_{At ezCater, we’re dedicated to helping restaurants grow a successful catering business. That’s why we’re excited to share this video series featuring insights and lessons from industry experts behind thriving catering programs.}

Developing talent is important, but a successful catering team also has passion. Look across your team to find the right people for each piece of the business. You might have an operations staff member who is a good fit for catering. Or there may be a sales person who would make an excellent team manager. It’s up to you to nurture the right talent to make your catering business grow.

In this video, Eric Wyatt, Chief Operating Officer of Boston Market, shares how he builds catering teams from the ground up. He offers tips for developing individual talent, using operations to fuel staff success, and fostering a creative management style.

Video Takeaways:

• If you have to choose between a candidate with operations or sales experience, it’s more important to find a leader with a knack for operations, as sales skills can always be taught later. 
• Help catering leaders avoid the blame game by using learning tools like the “Accountability Ladder” to teach them to find solutions rather than make excuses. 
• Look for candidates who are passionate about food as catering leaders need to learn menus and understand what customers want out of an off-premises dining experience.

Eric Wyatt is Chief Operating Officer of Boston Market, a fast-casual chain with 425 locations. He has over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry and has held operational leadership roles with Starbucks, Taco Bell, and Panera Bread.