CaterOps

Overview

CaterOps is catering operations software for teams managing events from initial inquiry through the kitchen handoff. It suits caterers who want proposals, client approvals, floor plans and prep workflows connected to the same event record. Its $3-per-event Pro plan keeps costs tied to bookings, but the five-event free cap and signups coming soon make it a difficult choice to adopt today.

Key features

The event pipeline follows events from inquiry to completion, with list, board and calendar views. That gives operators several ways to keep work in view, while the BEO builder calculates food, labor, fees, taxes, gratuity, discounts and minimums as items are entered—useful when pricing needs to reflect a changing proposal rather than a separate calculation.

Clients can review proposals, update event details and guest counts, choose menus, arrange seating within set limits, and approve and sign in a branded portal. Signatures capture a typed name, timestamp and IP address. The floor-plan designer supports scaled layouts, reusable templates and PNG export, with client sharing and seating subject to limits.

Signed BEO food lines feed station-based prep lists, linking the approved event to kitchen work. Run-of-show schedules and staff role and time assignments also support event-day coordination. CaterOps additionally includes menu management, order management, staff scheduling and payment processing. Enterprise offers custom integrations, without naming specific services.

For data protection, CaterOps says business data is stored on Supabase with company-level row-level security, encrypted in transit using TLS/SSL and encrypted at rest by the cloud provider. Customers retain ownership and can request export or account deletion; deletion is completed within 30 days, subject to backup and legal obligations. The company says it answers every inquiry within one business day.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and allows up to five events a month and one team member. It includes the event pipeline, basic BEOs and menu builder. That is a practical trial ground for a solo caterer handling a small number of events, but the event and seat caps are restrictive for a growing operation.

Pro is $3, paid once, billed $3/ event. It removes the event cap and includes unlimited team members, client portal and e-signatures, floor-plan design and sharing, and automatic follow-up reminders. The per-event model can suit teams whose bookings fluctuate; unlike a monthly subscription, the stated charge follows each event. CaterOps also advertises a 90-day trial, though signups are coming soon.

Enterprise has custom pricing, with custom volume pricing, advanced analytics, priority support and custom integrations. It is the option for organizations needing those capabilities, but pricing requires a conversation. The cheaper plans do not include the Enterprise-specific analytics, priority support or custom integrations.

Platforms

CaterOps lists Android, iOS and web support, but says its iOS and Android apps are coming soon on the App Store and Google Play. Since signups are also coming soon, prospective customers should not count on immediate access or mobile apps today.

Who it's for

CaterOps is aimed at caterers, especially teams that want pricing, client sign-off, floor plans and kitchen preparation tied together. The free tier may fit a solo operator processing no more than five events monthly. Pro better suits busier teams that need unlimited events and members without a fixed monthly fee. It is less suitable for caterers who need to start using an available mobile app now or exceed the free tier before signups open.

Pros and cons

• Pro charges per event: At $3/ event, the stated price scales with bookings rather than imposing a monthly subscription.
• Approvals connect to operations: Signed BEO food lines seed station-based prep lists, reducing separation between client decisions and kitchen planning.
• Free access is tightly capped: Five monthly events and one team member limit its usefulness beyond a small solo operation.
• Access is not ready: Signups and the advertised mobile apps are coming soon, so the listed platforms do not mean immediate availability.

Alternatives

For a broader starting point, browse Restaurant Catering Software. Catertoo is worth considering if a free plan with unlimited users and clients matters more than CaterOps' five-event cap: its free tier allows three events monthly and includes proposals, e-signatures and a menu builder. CaterTrack may fit teams wanting a seven-day free start with orders, bookings, a menu and customer event history across web and mobile apps.

BEO HQ is a web-based alternative for a narrow BEO and invoice workflow; its free tier is limited to one banquet event order and one catering invoice, with a PDF footer credit. Civica Catering Management is another paid option, with no public price shown. Agilysys Sales & Catering is a web-based paid alternative whose pricing requires contacting Agilysys for a demo.

Caterease is worth comparing if desktop platform coverage matters: it supports Windows and macOS as well as web and mobile, and lists some Enhance modules at $25 a month each, billed annually. CaterTrax is a paid, web-based alternative. ChefDesk may suit teams comparing outlet- and module-based pricing; it offers a free trial, with prices based on outlets and modules.

Verdict

CaterOps is a promising fit for caterers who want a per-event-priced system that links client approvals to floor plans, BEOs and kitchen preparation. The strongest reason to choose it is that operational handoff; the strongest reason to look elsewhere is that signups and mobile apps are not yet available. Until access opens, it is not a practical choice for a team that needs software now.