Do you own a cafe and are looking to boost sales during lunchtime? One smart move is to tap into the corporate crowd. Office workers are always on the hunt for quick, delicious, and convenient meal options. You’re already halfway there if your establishment happens to offer pastries and coffee; now it’s all about closing that gap and offering satisfying lunches that fit into their packed schedules.
But exactly how
do you make your cafe the go-to lunch spot for busy professionals? It’s all
about offering convenience, quality, and creating a welcoming space where they
can recharge before heading back to work. To get you started, read on below for
a list of practical ways to attract more corporate customers to your cafe,
including how bakery boxes can help you with presentation:
Understanding the Corporate Lunch Crowd
Understanding what office workers want is the first step to winning them over. Generally, their priorities will be speed, taste, and value: they need food that’s fresh, healthy, and satisfying, but it also has to be served quickly. That’s because busy professionals have a limited window in which to eat – long wait times will send them straight to another spot where they can be served faster.
Variety is another key factor. While pastries
and sweets might be a big part of your cafe’s identity, lunchtime customers
need more than just carbs and sugar. A well-balanced menu with sandwiches,
salads, and protein-packed options can make all the difference.
Expanding Your Menu to Meet Their Needs
Customization is another great way to draw in more customers. You could offer a “fill your own bakery box” that allows them to fill a bakery box with their choice of pastries from your selections, for example, or present them with a “build your own” sandwich or salad station where they can choose exactly what they want – this can make them more likely to return. It’s also a good idea to cater to different dietary needs: having vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options will help your establishment stand out from the competition.
Prioritize Speed and Convenience
During lunch hours, time is everything. If customers know they can get in and out of your cafe quickly, they’ll be more likely to choose your establishment over other options.
A good way to speed things up is to implement a pre-order system. You can allow customers to place their orders in advance through an app, your website, or even a simple phone call to reduce wait times and keep the line moving.
Grab-and-go options are another lifesaver for
busy professionals. Pre-packaged meals that are ready to pick up make the
process even faster. If customers know they can walk in, grab a fresh meal, and
be on their way in minutes, they’ll keep coming back.
Creating a Comfortable and Productive Atmosphere
For some professionals, lunch isn’t just about eating and taking a breather. It’s also a chance to catch up on emails or even hold a quick meeting. To cater to these customers on “working lunches”, you’ll want to create a space that provides for these needs. Doing so is a great way to set your cafe apart!
Comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and accessible
power outlets can make your bakery a favorite lunchtime destination. Pair these
with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of natural light, and your
spot can become the perfect place for professionals looking for a break from
the hustle and bustle of the office.
If space allows, consider offering a few quiet
corners or a small conference table for those who want to work while they eat.
These small touches can make a big impact on how professionals perceive your
bakery as a lunchtime destination.
Offering Corporate Catering and Special Promotions
Catering is a huge opportunity for cafes looking to expand their lunchtime business. Many offices regularly order lunch for meetings, and if your cafe can provide delicious, high-quality catering options, you can tap into a consistent revenue stream.
In addition to catering, it’s also worth considering running special promotions tailored towards office workers, such as a “Lunch Combo” deal that includes a sandwich, a side, and a drink. This can entice customers to choose your cafe over your competitors. Limited-time offers and seasonal specials can also generate excitement and keep customers coming back to see what’s new.
When busy professionals know they can count on your bakery for fresh, flavorful lunches and treats without the wait, they’ll make your spot part of their daily routine. By focusing on convenience and quality, you can turn your cafe into a lunchtime hotspot for busy office workers.