In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Jessica Lehrer, Owner of Adam & Joe’s Gourmet Eatery, a catering company that has mastered high-volume, high-quality corporate catering with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service.

Jessica shares how she and her family grew their business from a small restaurant into a thriving catering operation, emphasizing the power of personalized service, strategic marketing, and premium presentation. She also discusses her journey from criminology and law enforcement back into the family business—and how her investigative skills even helped bust a credit card fraud ring!

In this episode, Jessica dives into:

✅ The best marketing strategy for corporate catering—and why in-person relationships still win

✅ Why premium presentation & packaging help command higher prices

✅ How strategic LinkedIn outreach lands high-value catering clients

✅ The power of customer service and becoming a catering “partner,” not just a vendor

✅ How technology and AI are shaping the future of catering sales & efficiency

If you’re looking for practical, proven strategies to grow your catering business while standing out from the competition, this episode is full of valuable insights you can apply today!

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Butch Scott, Owner/Operator of Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering in Taylor, Mississippi. With over two decades in the restaurant and catering industry, Butch has built a multi-million-dollar catering business rooted in southern hospitality, consistency, and customer relationships.

Butch shares his journey from running Abbeville Catfish to scaling Taylor Grocery’s catering operations to nearly $4 million in annual sales—all in a town of just 50,000 people. He dives into:

✅ The power of a well-maintained customer database and how it fueled a 10x revenue increase

✅ The importance of menu packaging to simplify sales and operations

✅ Why relationships & word-of-mouth marketing still outperform traditional advertising

✅ How technology & AI are shaping the future of catering sales and marketing

From corporate drop-offs to high-end weddings, Butch has seen it all and shares his best strategies for scaling a catering business while maintaining quality and service. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your catering sales to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you can apply today!

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Amber Polk, Catering Director at Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. With over 10 years of experience in the catering industry, Amber has played a pivotal role in growing Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s catering operation across 20 company-owned locations.

Amber shares how consistency, training, and customer relationships have been the foundation of their catering success. She dives into the importance of word-of-mouth marketing, leveraging customer trust and referrals, and how Soulman’s stays true to its roots with scratch-made recipes and a focus on hospitality.

They also discuss the role of technology in streamlining catering operations, from online ordering to delivery logistics, and how Amber personally took the initiative to bring CaterZen into the company—proving its value by increasing efficiency and sales.

This episode is packed with insights on building a strong catering brand, maintaining quality across multiple locations, and training teams to deliver exceptional customer service. Whether you’re looking to scale your catering business or refine your operations, Amber’s story is a must-listen!

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Julie Wade, Head of Marketing at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café. With over 15 years of experience in brand strategy and marketing, Julie shares insights on creating authentic customer experiences, leveraging technology like AI for personalization, and the importance of integrating catering into broader marketing plans.

Julie discusses how Taziki’s combines fresh ingredients with the spirit of hospitality to stand out in the competitive restaurant industry. She also highlights her strategies for building loyalty programs, implementing AI in call centers, and using data-driven campaigns to boost catering sales. Packed with actionable advice and inspiration, this conversation is a must-listen for restauranteurs ready to elevate their marketing game.

Learn from Julie’s career journey, creative campaigns, and her passion for storytelling in this exciting episode.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, host Michael Attias interviews Jill Hammett, the new COO of CaterZen Catering Software.

Jill shares her unique journey into the catering industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships, reputation, and technology in building a successful catering business. She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in catering growth, the role of personality in customer interactions, and the impact of CRM systems on sales. Jill also addresses common mistakes operators make and highlights future trends in catering technology, including the potential of AI.

In this conversation, Michael Attias and Jill Hammett discuss the intricacies of the catering industry, emphasizing the importance of hiring experienced staff, the value of customer feedback, and the significance of leadership beyond titles. They explore the challenges and opportunities that come with career changes, particularly in the tech sector, and highlight the necessity of building strong relationships with clients to foster long-term success. The discussion also touches on the role of mentorship and the need for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias sits down with Erle Dardick, founder of CaterLinked and the Off Premises Growth Academy—and one of the most respected voices in restaurant off-premises strategy.

Erle’s journey started back in 1996 with the purchase of Tony’s Deli in Vancouver. Fast forward nearly 30 years, and he’s become a major force in helping restaurant operators succeed in the off-premises world of catering, takeout, and delivery.

In this candid conversation, Erle and Michael talk about:

• The evolution of catering from back-of-house afterthought to business-critical revenue stream.

• Why tech-enabled systems and operations are non-negotiable if you want to scale.

• How focus and clarity drive profitability—and what to avoid if you’re serious about growth.

• The future of catering and what restaurants must do now to stay relevant.

You’ll walk away with battle-tested strategies for building a more efficient, profitable, and scalable catering business. Whether you’re just starting or hitting a plateau, this episode is your blueprint for growth.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Kelly Grogan, Founder & CEO of CRUMBS, a platform helping restaurants grow through smarter local store marketing, online ordering, and catering strategies.

With a background in both hospitality and tech, Kelly shares how CRUMBS empowers restaurants to grow incremental revenue channels—especially catering—by simplifying systems and leveraging community connections. She dives deep into how to build a catering-friendly menu, why simplicity always wins, and how local presence and smart marketing can supercharge your catering sales.

This episode is packed with real-world takeaways on menu design, customer communication, and team-driven growth. Whether you’re launching a catering program or looking to scale one, Kelly’s practical advice and sharp insights will help you drive results.

🎙️ Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias sits down with Aron Benon, CEO of LaLa Tacos, a fast-growing taco catering business known for its high-quality food, top-notch customer service, and innovative marketing strategies.

Aron shares how he turned a small taco cart operation into a thriving business with 22 taco carts, a 5,000-square-foot catering kitchen, and a reputation for excellence. He dives into the power of SEO, rapid response times, premium presentation, and why customer experience always comes first.

In this episode, Aron breaks down:

✅ Why fast response times are the key to winning more catering business

✅ How LaLa Tacos dominates search engine rankings to drive leads daily

✅ The secret to high-end wedding and corporate catering sales

✅ Why presentation and branding matter—even in taco catering

✅ How offering free tastings and premium service builds customer loyalty

✅ The unexpected power of churros—and why they became a game-changing upsell

Aron also shares his hard-earned lessons in customer service, follow-up, and overcoming common mistakes that can sink a catering business.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to level up your catering game!

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias sits down with John Geyerman, Chief Strategy Officer at WOWorks, the parent company behind better-for-you brands like Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, and The Simple Greek.

John brings a wealth of experience from his days at Schlotzsky's and Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, and he dives into the complexities and opportunities of running catering operations across multiple fast-casual brands. From managing brand identities to streamlining logistics, John unpacks how WOWorks approaches growth, guest experience, and operational excellence—all while keeping catering front and center.

You’ll learn how they:

• Prioritize catering in the tech stack and operational rollout

• Cross-train teams across different brand concepts

• Use catering to build brand awareness and guest loyalty

Whether you operate one brand or many, this episode is full of smart, strategic takeaways for scaling your catering game without sacrificing quality.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Christian Hilty, VP of Partnerships at DeliverThat, a delivery logistics platform built specifically for catering.

Christian shares how DeliverThat carved out a niche in the catering world by offering scheduled, white-glove delivery services tailored for large catering orders—a game-changer for restaurants tired of the headaches from third-party delivery apps. You’ll hear how DeliverThat helps restaurants boost order accuracy, improve customer satisfaction, and increase repeat business by solving that last-mile logistics problem most operators struggle with.

Michael and Christian dive into:

• Why scheduled delivery beats on-demand for catering

• How DeliverThat integrates with systems like CaterZen to streamline operations

• Real-world use cases and ROI for restaurant partners

• What’s next for technology in catering delivery

Whether you’re drowning in delivery issues or just looking to level up your catering game, this episode is packed with golden nuggets from someone in the trenches of catering logistics every day.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software, the all-in-one solution for managing and growing your catering business.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias sits down with Chris Heffernan, CEO of dlivrd—a last-mile logistics company disrupting the gig delivery space with a focus on transparency, driver empowerment, and AI-driven matchmaking.

Chris shares his vision for a delivery ecosystem where restaurant operators and drivers both win. You’ll hear how dlivrd’s platform is custom-built for catering—not just another gig app. Think: delivery driver profiles, matching based on capacity and equipment (not just location), and AI that “swipes right” on the perfect driver for every order.

Michael and Chris dive into:

• The flaws of traditional delivery apps for catering orders

• How AI and driver profiling create better outcomes for large orders

• Why culture and community matter, even in the gig economy

• Practical ways caterers can leverage AI, from chatbot customer service to automated menu recommendations

Whether you’re running five catering deliveries a week or fifty, this episode will change how you think about delivery logistics.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is powered by CaterZen Catering Software, the all-in-one platform helping restaurants grow catering sales and streamline operations.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias sits down with Jason Schultz, Founder and CEO of Blue Ridge Payment Partners, for a conversation that’s less about payment processing and more about character, relationships, and doing business the right way.

Michael shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Jason uncovered a major opportunity that led to CaterZen landing one of its biggest clients. Even though Jason didn’t win the processing business, his integrity and partnership-first mindset made a lasting impact.

Together, they dive into:

• Why playing the long game in business always pays off

• The power of being the guy who holds the door open, not just the one who gives the quarter

• How shared values and trust lay the foundation for profitable business relationships

• Why Michael believes "1 + 1 = 3" when collaboration beats competition

If you’re in the catering or restaurant business and want to hear how doing the right thing can still win, this episode delivers a refreshing take on success beyond transactions.

🎧 Sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software — empowering you to streamline operations, boost sales, and reclaim your time.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Ellen Diehl, Operations Coordinator at Roots Natural Kitchen—affectionately dubbed “The Catering Queen” by her team.

Ellen plays a pivotal role in building and scaling off-premise catering for one of the country’s fastest-growing health-focused fast-casual brands. From her humble beginnings working the drive-thru at Long John Silver’s to orchestrating seamless catering operations across multiple locations, Ellen’s journey is both inspiring and practical.

Michael and Ellen dive into:

• How strong systems and SOPs empower store teams to deliver consistently great catering

• Using CaterZen to coordinate logistics, manage orders, and eliminate chaos

• What it takes to scale catering without sacrificing brand standards or team morale

• Why packaging, communication, and training are key ingredients to off-premise success

This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to scale catering smartly, without burning out their teams or blowing up their operations.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software—the all-in-one solution for restaurants ready to grow catering sales while saving time and staying organized.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Allen Beck, Director of Off-Premise and Catering at Costa Vida. With over 15 years of experience in restaurant operations and hospitality, Allen has helped Costa Vida double its catering business year over year—by building a sales-driven culture and putting boots on the ground.

Allen shares how the brand shifted catering from a passive revenue stream to a core profit center through working interviews, franchisee engagement, and menu engineering that supports scale and travel. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Costa Vida aligns corporate and franchise operations, the ROI of hiring a catering sales rep, and why knocking on doors still beats a tech stack.

If you’re serious about growing catering sales, this is a can’t-miss conversation full of actionable insights—and a few spicy hot takes.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software—helping restaurants turn catering chaos into calm.

In this episode of Restaurant Catering Smarts, Michael Attias welcomes Marianne Jeff, also known as The Get It Done Diva and Founder of the Women’s Business Momentum Center. With over 20 years of experience coaching small business owners, Marianne shares the strategies she used to help Zach’s Catering transform their operations—from clunky systems and chaotic days to streamlined processes and sustainable growth.

They dive deep into the power of habits, planning, and systems, as well as the mindset shifts needed to run a business without burning out. Marianne also opens up about her personal journey to sobriety and how it reshaped her perspective on leadership, productivity, and life.

Whether you’re buried in to-dos or looking to regain control of your catering business, this episode offers real-world insights on how to simplify your day, scale with systems, and enjoy the entrepreneurial journey.

Restaurant Catering Smarts is sponsored by CaterZen Catering Software — the tool to turn catering chaos into calm.