1. Getting Started
The first step for pizza restaurants is getting a school contract. The best way to do this is to check with the school board or food service director. If you are targeting an entire school district, it's better to approach the school district food coordinator. They can give you a list of the rules, regulations, and any other requirements. States vary in their procedures and requirements for food contracts. Some states have government officials that oversee food production for schools, but many small restaurants get around this because they sell B2B. The cafeterias are considered regular customers. Other states are free of government regulations, and school districts have their own set of rules.
In addition to appropriate permits, many schools district require all outside food to have a nutritional analysis prepared. This gives a breakdown of the nutritional content of each menu item. A nutritionist is needed to do the analysis, and the cost is the responsibility of the pizzeria.
When starting a school pizza program, pizzerias need to consider many factors and strategies to get their pizzas into schools. Key factors include time, labor, and equipment. Depending on the size of the school and how many pizzas are required, time will vary. Pizzerias may have to open earlier to get the pizzas out to the schools before their regular business hours, making a long day for restaurant owners and cooks.
Another thing to consider is labor. Precisely how much extra labor will be necessary to fill each school order. Factoring in labor and transportation costs can give pizzerias estimated starting costs. Many restaurants will need to add an additional vehicle to transport pizzas. In addition, that vehicle will require warmers to keep the pizzas hot as they are delivered. Health departments may requires that pizzas are kept between 140 and 145 degrees. Likewise, pizzerias need to consider additional equipment that the school will need on-site, like warmer trays, slicers, and serving plates. Many larger schools may already have this equipment available, but other schools.may not be so well equipt.
Once you are accepted and have all of the necessary permits and equipment, you can focus on connecting with the students.
2. Get Involved
Pizzerias can get involved in school activities like clubs, bands and orchestras, sports, and other extracurricular activities. A great way to connect is through the Parent Teachers Association or PTA. The school PTA will have a list of events and activities at which they may want to sell pizza. Selling pizzas at halftime shows or seasonal events connects pizzerias and the school community.
Participating in school fundraising events like becoming a walk-a-thon sponsor or catering a movie night is an excellent way to showcase your pizzeria's food and also fundraise for the school. Organizing a pizza Friday or a school pizza night and offering a percentage of sales to school fundraising is mutually beneficial for the school and pizzerias.
Talk to coaches about sponsoring a team and getting your restaurant's banner displayed at sporting events. Connect with coaches to offer postgame meals for the athletes. Offer a number of free pizzas, but have the athletes pay for their drinks. This is an excellent way to get friends and family of the athletes into the pizzeria for postgame celebrations and sales.
3. Do Demos
School cafeteria and pizzerias can organize a school demonstration to show students how to make pizza and why pizza is a healthy option. Giving presentations about the five food groups and the nutritional value of different ingredients is an educational and fun way to bring pizza into the school. Connect the demo to a school lesson like healthy lifestyle, food science, geography, or even history. Depending on the grade level, students can learn about food science and the perfect melting point of cheese, about Italy and how pizza was invented, or how pizza came to the U.S. through Italian immigrants. Connecting your pizza demo to a school subject or theme keeps it relevant, so it doesn't sound like a sales pitch. Demos can be hand-on where students can participate in dough stretching, sauce making, or designing their perfect pizza. Finish the demo with a free slice and coupons for students to share with family and friends.
4. Offer Discounts and Incentives
Try connecting with one or more of the many school programs that promote literacy and other academic achievement. Younger students may enjoy a reading challenge. Participants who read a certain number of books by a particular time receive a coupon for a personal pan pizza. For older students, offer freebies and discount coupons for high grades or other types so academic achievement. In addition, providing a special coupon for student birthdays is a great way to get students to bring in the family for a birthday meal.
5. Involve Teachers, Coaches, and Administration
Getting involved in student clubs and organizations is excellent, but don't forget about the school staff. Focus on promotions for teachers, coaches, and school administration as well. Offer a daily deal and special pizza deals for weekday lunches. Connect with admin about catering service meetings or staff parties. Keep yourself in the loop on future events like dances, talent shows, bake sales, and other fundraising events.
Once you get permission and equipment to start selling pizzas in schools, you are ready to check out how Boonli can help facilitate this endeavor. Boonli makes the process easier because they streamline the procedures and help schools and parents connect with your pizzeria. Let Boonli help you get pizza Fridays and other pizza sponsored sales into the school district.