Memorial Day Catering Tips: Get Ready for the Summer Rush
Memorial Day Catering Tips: Get Ready for the Summer Rush
Memorial Day weekend is more than the start of summer. It also begins one of the busiest times for caterers. From backyard BBQs and pool parties to patriotic picnics and large community events, there is a strong demand. People have high expectations.
If you work in catering, now is the time to prepare your team. Make sure your workflow is good and your systems run smoothly.
Here are some tips for a successful Memorial Day weekend. You can use these whether you are managing one event or a busy weekend of gigs. The right catering software can help you achieve this.
1. Create Pre-Set Memorial Day Menus
Simplify the planning process by offering themed packages or set menus tailored for Memorial Day. Think grilled favorites, all-American classics, and red-white-and-blue desserts. These ready-to-go options help clients choose quickly—and make prep easier for your kitchen team.
With catering software, you can build, save, and reuse these menus year after year. Total Party Planner lets you connect your menu items to their costs and ingredients. This way, you can better understand your profits from the beginning.
2. Automate the Busywork
Memorial Day weekend gets hectic fast. If you’re still managing your event details through spreadsheets or endless email threads, you’re leaving room for error—and extra stress. A smart catering software platform like TPP centralizes your contracts, invoices, proposals, and communications all in one place.
That means no more searching through emails for client notes or worrying about double bookings. Everything you need is just a few clicks away.
3. Staff Smarter, Not Harder
Scheduling is everything for a busy holiday weekend. Use historical data to anticipate staffing needs, and be sure to communicate shifts and expectations early.
Total Party Planner’s catering software helps you organize event timelines. You can assign roles and share schedules with your team. This keeps everyone on the same page, even when you manage multiple events at once.
4. Prep for the Unexpected
Weather is unpredictable and can turn on a dime in late May. Whether a sudden downpour occurs or the evening turns out cooler than expected, ensure your team prepares contingency plans.
Keep notes and special instructions for each event in your TPP event details. This way, we cover last-minute changes. Having everything organized digitally means you can adapt fast, without slowing down.
5. Use This Holiday as a Springboard
Memorial Day isn’t just a standalone weekend—it’s a preview of what summer has in store. Use this time to try new menu items. Improve your operations and gather client feedback. This feedback can help shape your service in the coming months.
Don’t forget to track your performance! With Total Party Planner’s reporting tools, you can look at costs, profits, and timelines for all your Memorial Day events. This helps you find chances for growth.
Ready for a smooth and successful Memorial Day weekend?
With the right planning—and the right catering software—you can serve up unforgettable experiences without the stress. Total Party Planner is here to help you stay organized, save time, and scale your business for the season ahead.