This article is part of a series called “Getting Off-Premises”, which examines how to build an off-premises business.

Follow Jim Rand as he visits Haido Barnett, the owner of Andre’s Cafe in Boston. Haido talks about how catering has been good for her dine-in business.

TRANSCRIPT:

Jim Rand: Have you found that catering has actually brought people into your restaurant?

Haido Barnett: Absolutely. It’s so crazy because a lot of times people don’t even know I exist, right? And so then I try to do a lot of branding with my catering. So when it goes out I try to put my name on everything. Andre’s Cafe and Catering, Andre’s Cafe and Catering. And sometimes people will be like, Where is Andre’s Cafe? And then I’ll say, Hey come in. Here’s a gift certificate.

Jim Rand: You know, what’s really cool about it, what I love about it, is that they’re paying you to market your business. Because you’re selling them catering, you’re getting your name out there, and then all of a sudden they end up coming in and being a regular customer of yours. That’s great.