Back to School Catering Starts in June & July

Many people start thinking about Back to School Catering starting in late July or August. That's way too late. Whether you are in a Southern or Northern State, you should start your planning and research in June, and initiate your outreach in July. Starting right after the 4th in most areas, and two weeks later if your trade area is north of the Mason Dixon Line. A dual-outreach approach works best. Calling the main line and speaking to a secretary, receptionist, administrative assistant, while emailing the Principal directly (if possible). This helps to ensure one or both communications get through.

Success begins with reasonable menu options and an aggressive price point. These meals are mostly utilitarian. Focus should be on ease of use, affordability, and simplicity. People need to be fed and be fed quickly.

Starting right after the 4th will usually allow you to have access to decision makers before things get too busy. Scheduling sample drops is also suggested this far out.

Finally ask early and often what the requirements are to do business with the school. Do you need to be an approved vendor? Do you need to be able to support tax exempt requests? Do you need to offer house accounts? All things to consider. Finally, your time will run out before the number of potential targets do. At NCC, we can make sure every school gets touched, to help maximize the revenue (and long-term relationships) as much as possible.