Praise for Catering\ "Every restaurateur also wants to be in catering but doesn't always know how to take that step. Catering shows us how to take that step with ease and grace."\ —Nick Livanos Co-owner of The Livanos Restaurant Group\ "This book is the most comprehensive, all-in-one resource I have seen. It is filled from cover-to-cover with accurate, updated, and detailed information on all aspects of the catering industry. It is a must read for both novices and experienced caterers."\...
Catering is one of the fastest-growing segments of the food service industry. To succeed in this highly competitive arena, you need not only culinary expertise, but also a wide range of business skills. That's why Bruce Mattel, a successful caterer with more than 20 years of food service experience, teamed up with The Culinary Institute of America to create this indispensable guide. It's brimming with practical information and real-world know-howeverything you need to set up and run a profitable catering business. Beginning with an overview of the catering profession, the book explains the various kinds of career opportunities available as well as the skills you need to succeed. It walks you through every aspect of operating a catering business, including: Launching a catering enterprise Pricing for profit Setting up a catering kitchen Hiring and managing staff Marketing the business Planning successful events Establishing impressive service Preparing distinctive food Managing the dining room For each topic covered, Catering provides detailed information and guidance on best practices, complete with the hands-on examples and insider tips you need to troubleshoot difficulties and creatively meet challenges in your own catering business. This invaluable reference is full of tools and resources to help your operation succeed. To assist you with the practical aspects of your operation, you'll find a detailed sample business plan, helpful recommendations on staffing and equipment, complete examples of how to price events, and much more. And to make sure your service and food receive accolades, you'll find in-depth advice on service styles, tips on active buffet stations, and sample menus for a wide range of events. Featuring more than 70 instructive photographs and illustrations throughout, Catering is your road map to a thriving catering business, whether you're new to the field or a veteran caterer who wants to improve performance.
Acknowledgments viiIntroduction to Catering 1Starting Your Catering Business 19Pricing for Profit 47Setting up the Catering Kitchen 61Staffing 107Marketing 141Event Planning 157How Can We Serve You? 213Food Preparation and Service 253Dining Room and Beverage Management 281Sample Menus and Service 319Basic Banquet Kitchen Layout 339Index 351