By CaterWoo · Updated
Plan capacity before promising the order
A large order can overlap with normal restaurant service. Review preparation time, staffing, packaging and delivery capacity before agreeing to the customer’s requested schedule. Identify who can approve the commitment.
Break the event into decisions that need confirmation: guest count, menu, service style, price and fulfilment. Keep uncertain items clearly marked rather than hiding them in general notes.
Give the team a practical running order
Work back from the handoff time and list the key milestones. The plan should explain who confirms the customer details, who prepares the kitchen brief, who packs the order and who releases it.
- Confirm menu units and quantities, not just dish names.
- Review equipment, packaging and serving requirements.
- Set an internal deadline for changes and approvals.
- Assign owners to prep, packing and handoff tasks.
- Keep payment status separate from production readiness.
Finish with a review, not just a closed order
Record the actual pickup or delivery confirmation and note any exception. Review what caused extra calls or last-minute work, then improve the template for the next order.
A repeatable process does not have to be complex. Start with the catering order form, use a prep checklist, and close with a handoff check. CaterWoo’s mobile order book includes customer and receiver details, menu lines, pickup or delivery information, notes, manual payment labels and order statuses. The iPhone app is available on the US App Store; Android remains in closed testing. Confirm the workflow on your device before using it for active orders; integrations and payment processing are not available.