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.

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 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.