At CaterZen, we’re all about empowering restauranteurs to grow their catering businesses, and our Restaurant Catering Smarts podcast is your backstage pass to insights, strategies, and stories from the industry’s best. Hosted by me, Michael Attias, founder of CaterZen Catering Software, each episode is designed to help you level up your catering game with actionable advice and real-world success stories.
We’re excited to announce Episode 25 of Restaurant Catering Smarts, featuring Erin Childs, Independent Restaurant Consultant & Coach!
Episode 25: The Fast Casual Formula for Catering Growth with Erin Childs
In this episode, I sit down with Erin Childs, a seasoned restaurant operator and consultant with decades of experience in fast casual operations, corporate catering, and team development. Erin shares how she built catering sales from the ground up—literally walking the streets with samples—and how those early lessons evolved into scalable systems that drive long-term growth.Here’s what you’ll learn in Episode 25:
- How Erin built catering sales through sampling, cold calling, and hustle—and why those fundamentals still work today.
- Why systems and consistency are the foundation of scalable fast casual catering growth.
- How restaurants can train teams to sell and execute catering without relying on one superstar.
- The benefits of transitioning from late-night events to sustainable, profitable corporate drop-off catering.
- Erin’s insights on balancing growth, leadership, and lifestyle in the restaurant business.
How to Tune In
You can watch the full video or listen to the episode of the podcast here.
Why Restaurant Catering Smarts?
This podcast goes beyond surface-level tips—it’s your behind-the-scenes look at what makes catering businesses thrive. Each episode features industry leaders who share their stories and practical strategies to help you grow your catering operations.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, Restaurant Catering Smarts is here to guide you to success.
Let’s Hear From You!
Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Or a topic you’re dying to learn more about?
Shoot us a message. We’d love to hear from you!
Stay Connected with Us on Social Media!
Don’t miss out on updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive tips for growing your catering business. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:
- LinkedIn: CaterZen LinkedIn
- Twitter/X: @CaterZen
- Instagram: @CaterZenCateringSoftware
- Facebook: CaterZen Catering Software
- Join our private Facebook group: Restaurant Catering Professionals
Join the conversation and let us know how Restaurant Catering Smarts is helping you level up your catering game. We love hearing your wins!
Ready to Grow Catering with Systems, Not Stress?
Erin’s story is proof that you don’t need to be a born salesperson—or have a big team—to build a thriving catering program. You just need a game plan, a few solid systems, and the courage to start knocking on doors (literally or digitally).
Whether you’re flying solo or managing multiple units, this episode gives you a real-world blueprint for turning catering into a repeatable, reliable revenue stream. No theory. No fluff. Just the tools, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes moves from someone who’s done it herself—and now helps others do the same.
Think of this as a guide for operators who want to scale smart.
Less firefighting. More freedom. And way more catering sales.
So throw on your headphones, take some notes, and let this episode spark your next big step.
Because success in catering doesn’t happen by accident—
It happens when you build systems that work, even when you’re not in the room.
