catering operation, from online ordering to payment processing. Keep track of events using their built-in calendar that also lets you sync your Google calendar for maximum efficiency.

Better Cater is also a cloud-based software that enables you to view order histories and manage your customer database practically everywhere.

Top Features

• ​Calendar management
• Customer database
• Planning and scheduling automation
• Invoice management

Tripleseat

Tripleseat was built for restaurants and restaurant floor layouts. This means less of an emphasis for off-site caterers.

With Tripleseat's CRM features, you can capture leads, track client communication, and manage contracts. The software also includes tools for event reporting and analytics, so you can gain valuable insights into your business.

Top Features

• ​Lead capture system
• Calendar management
• Custom branding
• Reporting

HoneyBook

HoneyBook is more than just a catering CRM - it's a complete business management solution. This software helps you streamline your entire workflow, from lead capture to invoicing. One of the standout features of HoneyBook is its robust CRM system. You can easily manage all your catering clients in one place, with tools for storing contact information, tracking communication, and even sending automated follow-ups. 

But HoneyBook's real power lies in its project management capabilities. You can customize templates, automate workflows, and collaborate with your team - all within the platform.

Top Features

• Client management
• Automation
• Catering templates customization

Salesforce

When it comes to customer relationship management, Salesforce is the gold standard. And with their CRM, they've brought all that power to the hospitality industry. Salesforce is designed to help you build and nurture strong relationships with your clients. You can track every interaction, from initial inquiry to post-event follow-up and use that data to personalize your marketing and sales efforts. 

But perhaps the biggest advantage of Salesforce is its flexibility. The platform can be customized to fit your unique needs and workflows, so you can manage your catering business your way.

Top Features

• Lead management
• Marketing tools
• Report and analytics
• Automation

Photo credit: Saile Ilyas

Key Features to Consider When Selecting a Catering CRM

Contact Management

At the heart of any catering CRM is a robust contact database. Contact management systems let you store and manage all your client info in one place, from basic contact details to notes on dietary preferences and event history.

Order Management

A good catering CRM should make it easy to manage orders from start to finish. Look for features like online ordering, customizable order forms, and the ability to track order status and payments. Some platforms even offer tools for managing delivery and setup, so you can ensure a seamless experience for your clients.

Inventory Tracking

Keeping track of your inventory is crucial for any catering business. Look for a CRM whose inventory management system includes tools for monitoring your ingredients, supplies, and equipment. Some platforms even offer automated inventory tracking, so you can see exactly what you have on hand and what needs to be reordered.

Reporting and Analytics

To make data-driven decisions for your catering business, you need access to powerful reporting and analytics tools. Look for a CRM that offers customizable reports on sales, inventory, client behavior, and more. Some platforms even offer real-time dashboards, so you can track your key metrics at a glance.

Integration with Other Tools

Your catering CRM should play nicely with the other tools you use to run your business, from accounting software to marketing platforms. Look for a system that offers seamless integration with your existing tech stack, so you can avoid double data entry and keep all your info in sync.

How a Catering CRM Can Boost Your Business

Streamline Operations

By automating tasks like order management and inventory tracking, a catering CRM can help you streamline your operations and save time on manual data entry. This frees up your team to focus on what really matters: creating exceptional events for your clients.

Improve Customer Relationships

A catering CRM gives you a 360-degree view of your clients, so you can provide personalized service that keeps them coming back. By tracking client preferences and event history, you can tailor your offerings and communication to each client, building strong relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals.

Increase Sales and Revenue

With tools for lead capture, proposal creation, and upselling, a catering CRM can help you boost sales as you close more deals and grow your business. You can also use the platform's reporting and analytics features to identify your most profitable clients and events, so you can focus your efforts where they'll have the biggest impact.

Enhance Team Collaboration

A catering CRM keeps all your client and event info in one central location, so your entire team can access the info they need to do their jobs. With features like task management and real-time updates, you can ensure everyone is on the same page and working together seamlessly. Plus, with cloud-based access, your team can collaborate from anywhere, whether they're in the office or on-site at an event.

Conclusion

Rev up your catering business with the perfect CRM. It's all about making things easier, from taking online orders to managing client info. Keep everything in one spot and boost those sales with targeted campaigns. Don't forget, that a solid CRM can also help you build stronger relationships and streamline operations big time.

Your path to smoother processes starts here because efficiency is key when growing any successful enterprise—and that's precisely what these systems deliver!