What to Do When Catering Calls Come In

Mastering the Art of Customer Satisfaction: What to Do When Catering Calls Come In

Hey there, fellow food-service enthusiasts! Ever find yourself on the cash register, tapping in orders and serving up smiles, when suddenly… ring, ring! It’s a catering call. What do you do? You might think that managing a catering request is just another feather in the cap of your cashier duties, but hold that thought! The way you handle these calls can make or break a customer’s experience - and trust me, you definitely want to be on the winning side of that equation.

The Right Call: Why You Should Direct Catering Inquiries

Now, picture this: a customer calls in, ready to book a catered event. They want the best for their gathering—after all, food often sets the tone for any event. Imagine someone choosing your establishment to cater their wedding, birthday, or corporate event. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the kicker: you’re simply a cashier. So, what's the best course of action? You guessed it!

Direct the call to the Catering Manager. This is the number one move you’ll want to make, and I’m about to spill the beans on why it matters.

Expertise at Your Fingertips

When you direct that call to the Catering Manager, you’re not just passing the buck—you’re ensuring that the customer receives the most informed guidance available. The Catering Manager's role is to handle all things catering, from menu decisions to pricing, and even special requests. They’re the experts, trained and ready to tackle questions that may leave a general cashier scratching their head.

Imagine the confidence that brings! Customers appreciate personalized service, especially in the realm of catering, where details reign supreme. They want someone who can go beyond the usual responses, someone who can say, “Sure, we can create a menu tailored just for you!” That’s a game-changer, isn’t it?

What Happens When You Take the Wrong Path?

Now, you might be wondering, "What if I just take the details and write them down?" While that might seem like a good idea at first, it can quickly lead to a mess of miscommunication. You don't want to scramble to jot down menu choices only to misinterpret a vital piece of information. That’s like writing a recipe and accidentally doubling the sugar! Oops—nobody wants a cake that's excessively sweet.

Moreover, if you ask the customer to call back later, you risk them feeling frustrated. Waiting for a callback can lead to feelings of disconnect, and let’s be real, nobody wants to lose a potential client over a simple moment of indecision—especially when the competition is just a click away!

And then there’s the idea of handling the catering request yourself. Unless you’ve got the experience that a Catering Manager does, this approach usually isn’t advisable. It’s no different than a pilot asking a passenger for advice on flying a plane—let’s leave that to the pros, shall we?

Navigating the Call with Confidence

So, how do you handle a catering call like a pro? Here are a few quick tips to keep in your back pocket:

• Smile (even if they can’t see it): Your enthusiasm comes through in your tone. A warm voice can go a long way!

• Acknowledge the request: Let the caller know that their inquiry is important and that you’re ready to assist them.

• Transition smoothly: “That sounds great, and I want to make sure you get the best information. Let me direct you to our Catering Manager, who’s trained specifically for this kind of request.”

It’s really just about being genuine and recognizing the structure of your business. By directing the call, you’re showing that you care about the service provided, even if it’s not directly under your purview.

Celebrating Teamwork Behind the Scenes

Actually, this brings us to a deeper point about teamwork in the food service industry. Just like an orchestra needs each instrument to create beautiful music, a restaurant thrives on the effective collaboration of every its members—from cashiers to cooks, to managers and beyond.

When you recognize that your role connects to a larger team effort, you’re not just doing your job—you’re contributing to a shared goal. That shared goal? Creating memorable experiences for your customers. This, without a doubt, contributes to the atmosphere your customers return to time and again.

Wrapping It Up

So, the next time the phone rings, and you hear that distinctive sound on the other end, remember: response matters. By directing catering calls to the Catering Manager, you ensure that every inquiry is treated with the value it deserves. Not only does this maintain clarity and professionalism, but it also leaves the customer feeling heard and valued.

And let’s face it, isn’t that what we all want? To leave customers with a good taste in their mouth—figuratively and literally?

Next time you’re behind that register, equipped with your newfound wisdom, you might just find yourself smiling at the thought of all the delicious events your establishment will cater. Here’s to crafting great experiences, one catering call at a time! Cheers!