Revolutionizing Catering Operations with Advanced Automation and Custom Software for Kelli’s Catering

About the Client

Kelli’s Catering, a premier catering company in Clearwater, Florida, has been crafting memorable dining experiences since 2003. With a mission to elevate every event through culinary excellence and impeccable service, they cater to a diverse clientele, including private gatherings, corporate events, and weddings.

The Challenge

Kelli’s Catering needed a solution to modernize their operations, automate processes, and enhance the customer experience. The primary goals were to:

1. Streamline the ordering and booking process for both the client and customers.
2. Develop a flexible, user-friendly system for managing the diverse needs of their business model.
3. Integrate automation to reduce time spent on manual tasks, especially in handling complex orders and event logistics.
4. Ensure the website matched the high-quality brand identity established with Kelli’s Meal Prep.

Our Approach

Through an in-depth discovery phase, we identified all requirements and designed a custom solution that combined existing software integrations with fully bespoke development.

Advanced Online Ordering System

We built the most advanced online ordering and booking experience ever developed for an individual catering company, featuring:

• Two primary ordering options:
  1. À La Carte: Customers order pan-size platters tailored to their event.
  2. All-Inclusive Menus: Customers select pre-designed menus and pay per person.
• Over 500 customizable products available on the site, giving customers unparalleled flexibility.

Dynamic Checkout with Custom Fee Calculations

• Designed a complex fee system that automatically calculates costs based on cart total, party size, and event-specific factors like server requirements and additional extras.
• Incorporated dynamic adjustments for lead times, ensuring accurate pricing and availability for standard and corporate clients.

Seamless Booking and Payment Integration

• Developed a custom booking system allowing Kelli’s team to manage lead times, event types, and customer categories via a custom backend GUI, eliminating the need for coding expertise.
• Integrated Stripe’s advanced API to offer flexible payment options:
  • Customers can choose to pay in full upfront or split payments (half upfront and half a day before the event).
  • The final payment is processed automatically based on the event date, ensuring a seamless experience for both the client and the customer.

Branding and Professional Photography

• Refreshed Kelli’s Catering’s branding to align with the established style of Kelli’s Meal Prep, ensuring consistency across platforms.
• Conducted multiple professional on-site photography sessions to showcase the elegance and quality of Kelli’s cuisine and service.

The Results

Our custom-built solution transformed Kelli’s Catering’s business operations by:

1. Automating Time-Intensive Processes:
   • Customers can now browse the menu, build event orders, and book directly without requiring office staff assistance.
   • Saved significant staff time each week, allowing Kelli’s team to focus on enhancing their services.
2. Providing Unparalleled Flexibility:
   • The intuitive system accommodates diverse customer needs, from intimate gatherings to large corporate events.
3. Delivering a Modern, Seamless Customer Experience:
   • The website’s advanced functionality and clean, professional design reflect the premium quality of Kelli’s Catering services.