Pick On Us Q&A with Leading Chef
Tips & Tricks to Capitalize on the Growth of the Drop-Off Catering Business
Given the tremendous growth of drop-off catering many chefs and caterers are looking to expand into the drop-off segment to increase their business offerings. Pick On Us partnered with leading Personal Chef Lisa Pucci Delgado to gain insights into how to successfully transition into the drop-off segment. Check out her tips and key learnings!
A key consideration when moving into a new segment is to ensure your business has a point of differentiation. Deliver your meals in style with Verterra’s 100% eco-friendly to-go containers, and extend your brand by using customized picks in your plated garnishes, burgers and sandwiches!
Pick On Us: How would a chef or
caterer expand into the drop-off business?
Pucci-Delgado: In order to conduct this
service as a business, you will need to secure (rent or own) a licensed
facility where you can prepare all drop-off meals.
Pick On Us: Why do you think the
drop-off business is becoming more popular?
Pucci-Delgado: Drop-off is becoming more
and more popular because so many people are busy and have less time for meal
preparation. Privacy is paramount. Many clients don’t want “extra” people in
their home – a solution to that is meal drop-off. Drop-off is also extremely convenient
for the chef, it allows us to prepare meals at our own facility on our own
timeline.
Pick On Us: Are there any services
that are important to have to expand into drop-off?
Pucci-Delgado: The most important service
to offer is consistency. As your business grows and your client roster
increases, you
must maintain consistency. If you are not consistent
you will lose your clients. One consideration is to create a commissary where
everything is prepared in bulk. Then drivers deliver drop-off items to the
client to ensure the same experience time after time.
Pick On Us: Do you have any tips for
chefs that are already offering drop-off service, but aren’t experiencing
success with it?
Pucci-Delgado: If you're already doing
this as a business and you aren’t finding success reflect back to when you
first started in the drop-off category. Were clients hesitant because of your
prices? Did pricing potentially hinder initial client sign ups? Have you
offered cost-effective pricing to repeat clients? Also, evaluate your food
quality and quantity. How are your portions? Are you using good quality of
produce and meats? Last but not least,
customer service is absolutely key. Be sure
you are proactively communicating with your clients.
Pick On Us: Do you have any key
learnings to share based on your experience?
Pucci-Delgado: I always give extra food if
I make a new dish, so my client can taste it and experiment on their own with
different flavors. Also, I don't perfectly portion everything. If anything, I
over portion to offer my clients’ their money's worth so they feel satisfied.
We hope these tips help you navigate the drop-off business waters! For more information about our products and services please visit PickonUs.com.
For more information about Chef Lisa Pucci Delgado, check her out at Whatsfordinnerlpd.com.