UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO CATERING AND BANQUET OPERATIONS

Catering

Providing food and beverage service for a group of people at a remote site or a specific venue.

Modern Catering

Focused on customized experiences rather than just providing a meal.

On-Premises Catering

The food is prepared and served in the same building.

Off-Premises Catering

The food is cooked in a kitchen and then transported to another location.

Commercial Catering

Main goal: To make a profit.

Non-Commercial Catering

Main goal: To provide food as a service, not primarily for profit.

Institutional Catering

Another term for Non-Commercial Catering.

Ancient Egypt

Grand funerals and feasts.

Inns & Taverns

Provided food for travelers.

Feasts

Used to show power and wealth.

Guilds

Groups of workers that controlled who could cook and sell food.

French Revolution

Forced many royal chefs to start their own businesses.

Travel Catering

Transportation led to the birth of Travel Catering.

In-Flight Catering

The invention of the airplane led to In-Flight Catering.

Ghost Kitchens

Caterers operate without a dining room.

Zero-Waste Catering

Using no single-use plastics.

Farm-to-Table

Sourcing ingredients from local farmers.

Organizational Structure

Structure depends on the size of the business.

Hierarchy

Clear lines of command.

Catering Manager / Director

Handles the budget and big decisions.

Catering Sales Manager

Finds clients, creates contracts, and plans the event.

Executive Chef

Designs the menu and manages food costs.

Sous Chef

Second-in-command who runs the kitchen.

Line Cooks

Do the actual cooking of the bulk food.

Banquet Manager

Oversees the service staff.

Banquet Captain

Manages a section or group of servers.

Servers

Interact directly with guests.

Logistics

Ensure food and equipment arrive safely and on time.

Setup Team

Arrange tables, chairs, and decorations.

Back of House

Cooking and planning.

Front of House

Service, sales, and guest interaction.

Banquet Event Order (BEO)

The most important document containing all event details.