Deliciously Efficient: Catering Software for Restaurants 2024

Running a restaurant and catering services is a plate-spinning act. You're juggling inventory, managing kitchen staff, and crafting delectable dishes that keep customers returning. But sometimes it feels like running a circus due to the many moving parts that need to be managed.

Utilizing catering software might initially seem overwhelming, but this technology can make your life much easier. Think of it as a trusty sidekick, handling your restaurant and catering operations so you can focus on what you do best - pleasing your hungry customers.

Table of Contents:

• The Best Catering Software for Restaurants
  • Curate
  • Tripleseat
  • ReServe Interactive (Infor)
  • Planning Pod
  • HoneyBook
  • Caterease
  • CaterZen
  • Better Cater
  • FoodStorm Catering
  • Flex Catering
  • Total Party Planner (Acquired in 2021)
• Why Consider Catering Software for Restaurants?
• Key Benefits of Using Catering Software
  • Streamlined Order Management
  • Effortless Event Planning
  • Happy Customers and Repeat Business
• Making Catering Software for Restaurants Work for YOU
  
  • Identify Your Core Needs
  • Don't Be Afraid to Experiment with a Free Trial
  • Integrations Are Your New Best Friend 
• Conclusion
  
  

The Best Catering Software for Restaurants

Curate

Curate is an advanced restaurant catering platform equipped with features to automate and streamline business operations. It includes a centralized client database, a custom proposal builder with e-signature capabilities, project management tools, and reporting & analytics.

Designed to address the unique needs of restaurant owners and caterers, Curate is an easy-to-use CRM that offers all the tools needed to provide exceptional service to customers and an easy way to manage business. Additionally, caterers with rental and design services can benefit from features tailored to these areas.

Curate stands out as the only tool that integrates with both Nowsta and Galley.

Top Features

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

Tripleseat

Tripleseat is a cloud-based software solution for the specific needs of restaurants and event planners. This software has the unique feature of being able to generate 2D or 3D layouts of a venue, making it a valuable tool for managing large-scale events.

Additionally, Tripleseat's CRM features allow you to capture leads, track client communication, and manage contracts, making it a reliable and top-tier platform for catering and event management.

Top Features

• Floorplanning feature
• Lead capture system
• Calendar management
• Reporting

ReServe Interactive (Infor)

Planning Pod

Top Features

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

HoneyBook

Caterease

As far as restaurant catering systems go, Caterease is one of the best software solutions for caterers and event planners that you can find. It offers essential tools such as booking management, a flexible reporting system, and integrated payment processing.

Additionally, Caterease features a robust events calendar, giving 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 restaurant management process. With features such as kitchen production reports and delivery manager, it can streamline a full-service catering workflow from start to finish.

CaterZen's CRM capabilities enable you to store customer contact details, track interactions, and manage menu items. Its reporting tools offer valuable insights into your sales trends and customer behavior.

Top Features

• Delivery manager
• Kitchen production reporting
• Contact management
• Customer Relationship Management

Better Cater

FoodStorm Catering

Flex Catering

Total Party Planner

Total Party Planner is an all-in-one catering and event management platform designed to streamline operational efficiency from start to finish. It includes features like client management, an event calendar, and a centralized online payment solution, making it a comprehensive tool for busy caterers.

A key highlight of Total Party Planner is its customizable templates for catering proposals and integration with third-party apps. These features save time and ensure consistency across your events.

Top Features

• Client management
• Event Calendar
• Integration
• Reporting

Why Consider Catering Management Software for Restaurants?

Maybe you're using spreadsheets to track your catering orders or scribbling down details on sticky notes, hoping nothing falls through the cracks. You may be tempted to think these old-school methods are sufficient - but they will slow down your business growth.

Dedicated catering software for restaurants isn't just for massive chains. Even a one-person catering business can benefit from this restaurant technology.

Imagine this: a potential customer calls wanting a customized menu for a corporate catering event. Without the right software, you might waste time crafting a proposal from scratch. However, with catering software, you can simply pull up a template, tweak it to fit the client's needs, and send it off with a professional flourish.

Key Benefits of Using Catering Software

Catering software isn't a magic wand, but it comes pretty darn close. It helps you streamline business operations, maximize profits, and build lasting relationships with your catering clientele. Here's a breakdown of the essential benefits catering software offers:

Streamlined Order Management

Nobody wants to deal with missed orders, confused delivery drivers, or frantic last-minute phone calls from panicked clients. Catering software brings order to the chaos.

• Online ordering systems that let customers effortlessly place and pay for orders 24/7. Try to look for software with an online menu and ordering feature to streamline your processes. 
• Automated order confirmations and reminders that eliminate manual follow-ups. 
• Customizable order forms capture all the essential details upfront - no more deciphering messy handwriting.
  
  

Effortless Event Planning

Planning a catering event involves a million moving parts: menus, dietary restrictions, staffing, timelines - it can make your head spin. Catering and event management software steps in as your virtual event coordinator.

• Shared calendars that make it simple to manage bookings, track deadlines, and prevent double-booking disasters.
• Task management features let you assign roles to your team and stay on top of every to-do. Imagine assigning tasks and having them instantly appear on your team’s devices. Software makes this kind of thing possible.
• Communication tools with real-time updates keep all team members in the loop and minimize miscommunications. With proper event booking software, gone are the days of messy email chains and frantic phone calls - a centralized communication platform keeps your team in perfect sync.
  
  

Happy Customers and Repeat Business

Happy customers mean a healthy bottom line. Catering software empowers you to go above and beyond, turning first-time customers into repeat business.

• Personalized communications and automated follow-ups help build relationships which results in a great customer experience.
• Detailed client profiles and order histories mean you'll always be prepared with their preferences and dietary restrictions, wowing them with your attentiveness. 
• Loyalty programs and automated marketing campaigns keep your catering business top-of-mind, bringing in repeat business without you having to lift a finger.
  
  

Making Catering Software for Restaurants Work for YOU 

So, how can you find the perfect catering software solution to transform your daily operations? Start by identifying what your restaurant needs most and consider these tips when choosing catering software.

Identify Your Core Needs

Take a step back and consider your business's biggest pain points. What aspects of catering are taking up most of your time? What parts of the process could use some improvements?

Are you constantly grappling with scheduling conflicts, juggling multiple invoices, or struggling to manage customer requests? Pinpoint those trouble spots because your chosen catering software should directly address those areas for optimal efficiency.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment with a Free Trial

Free trials are your golden ticket to finding catering software that's the perfect fit. They provide the opportunity to test out different functionalities. During the trial period, pay attention to these important factors:

• User Interface (UI): Ease of use should be one of your priorities when choosing a catering management platform. Remember: you are trying to make things easier for yourself in the first place.
• Customer Support: Is it easy to reach out if you encounter any questions? Do they offer a knowledge base? Is it difficult to contact their support team?
• Feature Set: Does the software offer all the right tools your specific business requires? Consider which features would be deal breakers or essential, then ensure your potential catering software checks all the right boxes before taking the plunge.
  
  

Integrations Are Your New Best Friend 

Don't settle for a catering software solution that exists in isolation. Look for a platform that can integrate with your existing tools and systems. Why is integration a good thing to consider? Well, smooth data flow across different platforms can be invaluable.

Consider this scenario: If your accounting software can effortlessly sync with your catering program, imagine the time saved on manually entering financial information.

Conclusion

Catering software for restaurants is no longer a luxury; it's an indispensable tool in today's competitive culinary landscape. Don’t be intimidated. Instead, embrace it and watch as it empowers your business with heightened organization, efficiency, and profits.