Catering to Your Career

Posted: March 10, 2010

Caterers provide food service to clients and guests at specific locations. Caterers generally have a background in culinary arts in order to prepare, style and serve food at different events.

Caterers must be able to provide sufficient food and service for the amount of people at an event. This takes strategic planning and organization.

Caterers work in many different places including hotels, resorts, restaurants, event centers, private homes, etc. Catering can range from food carts and drop-off lunches to full service specialized event catering. Whatever the event may be, a caterer’s main job is to bring the food to you. Many caterers also bring equipment such as tables, chairs, dinnerware, centerpieces, etc., to events.

It is the caterer’s job to be detail oriented. They must pay attention to everything and be well prepared at all times. In the world of catering there are many things that can go wrong, and the caterer is often left to solve the dilemma.

Caterers must take the weather into consideration for outdoor events. They must have the proper equipment and accommodations for rain or extreme heat and have the necessary equipment for other such situations. Caterers must consider whether there will be children at an event and detail a menu for them. In addition, food allergies, or specific dietary or religious needs must be considered.

Caterers generally start out in culinary arts or event planning training programs. Classes in chemistry, nutrition, technique and others are part of the basic core for caterering classes.

In addition, caterers must be licensed. Each state has its own rules and regulations, which must be considered. The licensure ensures that the food that is being prepared, handled and served is done so in a safe and sanitary manner.

Catering is an exciting and rewarding career. Caterers get to share special occasions with their clients and are generally in fun and energetic atmospheres. Caterers must be people friendly as they work with many different kinds of people.