Chapter 1 - The Catering Business Industry PDF

CHAPTER 1: THE CATERING BUSINESS INDUSTRY Prepared by: Ms. Renissa F. Sacdalan  Learning Outcomes: At the end of this chapter, the students must be able to: 1. Define the meaning of Catering 2. Differentiate the types of Catering 3. Classify social and corporate catering 4. Understand and...

CHAPTER 1: THE CATERING BUSINESS INDUSTRY Prepared by: Ms. Renissa F. Sacdalan  Learning Outcomes: At the end of this chapter, the students must be able to: 1. Define the meaning of Catering 2. Differentiate the types of Catering 3. Classify social and corporate catering 4. Understand and know the history of catering 5. Identify the most common catering services provided by the industry 6. Understand and know the different types of catering establishment  Introduction Hospitality is probably the most diverse but specialized industry in the world. It is certainly one of the largest, employing millions of people in a bewildering array of jobs around the globe. Sectors range from the glamorous five-star resort to the less fashionable, but arguably more specialized, institutional areas such as hospitals, industrial outfits, schools and colleges. Yet of these many different sectors, catering has to be the most challenging. Whatever the size of the catering operation, the variety of opportunities available is endless. “The sky is the limit with catering”.  What is Catering? Catering Ø is the pre-arranged service of food and drinks to clients for different occasions Ø usually done with a pre-arranged contract – food and drink provided at a certain cost to a specific number of people Ø it means bringing the food and service to the guest/s preferred Ø it pertains to the services for an event but in a venue chosen by the client which could be his own house or office, hotel, etc.  Who is the Caterer? Caterer Ø is a person or a group of people who provides catering services to a number of people Ø they bundle a package of complementary tangible products and intangible services depending on the client's budget  TYPES OF CATERING 1. ON-PREMISE CATERING. The caterer has his dining hall or ballroom with an attached kitchen or production area. For instance, a caterer within a hotel or banquet hall will prepare and cater to all of the requirements without taking any service or food outside the facility. Restaurants with available dining or function rooms/halls that can cater to a private-event celebration are also an example. Other examples include hospital catering, school, university/college catering.  TYPES OF CATERING 2. OFF–PREMISE CATERING. Often involves producing food at a central kitchen, with delivery to and service provided at the client’s location; part of or all of the production of food may be executed or finished at the location of the event. The caterer delivers the complete service to the customer; this may be at the client’s chosen place like the beach, office, tourist spot, or even in his own house. He brings all facilities and equipment necessary for food production, transport, and service.  TYPES OF CATERING Caterers provide single-event food service, but not all caterers are equal. They generally fall into one of three categories: Ø Party food caterers – supply only the food for an event Ø Hot Buffet Caterers – provide hot foods that are delivered in insulated containers; sometimes provide serving personnel at an additional charge Ø Full-service Caterers – not only provide food, but frequently cook it to order on-site; also provide service personnel at the event, plus all the necessary food-related equipment; they can also offer decors, music, etc.  Classification of Catering Catering can also be classified as social catering and corporate (business) catering. Social Catering - these functions are cozier and demand attention to detail because of their small nature, always making an effort to check clients’ specific need - includes events such as weddings, bar and mitzvahs, high school reunions, birthday parties, anniversaries, baptisms, and charity events  Classification of Catering Business Catering - may range from small get-togethers to elegant dinners; need a specific type of arrangement when giving a catering service for them. - sophisticated and cozy - includes events such as conventions and meetings, civic meetings, corporate sales or stockholder meetings, recognition banquets, product launches, service awards banquets  History of Catering Ø The earliest account of a major service being catered in the United States is a 1778 ball in Philadelphia catered by Caesar Cranshell to celebrate the departure of British General William Howe. The catering business began to form around 1820, centering in Philadelphia. Catering being a respectable and profitable business, the early catering industry was disproportionately founded by African-Americans. Ø The industry began to professionalize under the reigns of Robert Bogle who is recognized as "the originator of catering”. By 1840, a second generation of Philadelphia black caterers formed, who began to combine their catering businesses with restaurants they owned. Common usage of the word "caterer” came about in the 1880s at which point local directories began listing numerous caterers. White businessmen eventually moved into the industry and by the 1930s, the black businesses had virtually disappeared. Ø In the 1930s, the Soviet Union, creating more simple menus, began developing state public catering establishments as part of its collectivization policies. A rationing system was implemented during World War II, and people became used to public catering. By the 1960s, homemade food was overtaken by eating in public- catering establishments. Ø A mobile caterer serves food directly from a vehicle, cart, or truck which is designed for the purpose. Mobile catering is common at outdoor events (such as concerts), workplaces, and downtown business districts. Merchant ships often carry Catering Officers – especially ferries, cruise liners, and large cargo ships. In fact, the term "catering" was in use in the world of the merchant marine long before it became established as a land-bound business. Ø Catering is becoming a fast-evolving business today. The scope of the service expands and unlike before it is not only limited to food preparation, presentation, and staffing. Catering is provided to people having a preference for high-quality food services for any type of occasion, festivals, parties, informal get-togethers, and corporate or other functions. Ø Many event organizers hire professional caterers to get reliable catering services, save time and avoid problems. It is crucial to use excellent catering services for events to be successful. However, finding the most suitable catering company to meet a particular requirement is a great challenge. It is through conducting research that one can find the best catering services according to their needs and budget. Some catering services are provided for special types of events, while others offer a wider range of services in order to ensure that every requirement is served accordingly. These concerns provide a larger area of business opportunities for caterers and a bigger challenge as well. The following are some of the most common catering services provided in the industry. 1. Mobile Catering Services - refers to catering that uses a mobile van in order to render services to specific locations carrying with them the necessary food and equipment. This catering can be used at fairs, meals-to-go, festivals, and other functions as well. Mobile catering usually requires low set-up costs due to its being small-scale in nature. 2. Take Home Orders - this type of catering service involves the delivery of the food to the customer. Ideally, you can stock the ready-made food in the freezer and reheat them when an order is received. This may also provide party platters for any food choice combinations such as meals, finger food, and other small menus. Customers may be given an option regarding the portion sizes of their orders. The market for take-home orders is to cater to groups of people during holidays, parties, or in which the food can be readily available for them. gatherings 3. Door-to-Door Catering Services - this type of catering service is where the caterer supplies outstanding combinations of food according to the menu choices along with personal service delivered at your door for you and your guests to enjoy. The customer may also opt just to have a drop-off service where the caterer will supply the food, but the customers will do their own serving. The heating equipment can be rented. 4. Special Events Catering - this type of catering includes all the services required for the events. This means the caterer will take care of the food presentation that highlights a spectacular food menu. Special events catering may also involve doing the essential aspects of the event such as planning, venue decorations, and other related event arrangements. 5. Business Catering Services – deals with the offering of food menus for business meetings, training sessions, and other business functions. This type of catering has high demand and consistent catering opportunities. It is important for caterers serving this type of event to prepare popular dishes that the guests and attendees will enjoy. 6. Industrial Catering Service - generally involves serving food to larger groups of people such as airlines, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. Most industrial caterers enter into agreements for semi-annual or annual contracts. These agreements provide a long-term and stable catering business. The actual serving of food may not be required for industrial caterers because serving is usually done locally. The various types of catering services are essentially helpful to serve the requirements of different events and make them successful and truly special. Professional caterers take full responsibility for serving excellent food that are safe for consumption by their customers.  Types of Catering Establishments The food service industry (catering industry in British English) encompasses those places, institutions, and companies that provide meals eaten away from home. This industry includes restaurants, schools and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats, including on-premises and 'off- premises" catering. Catering is a multifaceted segment of the food service industry. There is a niche for all types of catering businesses within the segment of catering.  Types of Catering Establishments The food service industry is divided into three general classifications: commercial segment, non-commercial segment, and military segment. Catering management may be defined as the task of planning, organizing, controlling, and executing. Each activity influences the preparation and delivery of food, beverage, and related services at a competitive, yet profitable price. These activities work together to meet and exceed the customer's perception of value for his money e.g. establishments are categorized by the nature of the demands they meet.  The following are some of the catering establishments: 1. Restaurant A restaurant is an establishment that serves customers prepared food and beverages to order, to be consumed on the premises. The term covers a multiplicity of venues and a diversity of styles of cuisine. Restaurants sometimes feature a larger complex, typically a hotel, where the dining amenities are provided for the convenience of the residents and for the hotel to maximize its potential revenue. Such restaurants are often open to non-residents also. 2. Transport Catering The provision of food and beverages to passengers, before, during, and after a journey on trains, aircraft, and ships and in buses or private vehicles is termed transport catering. These services may also be utilized by the general public, who are in the vicinity of a transport catering unit. The major forms of modern-day transport catering are airline catering, railways catering, ship catering, and surface catering in coaches or buses which operate on long-distance routes. a. Airline Catering Catering to airline passengers on board the aircraft, as well as at restaurants situated at airport terminals is termed airline catering. Modern airports have a variety of food and beverage outlets to cater to the increasing number of air passengers. Catering to passenger's en-route is normally contracted out to a flight catering unit of a reputed hotel or to a catering contractor or to the catering unit operated by the airline itself as an independent entity. b. Railway Catering Catering to railway passengers both during the journey as well as during halts at different railway stations is called railway catering. Traveling by train for long distances can be very tiring; hence a constant supply of a variety of refreshment choices helps to make the journey less tedious. On-board meal services are also provided on long-distance trains. c. Ship Catering Ship catering is catering to cargo crew and passenger ship passengers. Ships have kitchens and restaurants on board. The quality of service and facilities offered depends on the class of the ship and the price the passengers are willing to pay. There are cruises to suit every pocket. They range from room service and cocktail bars to specialty dining restaurants. d. Surface Catering Catering to passengers traveling by surface transport such as buses and private vehicles is called surface catering. These eating establishments are normally located around bus terminals or on highways. They may be either government-run restaurants or privately owned establishments. Of late there has been a growing popularity of Punjabi-style eateries called dhabas on the highways. 3. Outdoor Catering This catering includes the provision of food and drinks away from home base and suppliers. The venue is left to the people’s choice. Hotels, restaurants, and catering contractors meet this growing demand. The type of food and setup depends entirely on the price agreed upon. Outdoor catering includes catering for functions such as weddings, parties, and conventions. 4. Retail Store Catering Some retail stores, apart from carrying on their primary activity of retailing their own wares, provide catering as an additional facility. This type of catering evolved when large departmental stores wished to provide food and beverages to their customers as a part of their retailing concept. It is inconvenient and time-consuming for customers to take a break from shopping, to have some refreshments at a different location. Thus, arouse the need for some sort of a dining facility in the retail store itself. This style of catering is becoming more popular and varied nowadays. 5. Club Catering Club catering refers to the provision of food and beverages to a restricted member clientele. Some examples of clubs for people with similar interests are turf clubs, golf clubs, cricket clubs, etc. The service and food in these clubs tend to be of a fairly good standard and are economically priced. Night clubs are usually situated in large cities that have an affluent urban population. They offer entertainment with good food and expensive drinks. 6. Welfare Catering The provision of food and beverages to people to fulfill a social obligation, determined by a recognized authority, is known as welfare catering. This grew out of the welfare state concept, prevalent in Western countries. It includes catering to hospitals, schools, colleges, the armed forces, and prisons. 7. Industrial Catering The provision of food and beverages to 'people at work,' in industries and factories at highly subsidized rates is called industrial catering. It is based on the assumption that better-fed employees at concessional rates are happy and more productive. Catering for a large workforce may be undertaken by the management itself or may be contracted out to professional caterers. 8. Leisure-Linked Catering This type of catering refers to the provision of food and beverages to people engaged in ‘rest and recreation’ activities. This includes the sale of food and beverages through different stalls and kiosks at exhibitions, theme parks, galleries, and theatres. The increase in the availability of leisure time and a large disposable income for leisure activities has made it a very profitable form of catering. Thank you for listening! 