_{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.}

You’ve identified catering as your newest channel for business growth, but what do you do next? Like any new business idea, you need a strategy. Creating and executing the right plan in the right way will help guide your success.

In this video, GJ Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Torchy’s Tacos, discusses building a catering business plan, getting buy-in from catering staff, and overcoming common challenges. Tune in to learn how to grow your catering business by delivering consistent quality and great experience outside of four walls.

Video Takeaways:

• Start small. Build a business plan that identifies which resources will get you to your next phase of growth. 
• Generate buy-in from front-line team members. Ask for feedback from your team to learn how you can be more efficient and deliver a better guest experience.
• Identify challenges early. Designing an outstanding guest experience, delivering on food quality, and optimizing staff are always challenges in catering. Discuss solutions with stakeholders and staff early and often.
• Invest in your people. Hire and train the right people to execute and improve your catering experience from the beginning. 

GJ Hart is Chief Executive Officer of Torchy’s Tacos, where he oversees operations and strategic growth. A 36-year veteran of restaurant operations and management, he is passionate about growing casual dining concepts and expanding brands into new markets. Prior to Torchy’s Tacos, GJ served as executive chairman and CEO of California Pizza Kitchen, as well as president and CEO of Texas Roadhouse.