Event catering
Event catering ranges 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
cooperative 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 food service facilities. See Catering
(airline).

Companies
Catering is covered by two different groups. "Independent caterers
and companies with a catering business on the side" is a phrase that
could be combined with the previous sentence.


On this page we display facts
on catering in genral to help
guide you to choose the best
caterer for your event.
Facts on Catering