When Covid hit the world, the worst levels of uncertainty struck the food industry specifically. Globally, food businesses saw heightened tension during the first phase of Covid. But eventually, food establishments made a comeback when CDC announced that there are minimal chances of virus transmission via properly cooked food or food packaging. This allowed food businesses to bounce back—from food packaging to restaurants and food delivery.
Despite Covid still being a concern, there is perhaps no point in delaying setting up a catering delivery business. The time is ideal since the profitability of such services is at an all-time high. With delivery apps becoming the norm across the country, catering services are something everyone in the food industry should consider.
If you want to set up a catering delivery app this season, here are a few tips to bear in mind. Besides investing in business sign-on lines of grocery signage!
Understand your Competition
- It’s no secret that there has been a flurry of food delivery apps. The first step you should take for setting up a catering delivery service is looking at your competition. The areas where the delivery app giants dominate are not where you want to begin with.
- Research the market and try entering the regions that are not in the delivery range of the already established apps. This might take some time and increase the establishment’s costs for a while. Nevertheless, this will give you access to a market that doesn’t have too much competition. This ultimately promises greater profits and leads to access to a sizable market.
More than just Food
- While catering delivery services are in demand you need to plan for the future instead of just looking at the current market. Decide on what more you can offer besides the usual food delivery service. You should go over the possibilities of offering customized catering services along with delivery.
- Think beyond loyalty points and discounts. Food establishments can even consider offering added deliveries besides just food. These could include grocery and organic kitchen-based ingredients. There are so many ideas. The bottom line is to be innovative and ensure that your business is prepared for the ever-changing market.
Being Covid-Ready
- This goes without saying, but as a newbie in the catering delivery business, you may end up accidentally ignoring the regulatory aspects. It may seem cumbersome to keep track of all regulatory adherence, but they are necessary. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck paying fines and penalties.
- Ensure that your entire staff is vaccinated, take extra precautions to maintain social distancing, and keep safety regulations in mind during deliveries.
Health Department details
All food-related establishments must get registered. This needs to be done per your regional rules. Ensure that you follow all guidelines, read through all fine print, and then go ahead and sign the application for the catering delivery business.
Check for the related fees for getting a permit. The initial review and application processes are being carried out online due to the pandemic, for most states. Also, keep in mind that each of your employees that will be handling food has completed the necessary food handler training course.
Mention Vital Details
All vital details related to your catering delivery business must get approval from relevant authorities. The detailed plan you submit should include-
- The planned menu you’re offering
- The rough quantity of food you plan to store, sell or cook
- Mechanical semantics
- Proposed setup with details of all equipment and resources
- Sanitization techniques
- Staff details
Summing Up
Checking local guidelines for the place of business and related operations from the Covid point of view is important. Sometimes, non-adherence and carelessness can lead to license cancellation of new businesses.