Website Design & Online Ordering System for a Catering Business in Devon
Cheeky Catering launched as a brand new food business combining two services:
- a mobile takeaway BBQ trailer
- an events catering service for weddings, parties, and private functions.
Specialising in slow-cooked barbecue favourites like pulled pork, burgers, and grilled chicken, the business quickly gained attention locally. However, without a website or online ordering system, growth was limited.
This project focused on building a fully functional website and ordering system that could handle both takeaway orders and event enquiries.
The result was a website that quickly became the central engine of the business, handling orders, bookings, and customer enquiries all in one place.
The Challenge
As a brand new startup, Cheeky Catering faced several challenges.
The business had no online presence at all, which meant customers had to discover them purely through word of mouth or by physically visiting the trailer.
The owner needed a solution that could support two sides of the business:
1. Takeaway Orders
Customers could only order by turning up to the trailer in person. This created queues and limited how many orders could be taken during busy evenings.
The business also offered delivery, but there was no system in place to calculate delivery charges based on distance.
2. Event Bookings
Cheeky Catering also wanted to promote their events catering service, covering weddings, private parties, and corporate events.
But without a website, there was no easy way for potential clients to enquire or book.
The challenge was to create a single website that could handle both takeaway ordering and event bookings efficiently.
The Strategy
The solution was to build a simple customer experience on the front end, supported by a powerful backend system that could automate the business operations.
The website focused on two core user journeys.
Event Bookings
A dedicated events section was created to showcase the catering service and make it easy for customers to enquire.
The system included:
- a clear call-to-action for event bookings
- an enquiry form linked to a calendar-based backend booking system
- structured information about the catering service
This allowed potential customers to quickly enquire about weddings, parties, and event catering.
Online Takeaway Ordering
The takeaway side of the business required something far more sophisticated.
An interactive menu and ordering system was built directly into the website.
Customers could:
- browse the full BBQ menu
- add items to a basket
- select optional extras
- place an order for collection or delivery
Orders were sent directly to an iPad inside the food trailer, allowing the team to manage incoming orders in real time.
Geo-Fenced Delivery Pricing
One of the key features of the system was the automated delivery pricing calculator.
When a customer entered their address:
- The system calculated the distance from the trailer’s location
- It then applied the correct delivery charge based on a pricing matrix
This meant delivery pricing was automatic, accurate, and scalable, removing the need for manual calculations.
Live Wait Times & Order Management
The ordering system also allowed the team inside the trailer to:
- update estimated wait times
- control order flow during busy periods
- provide customers with ETAs for their food
This created a seamless experience for both the customer placing the order and the business managing demand.
The Website Build
The website itself was designed to reflect the energy of the brand.
Cheeky Catering is a bold, fun BBQ brand, so the design leaned into that personality.
The site featured:
- bold colours and vibrant branding
- strong food photography
- BBQ themed imagery
- large, clear menu sections
- mobile-first design for takeaway customers
The focus was on making the site fast, easy to use, and visually appealing, especially for customers ordering from their phones.
Local SEO Foundations
While the business initially grew through word of mouth, the website included essential local SEO foundations to support long-term growth.
These included:
- structured service pages
- keyword signals around BBQ catering and takeaway food
- local search relevance within Devon
- clear location information
This helped the business appear in location-based searches, bringing additional customers to the trailer.
The Impact
The results were immediate.
Once the website launched, online ordering quickly overtook in-person orders.
At peak times the system was handling:
- 100+ takeaway orders per night on weekends
Demand became so high that the online ordering system occasionally had to be temporarily turned off to prevent the kitchen from being overwhelmed.
The events side of the business also saw consistent growth.
The website generated an average of more than four event enquiries per month, covering:
- weddings
- private parties
- special events
At times demand for the takeaway side of the business became so high that the team had to pause event bookings, and vice versa.
A great problem to have.
Customer Feedback
The response from customers was immediate.
Orders surged as people discovered how easy it was to order online, and the system quickly became the primary way customers interacted with the business.
The owners reported that they never imagined the business would become so busy so quickly, with the website playing a major role in handling the demand.
Why Local Businesses in Torbay Need a Strong Website
Many small businesses across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham still rely heavily on social media or word of mouth.
But a properly built website can do far more than just act as an online brochure.
It can:
- generate enquiries
- take bookings
- process orders
- automate parts of your business
For businesses like food vendors, caterers, salons, or tradespeople, a well-built website can become the operational engine of the business, not just a marketing tool.
Looking for Website Design in Torquay or South Devon?
If you’re a local business looking to improve your online presence, I specialise in website design for businesses across Torquay, Brixham, Paignton and the wider South Devon area.
Every website is designed to:
- rank in local search results
- clearly showcase your services
- turn visitors into enquiries or customers
Whether you need a simple website, an ordering system, or a booking platform, the goal is always the same: build something that actually helps your business grow.
If you’d like to discuss a website project, get in touch.
Sam Evans Snaps – Website Design Torquay
