​I recently attended a regional HTA event, and one topic really stood out - the role of catering in garden centres. After chatting with a number of managers and business owners throughout the day, it’s clear that for many centres, the café or restaurant isn’t just a nice extra - it’s absolutely vital.

In fact, many would argue it’s the biggest driver of footfall when it’s done well.

Why Catering Is So Important

Garden centres have changed a lot over the years. They’re no longer just places to pick up compost or plants - they’re now proper destinations. Customers come not just to shop, but to spend time, meet friends, and have something to eat. And this is where catering really comes into its own.

A good café can:

• Draw people in - especially those who might not have planned to shop at all.

• Encourage people to stay longer - and often spend more while they’re there.

• Build loyalty - customers come back time and again for the food as much as the plants.

• Open up new revenue streams - think private functions, takeaway food, seasonal specials.

I’ve spoken to centres where the café accounts for a huge percentage of overall revenue - and even more where the café is what gets customers through the door in the first place.

Keep It Smart, Not Just Busy

Making catering work in a garden centre setting isn’t always straightforward. Alongside having the right people in place, it’s also about knowing what’s working and what’s not. This is where investing in the right technology can make a huge difference.

EPOS systems, table tracking, sales data - all of this can help you spot trends, tweak your offer, and make better decisions. If you know what’s selling (and what’s not), you can be more agile and give customers more of what they actually want.

And if something isn’t working? Don’t be afraid to ask the customer why. Feedback - even the tough stuff - is invaluable. A quick conversation at the till or a short feedback card can give you insights no spreadsheet ever will.

It All Comes Down to People...

Of course, even with great tech and smart processes, it’s your team that makes it all happen. You need staff who understand that it’s not just about serving food - it’s about creating a welcoming, enjoyable experience. People who can juggle hospitality with the unique rhythm of garden centre retail.

That’s where recruitment really matters. Whether it’s finding an experienced Catering Manager or someone who brings warmth and energy to a front-of-house role, having the right people in place makes all the difference.

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If there was one key takeaway from the HTA event, it was this: catering is no longer just a bolt-on. It’s a core part of what makes a garden centre thrive.

So, if you’re looking to grow your catering offer, build your team, or just sharpen up what you already have, let’s have a chat. Because in this industry, the café isn’t just part of the visit – it’s often the reason for it.

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