Catering Service
Starting Your Own Catering Service
People love entertaining. As a caterer you can take advantage of this by offering everything from breakfast for two, intimate gourmet dinners for 20 or traditional wedding buffets for 500. Caterers have always been and will continue to be in demand for functions like weddings, receptions, graduations, anniversaries, christenings, birthday parties, anniversaries and so on. There are different types of catering available: Mobile catering, Event Catering and Industrial Catering
Mobile Caterer:
This type of caterer serves food directly from a vehicle or cart that is designed for the purpose. Mobile catering is common at outdoor events (such as concerts), workplaces, and downtown business districts.
Event Caterer:
Event catering can range from box lunch drop-off to full-service catering. When most people refer to a "caterer," they are referring to an event caterer who serves food with waiting staff at dining tables or sets up a self-serve buffet. The food may be prepared on site, made completely at the event, or the caterer may choose to bring prepared food and put the finishing touches on once they arrive. The event caterer staff isn't responsible for preparing the food but often help set up the dining area. This service is typically provided at banquets, conventions, and weddings. Any event where all the attenders are provided with food and drinks or sometimes only hors d'oeuvres is often called a catered event.
A catering company or specialist is expected to know not just food preparation, but how to make it attractive. Many events require working with the entire theme or color scheme. Catering companies have moved toward full-service taking charge of not only food preparation but also decorations, such as table settings or lighting. It's not that food is no longer a focal point, but rather that it is part of a broader mission. Many suggest that catering is about satisfying all the senses. A caterer and his or her staff should be friendly and coorperative because, after all, they are in the food service industry and should follow the motto "the customer is always right".
Catering is often sold on a per-person basis, where adding additional people is a flat price per person. However, things like lighting and fire permits do not scale with the guest count, so per-person pricing is not always appropriate. Keeping the cost of the food and supplies below this retail price is required to make a profit on the catering. With the correct atmosphere, professional event caterers experience can bring clients satisfaction of all the senses in a way that makes an event special and memorable. Of course, beautifully prepared food can appeal to your sense of taste, smell and sight - perhaps even touch, but the decorations and ambiance should play a significant part in the clients enjoyment as well.
Industrial Catering
Industrial catering includes providing food for airline passengers, schools, prisons and other institutional settings. It can include contract management of client foodservice facilities. Increasingly, businesses are also turning to catering services to arrange food and beverages at home or at their premises for luncheons, staff parties and receptions where clients or business associates are entertained. Unlike most other food businesses, catering can be started with a small investment. Emphasis is on service and much of this service is performed on the client's premises. There is no rent involved, no "slow" nights, no hostile clients waiting impatiently for a table by the window. Industrial, factory or warehouse areas are all good areas to set up your business. All you need is sufficient space to establish your store room and a small commercial kitchen - ideally between 70 and 150 square metres. Your clients will never see your office because you will be meeting them in their homes or places of business to plan their functions.