An event being catered by La Cazuela in Atlanta.
Do you cater from your restaurant? Catering is an essential component of business for many Mexican restaurants, according to a January 2023 el Restaurante survey. Those that cater earn an average of 29 percent of their income from that service. And about half of the survey respondents reported a growth in catering income over the past year.
“Catering can be very profitable, even with the long hours involved,” says Tim Castenada owner of Zumba Grill in Birmingham, Michigan.
Other key data from the el Restaurante survey:
How Did Your Catering Business in 2022 Compare to 2021?
- 10% of respondents said their catering business grew by more than 50% in 2022
- 39% said their catering grew in 2022, but by less than 50%
- 32% said their catering business was flat in 2022
- 19% said their catering business dropped in 2022
What Events Do You Cater?
- Business events/lunches are the most popular caterings for Mexican restaurants: 41 percent of respondents said they do such events “all the time” and 34% said they do them “often.”
- Parties/Graduations are the next most common event: 27% of respondents said they do these “all the time” and 46% said they do these “often”
What Type of Food Do You Cater?
- Taco/Fajita bars are by far the most commonly requested catering item from Mexican restaurants: 55% of respondents do these “all the time” and 45% do them “often.”
- Upscale Mexican cuisine also is popular: 46% do this “all the time” and 36% do it “often.”
More information from this survey, and pages of expert advice on catering, can be found in our upcoming Digital Supplement on Catering Success. Look for it on February 2.
el Restaurante Webinar
Are you interested in learning more about catering? Then register for the free webinar “Successful Catering for a Mexican Restaurant” on February 16 at 10 a.m. Central. A panel of expert caterers will answer all your questions! Click here to register.