How data helps contract caterers meet their clients' goals

Imagine this: A large company rolls out a new employee meal program as part of its commitment to employee well-being and sustainability. They want to offer employees healthy, appealing food choices while working to meet the company's sustainability goals.

In the early days, enthusiasm was high, and employees explored the canteen's options. But as the months pass, the excitement wanes—employees stop engaging with the new meal program and many meal options go untouched.

This is where contract catering guest data comes in. By gathering and analysing employee dining habits—favourite dishes, popular dining times, and sustainability choices—the company can make data-driven decisions to adapt the program to fit the workforce’s tastes. The company and the caterer work together to do more of what works—sustainable choices that align with preferences and also throw in rewards for eco-friendly selections.

With this data-driven approach, the company sees employee satisfaction rise and food waste drop. Repeat visits to the canteen increase, and the meal program becomes a valuable asset in building workplace culture. 

Of course, the process respects privacy, as data is gathered anonymously or with client and guest approval.

Why analysing guest data matters for client success

As a contract caterer, you are so much more than a food service provider—you’re a strategic partner helping clients create meaningful, positive dining experiences. Collecting and analysing anonymous, or approved guest data, provides insights into preferences and trends, helping the kitchen shape their services to match client and guest (i.e., clients' employees) needs more closely.

Pej’s main mission is to bring the guest experience above and beyond expectations in contract catering. Keep reading to learn how Pej can help you align with and exceed your client’s goals.

Understanding repeat guests vs. single visits

An interesting pillar in reaching clients' goals in catering is how recognising patterns between repeat guests and single visits can guide more effective strategies.

Nurturing loyalty with repeat guests

Guests who return regularly are finding value—whether through variety, quality, or convenience. Identifying these engaged visitors enables tailored promotions that make them feel recognised and appreciated, strengthening their connection to the workplace canteen.

Engaging single-visit guests

Single-visit guests represent untapped potential. These guests may be new, occasional visitors, or simply haven’t yet found a compelling reason to return. Analysing their preferences and behaviours can reveal opportunities to encourage repeat visits, such as more attractive meal plans, special menu options, or unique experiences.

Delivering real value to clients

Tracking the balance between repeat and single-visit guests provides a clear indicator of employee meal program success. An increase in repeat visits shows high employee engagement, offering clients a tangible measure of a happy community.

How guest data helps contract caterers align with client objectives

Improve employee well-being and engagement

We all need to eat, and lunch should be a calm and energising moment. For many clients, the dining experience is an important part of their workplace culture, with a direct impact on employee well-being. 

• Promote healthy dining options: Guest data analytics reveals which dishes are popular and which are less so, allowing caterers to offer a balanced menu that includes nutritious options tailored to employee preferences. Highlighting popular healthy meals or running promotions around wellness themes can encourage employees to make choices that do good.
  
  

• Create an inclusive, varied menu: Workforces are diverse, and caterers can use guest data analytics to track preferences across demographics and offer a range of menu items that reflect different dietary needs and backgrounds, making everyone feel welcome.
  
  

• Offer loyalty programs and targeted rewards: Data enables caterers to design targeted offers that resonate with specific employee segments. Create loyalty programs or meal rewards that increase engagement and make employees feel appreciated.

  
  

Support clients’ sustainability initiatives

Every organisation needs to focus on sustainability and reducing the workplace’s CO2 footprint. Guest data analytics empowers caterers to align with these client goals by tracking and promoting sustainable, and locally produced options.

• Track demand for eco-friendly options: Use guest data to monitor interest in plant-based meals, organic ingredients, or low-carbon options. This insight helps caterers adjust offerings to meet client sustainability targets.
  
  

• Reduce food waste by focusing on guest favourites: By understanding guest preferences, caterers can offer more of the dishes guests love. This approach reduces waste, aligns with sustainability goals, and ensures guests enjoy a menu that’s tailored to their tastes.

  
  

• Showcase impact with data-driven reports: Caterers can use guest data analytics to report back to clients on sustainability metrics, such as the percentage of plant-based meals served or reductions in food waste. These insights offer clients clear proof of their commitment to green practices.

  
  

Increase productivity and efficiency

Guest data analytics doesn’t only improve the dining experience; it also brings operational efficiency. For clients, this can mean cost savings, better resource allocation, and a smoother overall dining experience.

• Optimise peak times with predictive analytics: By knowing when guest traffic is highest, caterers can help clients plan for busy periods, ensuring there’s sufficient staff on hand to keep lines moving and minimise wait times.
  
  

• Reduce administrative time: With data-driven decisions in contract catering, caterers can streamline reporting and billing processes, reducing the administrative load on client teams. Automated data collection and analysis make it easier to produce accurate reports, freeing up time for both caterers and clients to focus on core priorities.
  
  

• Customise the dining experience per client location: For clients with multiple sites, guest data enables caterers to tailor the dining experience to suit each location’s unique needs. This ensures that every location gets the offerings, promotions, and menu items that best resonate with its guests.

  
  

How to demonstrate measurable impact

With guest data, caterers can deliver insights that show clients exactly how their services contribute to employee satisfaction and even productivity.

• Employee engagement metrics: Show clients how often employees are using dining services, which promotions are popular, and the overall engagement levels. These insights allow clients to see the value of the meal program as a tool for employee engagement.
  
  

• Compare usage across departments: Analyse dining program engagement across different departments to tailor and optimise benefits for each team’s needs.
  
  

• Satisfaction and feedback trends: Gather and present data on guest satisfaction through surveys or feedback mechanisms. This data provides clients with actionable insights to improve their workplace culture and dining offerings continually.

  
  

Build a lasting partnership with clients through data

By using guest data, you can help clients create a tailored and goal-oriented dining experience. With data-driven decisions in contract catering, you can align closely with client objectives, provide insights that support their priorities.

Contact Pej and get the tools you need to help clients reach their goals.