Episode 8: Why Systems, Not Sizzle, Drive Catering Profits—with Erle Dardick

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.