Black Friday isn’t just for shopping—it’s a golden opportunity for restaurants to secure catering orders and build long-lasting customer relationships in their local community. While it’s true that many catering relationships are built weeks in advance, DON’T PANIC if you’re just getting started. There’s still time to make an impact and fuel the hustle of local businesses and shoppers. With some hustle, creativity, and a touch of ❤️, you can turn Black Friday into a launching pad for holiday success.
🛍️🧨 BIG BOX RETAILERS: THE ULTIMATE CATERING OPPORTUNITY
Retail stores operate long hours on Black Friday, often with three shifts of staff to cover the chaos. Parking is a nightmare, and employees rarely have time to leave for meals, making catering the perfect solution. Here’s how to make your restaurant their go-to:
- Budget-Friendly Menus: Retailers are often working with tight budgets, so create a special menu with price points between $8–$10 per person for larger groups. Have a printed version ready to share, and highlight your ability to customize based on their needs.
- Flexible Delivery Times: Stores open early and close late, so offering deliveries at offbeat hours or accommodating multiple shifts will set you apart. If delivery fees are an obstacle, consider bundling or discounting them to sweeten the deal.
- Durable Food Options: Employees don’t always get synchronized breaks, so focus on dishes that hold up well over time. Bulk trays are great, but adding extra to-go containers allows staff to save leftovers for later. Individual meals are also a smart choice to ensure everyone gets their share.
🛍️📋 ORGANIZE YOUR BLACK FRIDAY RETAILER TARGET LIST
Preparation is everything! Build a list of local retailers most likely to need catering this holiday season and organize it for easy follow-up.
Target High-Need Retail Categories:
- Shopping Malls & Outlets: Anchor stores like Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or entertainment venues often have large teams working long hours.
- Big-Box Retailers: Stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco are high-traffic, long-hour operations perfect for catering.
- Home Improvement Stores: Places like Lowe’s and Home Depot see consistent holiday traffic and need reliable meal solutions.
- Clothing & Footwear Stores: From DSW to Kohl’s, employees at these retailers often need quick, easy meals during Black Friday madness.
- Specialty Retailers: Electronics, toy, and book stores (e.g., GameStop, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble) may have smaller teams but high demand, making individualized catering ideal.
Create a Simple Tracking System:
- Use a spreadsheet to list Store Name, Contact Person, Address, Phone, Email, Notes, and Status (visited, follow-up, booked).
- Track progress so you can prioritize follow-ups and keep your outreach organized.
🛍️🤝🏻 BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH RETAILERS: HOW TO GET ORDERS
Proactive outreach and a personal touch are essential for landing Black Friday orders (and setting up future opportunities). Here’s how to get it done:
- Visit During Slow Hours: Stop by early in the morning or mid-afternoon before Black Friday to speak with a manager. Your goal is to help them solve a problem—keeping their team fueled and productive during the busy season.
- Bring a Printed Menu & Clear Ordering Instructions: A simple, budget-friendly menu with clear contact information and how to order makes it a no-brainer for store managers when they are crossing this off their list or panicking for a solution. Add any special rates or discounts to grab their attention.
- Highlight Convenience: Emphasize your flexibility with delivery times, ability to handle multiple shifts, and last-minute orders. Be the solution they didn’t know they needed.
- Sweeten the Deal: Offer free samples, gift cards, or bounce-back discounts as an incentive for managers to try your food or promote it to their team. Leave behind menus and bounceback cards in their breakroom to encourage word-of-mouth among staff or even individual delivery.
- Ask for Referrals: Build on your success by asking managers if they know other locations or stores in the area that might need catering. Retail districts and malls are often closely connected, so word-of-mouth can quickly multiply your opportunities.
🛍️🥇MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT: TAP INTO YOUR STAFF’S CONNECTIONS
Your team is one of your greatest assets in uncovering hidden catering leads. Get them involved with these fun and effective strategies:
- Personal Connections: Encourage staff to think about friends, family, or second jobs that might connect them to local retailers in need of catering.
- Shopping Network: Your team is likely out shopping for gifts—have them mention your catering services while they’re out and about.
- Team Incentives: Turn this into a team-building exercise by rewarding employees who help bring in leads or orders with gift cards, recognition & supporting their own holiday catering needs.
🛍️ 👀 FIND HIDDEN ORDERS: BEYOND THE OBVIOUS
There’s always more business to uncover if you know where to look:
- Reconnect with Past Customers: Review last year’s holiday orders during this time. Reach out to these clients with an exclusive deal to reorder. And, peak through your past online orders to see if any email domains stick out that would make sense to reach out to.
- Engage Black Friday Shoppers: Use email and SMS to remind your existing guests that you’re the perfect post-shopping pit stop. Highlight specials to bring them in to fuel up for all of their shopping – and, don’t forget to promote the gift everyone wants, GIFT CARDS.
- Partner with Christmas Tree Lots: This will be the busiest weekend of the season for local tree sellers. Team up with them to offer a meal voucher with every tree purchased. As a thank-you, cater a meal for the lot’s staff to build goodwill. 🎄
Black Friday is a gateway to endless catering opportunities throughout the holiday season. With some hustle, a tailored approach, and a focus on building relationships, you can make this season one to remember. Remember, you’re not just delivering food—you’re making busy days easier for retailers and shoppers alike. So get out there, connect with your community, and watch the orders roll in!
Need help with strategy or execution? We’re here to help—reach out today!
Happy Catering! 🎉
