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» A ready-made business plan for a food delivery service from cafes and restaurants. Catering - what is it and how to succeed in this direction

A ready-made business plan for a food delivery service from cafes and restaurants. Catering - what is it and how to succeed in this direction

In Western countries, they have known about what catering is for quite a long time. This word is well known to every citizen; moreover, the vast majority of people use this service. It's time for us to find out why catering is so attractive to foreigners. What it is in simple words and how does it work? We will deal with it in order.

Interpretation of the term and translation

So, the word catering itself comes from the English cater, which translates as to please, deliver or supply provisions. It so happened that in the USA and Europe this term has taken root well in the food industry. It was often used when it came to serving banquets, weddings and other events. Gradually, a final definition of what catering is was formed. This is a catering service.

The organization of a specific event takes place at a specific remote location specified by the customer. Moreover, catering services include not only cooking, but also its delivery, table setting, as well as serving guests and holding the event itself.

A good example

Catering - what is it in simple words? Let's look at the example of a wedding that takes place in a country mansion. To provide guests with food and drinks, as well as decent service and staff who will look after everyone, it is necessary to enter into a contract with a restaurant or a specialized company. It's about about a catering company - there are a lot of them these days. Unlike a restaurant, they do not have a hall for guests; their job is only to create a menu, deliver everything necessary and serve. So, by choosing one of the two options, you enter into a contract that specifies the following points:

  • Type of celebration.
  • Number of guests.
  • Menu.
  • Bar and drinks.
  • Time and place of the holiday.
  • Duration of the celebration.

Depending on the case, catering services include additional items to clarify all points and leave the customer satisfied. On the appointed day and at the specified place, the “kitchen” team arrives: cooks and their assistants, waiters, cleaners, etc. They either bring half-finished food, which they place on the tables and serve with cutlery, or prepare all the dishes on the spot (if there is a kitchen). Throughout the event at the mansion, these people ensure that all wedding guests are fed and watered in accordance with the contract, and also ensure cleanliness. So we answered the question of what catering is.

Benefits and Features

Why in Lately this type Has catering become so popular? Perhaps the secret lies in its mobility. Quickly and without loss of quality, the catering company or restaurant workers move to the point you specify and provide you with all the services that are in their price list. Another feature of this system is that you won’t have to intersect with strangers during the feast, catch their gazes, or unwittingly observe strangers yourself. You invite only those you want to see and organize the party where you want. And the rest will be taken care of by the professionals you hire.

Since we have finally figured out what catering is and what advantages it contains, we propose to consider the main classification of this phenomenon.

Off-site restaurant service

This service is very convenient if the number of guests exceeds 300, and it will be extremely difficult to accommodate everyone in a regular room. Therefore, servants, cooks and guests move to Vacation home, to a dacha or other similar place, and a holiday is held there. As a rule, food is prepared in advance in a restaurant, and all the staff on site only set the table and clean up. There are also numerous types of catering services, and here are some of them:

  • Buffet - guests are not seated at tables. Only hot and cold snacks, fruits and drinks are served. All this is convenient to eat while standing.
  • A buffet differs from a buffet in that guests are provided with cutlery. Everyone chooses their own dish, serves it and sits down at one of the many tables.
  • A cocktail party is usually a party during which guests do not sit at tables. Waiters walk around the hall and serve alcoholic drinks and cold snacks.
  • A coffee break is an analogue of a buffet table. However, in in this case They serve coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches or desserts.
  • Barbecue - in our language simply “kebabs”, preparation meat dishes on fire. Tables are set at the request of the customer.
  • An off-site banquet is an analogue of a traditional banquet, but outside the restaurant hall.

Delivery to the office

Not at all government organizations, and even more so in private companies this service is common. Well, those bosses who care about the quality of food for their own employees often order catering on an ongoing basis. What does this event look like? Most often, workers are fed only lunches; there may be “bonuses” in the form of desserts that can be saved for later. There are three ways to supply food to the office:

  • The restaurant produces semi-finished products that are delivered to the office. There they are brought to a state of readiness and served on the table.
  • The second method is to prepare all dishes directly in the client's kitchen.
  • Well, the third way is to prepare the entire menu in a restaurant and deliver the food to the office in disposable containers.

Social format

The essence of such catering is that all services are provided on the client’s premises using his equipment and even utensils. The staff only does work: setting tables, preparing food, caring for guests. At the end of the event, the staff cleans the premises and removes the garbage. Most often, this type of catering is used when family holidays. They can take place in a country house, in a rented villa, or simply in the customer’s apartment.

Bar on the move

The name of this service speaks for itself. Here we are no longer talking about food, soft drinks, snacks and table settings. The whole point of such catering lies in the installation of a mobile bar counter, as well as the delivery of all the necessary drinks and ingredients that will be needed to create cocktails. The number of service personnel here also differs from all previous options - this is only the bartender. Moreover, bar catering does not provide for further cleaning of the premises.

Hookah

This the new kind catering, which has nothing to do with restaurant services. To understand it thoroughly, let's first imagine that you are sitting in a bar or a cozy lounge cafe. As a rule, such establishments have a separate hookah menu and a specialist who deals with this issue. The system works in the same way outside. If you are organizing a buffet at a remote location or a cocktail party, you can additionally order catering with a hookah. The amount of equipment and tobacco is indicated in the contract, all this is delivered to the place you specify along with a hookah man (there may be several of them). Hookah catering, like bar catering, also does not imply cleaning the premises and setting the table.

Catering utensils

Table setting is a separate topic, which is always clearly specified in the contract. You definitely don’t have to worry about having to taste expensive dishes from plastic plates with disposable forks. But this option is not excluded, unless you ask for it yourself. In other words, everything here is purely individual. It happens that people agree on a full range of services from a catering company, but at the same time provide the tableware themselves.

The second option is standard restaurant plates and forks. Budget events are indeed served with disposable tableware (this also applies to food delivery to the office). Here, as they say, everything is the will of the client.

Epilogue

Catering catering is an industry that is still just developing in our country. Such services are much more expensive than a standard trip to a restaurant, but they have many positive aspects that make people shell out a little, but still create the holiday of their dreams, which all guests will remember for a very long time.

Catering - what is it? Catering services as a business idea. The article does not just answer the questions: catering - what is it? history of appearance, origin of the word, types of catering. In the article we will look at catering as a new trend in the restaurant business, as an excellent and promising business idea.

Catering comes from English words catering catering, cater - to supply provisions. Catering is the provision of catering services on-site, both for companies and individuals.

In simple words, catering is:

  • when corporate parties, banquets, receptions, birthdays, weddings are organized for you by a catering company in a place convenient for you,
  • or when food is delivered to the offices of company employees,
  • or as part of a new fashion trend healthy eating food is delivered home to feed the whole family or for those who are on a diet or go to the gym.
The catering industry (from the English industria - activity) is a trend in the restaurant business, which is associated with the provision of restaurant services in remote points. The catering industry includes many services and enterprises that provide catering services to company employees and individuals on-site.

The following types of catering are very popular now:

  • summer picnics in nature,
  • business events, buffets,
  • corporate parties in rented old mansions, cottages, cottages (such parties accommodate 300-1000 employees),
  • weddings, banquets, birthdays, children's parties,
  • delivery of lunches to the office,
  • home delivery of ready-made healthy food,
  • hookah catering (what is it? it is the delivery of hookah equipment and a specialist who skillfully organizes an unforgettable ceremony for a birthday, wedding).

History of catering

The catering industry appeared at the beginning of the 20th century in America to provide food for workers during the massive construction of skyscrapers. The idea quickly spread to catering office workers V large companies USA and Europe in order to save employees' working time.

Currently, the leaders of the catering industry in the world are the British corporation Compass Group and the French international company Sodexo. Compass Group provides VIP catering services around the world, and also provides airport catering and social catering (in 23 armies around the world). Sodexo has about 380 thousand employees who work in 34 thousand branches in 80 countries and serve industrial enterprises, medical, educational establishments, remote sites, correctional facilities and nursing homes.

Benefits of catering

The main advantage of cateringin quality food and service at the highest level. The times of amateurism, when employees themselves wrote scripts for a corporate party and prepared sandwiches themselves, are gradually disappearing. Making way for professionals. And it is right. It's time to learn to think not about saving money and not about independent organization holiday, but about the holiday itself and about relaxation on it.

Another important advantage of catering is that the client can choose any place for the celebration. The advantage is the absolute freedom to choose the location for the event, the scenario and the menu for the outdoor buffet.

Watch this video (1 min) to see how delicious the food is and how high the level of service is in the catering industry:

Catering as a promising business idea

Why catering as a business is promising:

  • Employment and mobility modern people - this is one of the brightest trends of our time. People have no time to prepare food and deliver it.
  • Modern people's food requirements are increasing from year to year. They want to eat not only beautiful, but also healthy food.
  • The food delivery niche is less than 20% filled and is far from oversaturation.

How to organize a catering business?

There are standard 2 options - start your own business independently or by franchise(). As you know, both options have pros and cons.

The main disadvantage of a franchise is its higher costs. But an important advantage is that franchised businesses are much less likely to go bankrupt than self-started businesses.

Features of working in the catering business

It should be noted right away that, despite its apparent simplicity, catering is not a simple business at all. In fact, catering is not only about preparing food and delivering it. This includes serving, hall decoration, maintenance and other services. And since the service at the event must be impeccable, you need to think through everything, even the most insignificant details and trifles.

What is included in catering services:

  • preliminary visit to the premises chosen by the client or assistance to the client in finding premises,
  • delivery of banquet furniture, umbrellas, arches, tent structures, heat guns and curtains, street lamps for heating,
  • delivery of textiles (furniture covers, tablecloths, napkins),
  • delivery of dishes, cutlery,
  • delivery of thermal containers, food warmers and chafin dishes (food warmers), combi steamers (automatic cooking machines),
  • delivery of walkie-talkies (for instant resolution of issues),
  • delivery of sound, lighting and video equipment,
  • interior design in a style that matches the idea of ​​the holiday,
  • preparing a menu taking into account the preferences of invited guests,
  • purchasing groceries and preparing meals according to the menu,
  • table setting,
  • servicing the event by waiters and cooks,
  • cleaning after the event.

How to work with a customer correctly?

It is important to clarify with the customer who contacted the catering company all the information about the event, idea, theme of the holiday, menu, estimated budget, location, date, time, number of guests.

The catering company must then develop a plan and agree it with the customer. The plan includes a menu, a detailed schedule of the holiday, a list of furniture, dishes and other equipment, the number of service personnel, details of lighting and room design, table settings, etc.

From this video you will see from the inside how business catering works:

Types of catering

  • On-premise catering - indoor catering. This is about large roomsbanquet halls, cottages, villas, castles that accommodate from several hundred to several thousand people during events. The main advantage of this type of catering is that these premises have kitchens for preparing and storing food, refrigeration units, all necessary furniture, utensils and equipment. In this regard, money and time are saved on their delivery and installation.
  • Off-premise catering - catering outside the restaurant. This type of catering provides off-site service. The dishes are prepared in the restaurant and then delivered to the customer. Serving, serving and cleaning are then done on site.
  • Supply contract. Nowadays, many companies care about the nutrition of their employees. In this regard, they turn to catering companies. The following supply contracts are known: preparation of lunches on the territory of the customer company, supply of semi-finished products with further preparation and distribution, delivery of ready-made food in disposable containers.
  • Social catering. This is catering for an organization family celebrations on the customer's premises and using the customer's equipment for preparing food. Often the catering company will deliver some items and equipment to the customer for the event.
  • Sale of finished culinary products during sporting and other events is the sale of packaged sandwiches, confectionery, soft drinks during festivals, sports and other events.
  • VIP catering. This is outdoor service at the highest level by highly qualified chefs and waiters using modern catering technologies. Cooking is carried out on the customer’s premises and under his full supervision.
  • Outdoor bar (catering cocktails and drinks)- is popular and active, independent species catering An on-site bar is the presence of a bar counter with drinks at an event and the work of a bartender, an assistant bartender, and waiters.

Types of catering services

  • Buffet(translated from French as “fork”).
  • Buffet, or smorgasbord (“sandwich table”).
  • Coffee break- usually held at the beginning and during breaks at an official event.
  • Cocktail it lasts an hour in the middle of the event and 2 hours at the end. Waiters walk around with drinks and snacks.
  • Picnic or barbecue. Held on fresh air in summer. Dishes - fish, meat, grilled vegetables, fish soup, cold appetizers.
  • Banquet. Guests must be seated at tables; cold appetizers are placed in advance. Hot appetizers will be served later. Then dessert is served.

Summary

I think in the article you received not only the answer to the question “Catering services, catering - what is it?” But we also learned about catering as another with attachments. IN modern world people who are busy at work from morning to evening have no time to cook food. Plus, many of them want not only to feed their beloved children at home, but to make sure that it is healthy food.

Taking advantage of this healthy eating trend, you can isolate yourself from competitors and create a catering company that offers This is the unique selling proposition:

  • food for those who is on a weight loss diet,
  • food for those who works out in the gym,
  • healthy eating for the whole family,
  • and the like healthy food offers.

I wish everyone prosperity in your business, I wish you new ideas and most importantly: let your business bring you and your clients real joy every day!

What is catering? The word itself comes from the English “catering”, which means public catering.

Until recently, only representatives of restaurant business and narrow specialists. Now catering has firmly entered everyday life, occupied its niche in the service sector and has ceased to be such a curiosity.

What is “catering”? The word itself comes from the English “catering”, which means catering, banquet service, food delivery. Initially, this word meant a person or group of people delivering food and everything necessary for organizing a banquet at a specific address.

In our realities, it will be simpler and clearer to define catering as off-site restaurant service , which includes cooking, table setting and high-quality work of waiters in any conditions. In the forest, by the river, near a newly completed new facility, on a boat, on the roof of a building, or anywhere you can organize a spectacular banquet, buffet, or buffet! And for this you personally do not need to do anything, take care of anything - absolutely everything, from snacks to napkins, is organized by catering companies.

Among the advantages of catering, it is worth mentioning its mobility. Thanks to this service, you can arrange a completely unforgettable, unique and unexpected holiday in the most unexpected place. Things happen in life different situations and, in order to always be on top, organize the perfect corporate party, amaze foreign guests or hold an unusual presentation, it is worth using the services of catering companies.

In what situations is it appropriate to remember about companies providing such services? In such an original way, at an outdoor party, you can celebrate your own birthday or arrange a surprise party for your loved ones. At the presentation of a new exhibition, performance or project, a small ceremonial buffet served right in the gallery or in the foyer of a theater or museum would be appropriate. You can arrange a luxuriously served banquet right in your office, or hold a corporate party here with the most exquisite dishes. It would be appropriate to organize an away banquet after corporate sports competitions, school or college competitions. And skillfully set tables on the deck of the ship will be an unusual and memorable end to an international symposium, scientific conference or any important meeting.

Perhaps the most daring use of catering would be organizing a romantic dinner for two in some romantic, unexpected place : on the top of a hill overlooking the city and surrounding area, on a lawn in a park, on the seashore or on the roof of a building. Just imagine: a perfectly set table with a snow-white tablecloth and sparkling cutlery, candles, several musicians nearby playing romantic music, strict waiters serving delicious food and drinks! Such a holiday would be a great setting for a declaration of love, marriage proposal, anniversary celebration, etc.

In general, everything depends only on your imagination, scope and financial capabilities. Among their services, catering companies offer decoration of the premises where the holiday is held and preparation theme holiday with the appropriate menu, and the organization of musical accompaniment.

Types of catering services

Buffet – it involves informal communication without seating guests at tables. It is possible to hold a buffet without the participation of waiters. The buffet menu includes a large number of a variety of cold and hot snacks served in such a way that it is convenient to eat them while standing. A buffet is convenient because it can be organized very quickly anywhere for a large number of people.

Buffet - This is a version of a buffet table, in which, in addition to snacks, fruits and drinks, there are also cutlery on the table. Guests pick up their own food and then sit down at small separate tables. More suitable for closed premises than for a holiday in nature.

Coffee break - a unique version of a mini-buffet, in which there are canapés, sandwiches, pastries, desserts, coffee, tea on the tables. Coffee breaks are ideal for exhibitions, presentations, and seminars; They are also arranged during breaks in meetings, long conferences, as an opportunity to relax and communicate freely. Guests serve themselves.

Cocktail is a buffet where waiters with trays serve snacks and drinks to guests. Traditional tables are not set in this case. Suitable for presentations and exhibitions.

Picnic, barbecue – an option ideal for informal communication and outdoor recreation. The menu includes fire-roasted meat, fish, and vegetables. Traditional kebabs, ukha, and okroshka are also available. Here everything depends on your desire: either traditional tables will be set, or there will be a buffet or buffet option. The peculiarity of a picnic is that it is held in any place of your choice in nature with beautiful tables, dishes and service.

Banquet is the most traditional and popular type of catering service

It involves seating guests at tables, serving by waiters and having a full range of appetizers, cold and hot dishes, desserts and drinks on the menu. A special kind banquet is a wedding banquet. Here it is important not only how and what to serve, but also how the tables are set, how everything around is decorated and other details.

Preparing for a special event is always accompanied by fuss. The organizer must provide for decorating the premises, sending out invitations, and, of course, a banquet. It is with a banquet that most people associate weddings, anniversaries, New Year and successful conclusion of a major contract.

Traditionally, banquets are held in cafes and restaurants. This allows the heroes of the occasion to invite a large number of guests and not have to worry about cooking and cleaning. However, this option may not be entirely convenient. In addition, during the summer months, many people prefer to relax in nature. Is it possible to combine a magnificent celebration and a trip to nature? Now yes, because now catering companies have appeared in almost every city.

What is catering

Over the past few years, many people have probably already heard this unfamiliar expression. What does it mean? Catering is English word, which can be literally translated into Russian as “delivery of provisions, products.”

Thus, catering is a service in which the company prepares and delivers food and sets the table. Thanks to this, you can hold a special event with a banquet not only in a restaurant, but also in any other place:

    in nature (on the shore of a pond or a picturesque clearing);

    in a country house;

    in the recreation area;

    in the company building (very convenient during conferences and presentations).

Every year the number of people wishing to take advantage of this opportunity is growing.

List of catering services

Initially offsite cateringassumed the preparation and delivery of food for outdoor banquets, however, most large catering companies do not stop there and offer a wider list of services (each company has its own).

The standard set includes:

    preparing dishes according to a pre-agreed menu;

    food delivery at the appointed time and place;

    provision of all necessary utensils for the banquet;

    rental of tables, chairs, additional furniture required for lunch;

    table setting;

    services of service personnel during the meal (waiters, bartenders).

This is often quite sufficient for organizing outdoor catering. The peculiarity of the described service is that everything is performed on professional level. Thus, the prepared dishes, table setting and service will be no worse than in any expensive restaurant.

Moreover, by choosing an outdoor banquet, the customer has the opportunity to once again emphasize his originality.

Turnkey catering. What is this?

Now many large catering companies offer off-site turnkey banquets. What does this mean? Such catering is a service that includes an extended list where, in addition to catering, the company offers the following:

    decoration of the banquet venue (fabric, flowers, ;

    providing a master of ceremonies;

    rental of musical equipment;

    visit of beauty service specialists (hairdressers, makeup artists, manicurists);

    photo and video shooting.

Thanks to this integrated approach, customers can completely shift all worries about organizing a celebration onto the shoulders of professionals.

Benefits of catering

To datecatering restaurantsthey do not feel a shortage of clients, and the reasons for this state of affairs are obvious. Off-site banquets have a number of advantages.


Disadvantages of catering

Despite the large number of advantagescatering services, there are also some disadvantages. Rather, these are not even shortcomings, but points that require special attention.

    Choosing a place for a banquet. In general, you can choose any place for a fun celebration. The main thing is that there is enough space for guests and there is an opportunity to install tables and other furniture (that is, the base must be level).

    Price. Organizing an outdoor banquet will cost slightly more than a similar celebration in a cafe.

Inpatient service and outcall

Depending on the goals and characteristics of the order, it is customary to divide catering services into 2 areas:


In both cases, the customer receives a fully organized, thoughtful service at the highest level and does not expend any effort.

To attract as many customers as possible, many catering companies offer a special menu in addition to the regular one. These are vegetarian dishes, low-calorie and salt-free cuisine.

Types of catering

In addition to the named major directions (stationary and away), there are various typescatering services.They differ depending on the specifics of the event. Among the main types:

    off-site banquet;

    buffet decoration;

    barbecue or picnic;

    coffee break (new service for Russian consumer, but already very popular);

    cocktail;

    business catering (delivery of lunches to a company or office).

Each of the above options differs in several characteristics (menu, type of service, additional services).

Outdoor banquet

A banquet is the most popular way to receive guests in our country. It involves assigning a specific place to each guest for festive table. Another one characteristic— everyone present is offered the same list of dishes in a certain order.

Banquet is a universal service. It is suitable for absolutely any important event, be it a wedding ceremony, birthday or any other holiday.

It should be taken into account that an away banquet can be called a real heavyweight in all respects (long preparation and high price). Due to such features, it is recommended to choose such expensive and difficult-to-prepare dinners only for major events (marriage, anniversary, wedding anniversary).

Outdoor buffet

This type of celebration has become widespread in European countries. "Buffet" is a French word. If we literally translate it into Russian, we get “fork”. This may seem a little strange, but this name fully characterizes the way this dinner is held.

According to the rules, the buffet is held in the form of a casual meeting of guests who can move freely in the room and, if desired, approach the table with snacks. There are no personal chairs or plates for guests. In this regard, dishes for the buffet are chosen accordingly. These can be canapés, cheese, meat and fish slices, cold appetizers on skewers and everything that can be eaten without the use of spoons and plates. Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) can be placed on separate tables, or filled glasses can be served by waiters. A real decoration will be a chocolate fountain for fondue (pieces that are dipped in chocolate).

At first glance, catering organizationThis type is simpler, but it is not.

    Waiters are required to show maximum attention and diligence. There should be a sufficient number of snacks and drinks on each table.

    The size of the room or outdoor area should be large enough so that guests can move freely and not crowd.

    The meal is not suitable for all occasions (usually for corporate events, presentations, exhibitions).

The advantage of an outdoor buffet is that:

    you can prepare a high-quality reception for little money (savings are achieved due to the lack of hot dishes).

Organization of barbecue

This catering service is perfect solution for going out into nature. It is best to choose a place with a picturesque view of the surrounding area: a river bank or a clearing. The peculiarity of such a meal lies in the characteristic menu. It certainly includes cooking barbecue or shish kebab. In addition, cold and hot appetizers and salads can be served. All menu features are discussed in advance.

In addition to preparing food, the catering company provides all necessary furniture, dishes, equipment. At the customer's request, many companies offer entertainment program, musical arrangement.

Preparing a coffee break

Not everyone knows the meaning of this expression, but the service itself is not new for Russian people. Coffee break - a short break (15-30 minutes) for tea, coffee and a light snack. They suit it during long meetings, presentations, and negotiations.

In fact, this short break is very important in the work of any company, because after long discussions and decisions on important matters, meeting participants can rest a little, think about the information received and refresh themselves. It is quite possible that after a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, people’s mood will lift, the terms of the transaction will be more favorable, and controversial issues will not appear at all.

During the coffee break atcatering tablesmost often located:

    Light sandwiches, canapés;

    Sweet and savory baked goods;

    nuts;

    Fruits and berries;

    various desserts;

    coffee;

    several types of tea (black, green, herbal);

    juice and mineral water;

    alcoholic drinks (in some cases).

Any banquet is a serious event where mistakes and shortcomings are simply unacceptable. Dishes for a meal are extremely important, since the overall impression of the meal and the event as a whole depends on it.

When ordering catering services, you don’t have to worry about this detail, because the catering company will do everything itself. Indeed, the provision of tableware is one of the main services of catering companies. The feast will be provided with everything that is necessary as part of a banquet, buffet or coffee break. Tables are set taking into account the menu and the number of guests, so there will be no shortage of dishes.

It is worth emphasizing that serving is carried out taking into account generally accepted requirements and norms.

Considering all of the above, we can conclude: catering is A relatively new direction in the service sector for our compatriots, however, it deserves close attention in cases where high-quality organization of off-site banquets is required.

What is outdoor themed catering? What features does hookah catering have? Where to order catering restaurant services?

Surely all our readers are familiar with the situation when an important event is approaching, and you want to spend it with dignity so that all the guests remember it. But how to do that?

Or another option - the head of your company has puzzled you with organizing the largest corporate event of the year. Where to go in search of quality service?

Now you don't have to worry about all this. To organize events of any level and scale, there are special catering companies. It is their responsibility to organize the table, ensure table setting and service, as well as order after the event.

Let's get acquainted with a modern concept from the service sector - catering. Some of our readers will be interested in the question of where you can order such services. Someone - how to organize such a business. We will try to give comprehensive answers to these and other questions in our publication.

With you is the online magazine “HeatherBeaver” and Anna Medvedeva, a specialist in organizing various kinds of events.

1. What is catering

So, catering. What is it and where did it come from?

The definition sounds pretty simple.

This is catering service. A full range of services includes not only preparing the menu, but also delivering it to the event venue, as well as serving, servicing, putting things in order, etc.

home feature and advantage catering is its mobility. That is, you receive high-quality restaurant service in any place where you hold an event.

This could be your office premises, a beach on the shore of a local bay, a rented country cottage or even cooler - an old merchant mansion. As they say - any whim for your money.

This area is so popular that it hosts events any level and scale and caters to any audience. Weddings, birthdays, children's parties, graduation parties, presentations, seminars, corporate events, picnics and outdoor receptions and many other events are organized.

Catering as a business for beginners is not an easy task. To come to this area, It is desirable to have experience in the traditional restaurant business or at least know what this area is like.

It has something in common with both classic business and . And although catering cannot be called passive income, a properly managed business will still provide a stable income.

2. What types of catering are there - TOP 7 main types

Exist different types catering.

We decided to introduce you to the most interesting and common ones.

Type 1: Indoor cooking

This type is as close as possible to the traditional restaurant business. The company organizes a table and provides the customer with a room for the event.

Why indoor catering is valuable:

  • the necessary catering equipment is located in the same building as the banquet hall;
  • allocated there special room for storing food, dishes and various elements event design.

This organization of business allows you to save time, which in catering is usually spent on delivery, installation and configuration of equipment used for the event.

Type 2. Off-site restaurant service

An off-premise restaurant is most relevant when the premises of a traditional establishment cannot accommodate a large number of people- from 300-500 to several thousand.

The menu is prepared in the restaurant and then transported to the location where the event will be held. In addition to preparing dishes, the organizer is engaged in table setting, room service and cleaning.

Types of catering services:

NameDescription
1 BuffetAn event without seating guests at tables. The menu consists of cold and hot snacks that are convenient to eat while standing, fruits and drinks.
2 BuffetA type of buffet, but with cutlery. Guests help themselves to their food and then sit down at small tables.
3 Coffee breakSelf-service mini buffet, the menu of which includes coffee, tea, pastries, desserts, sandwiches.
4 CocktailA type of buffet where waiters serve drinks and snacks to guests. The tables are not set.
5 Barbecue (picnic)An outdoor event with dishes baked over a fire. Tables are set according to the customer's wishes.
6 An event similar to a traditional banquet, but with an on-site location specified by the customer.

Type 3. Delivery to the office

This type of catering is used by companies that pay attention to the nutrition of their employees. That is, daily catering company supplies lunch to the office for all staff.

This is done in one of three ways:

  • lunches are prepared on the premises of the client company;
  • semi-finished products are delivered and prepared on site;
  • lunches are prepared in the restaurant, laid out in disposable tableware and in this form are delivered to the office.

Naturally, for convenience, the client chooses the delivery method himself.

Type 4. Social catering

All services are provided at the client's premises, in this case not only its premises are used, but also its equipment. If there is a need for separate accessories and items for table setting, this is indicated in the contract.

In addition to preparing the menu, the restaurant sets tables, serves guests during the event and cleans the premises after the event. The date and menu are agreed upon in advance.

This type of catering is popular for family celebrations.

Type 5. VIP catering

The VIP prefix speaks for itself. This is outdoor catering service, which is carried out at the highest level.

To carry out such events, only professional chefs and waiters are involved, the highest quality equipment and advanced catering technologies. Naturally, we are not talking about efficiency here.

Processing of products and preparation of dishes takes place on the customer’s premises and under his supervision.

Type 6. Travel bar

Catering of drinks and cocktails often accompanies traditional catering, although it is often an independent part of any event.

Catering: mobile bar with mobile bartender

A traveling bar is just that: a bar, that is, a special structure, in our case a prefabricated one, and therefore mobile. Its presence allows you to organize an opportunity at any location of the event. full preparation of cocktails.

Type 7. Hookah catering

This type of catering has nothing to do with the culinary theme. The service consists of delivering to your home or event hookah with various accessories and tobacco mixtures. A specialist arrives to service the hookah along with it.

Hookah catering- a great addition to a cocktail party, corporate party, outdoor recreation or other event. This type of catering has only one limitation - it is only allowed for adults.

3. How to organize catering - 7 simple steps

Organizing catering is not a simple matter. If only because, unlike the traditional restaurant business, it is accompanied by additional hassle associated with visiting staff and removing equipment.

But nothing is impossible, and we will tell you how to start a catering business without experience.

Step 1. Choose a niche to work in

There are many types of catering, and first you need to choose one.

What to focus on:

  • there must be demand for the service;
  • make sure that there are not many competing companies operating in this area, otherwise you risk starting a war for the consumer.

It should be added that when you get firmly on your feet, the range of services can be expanded. By then, you will have already studied the field well and will be able to look at the situation from the point of view of real prospects.

Step 2. Draw up a business plan

If you are taking out a business loan, include a debt repayment schedule with your business plan. It’s good to compose and marketing plan, which will reflect the entire path of business promotion and ways to find and attract customers.

Step 3. Find a premises for production

Such premises must meet the requirements for a traditional food establishment with a service area. In addition, it should contain production, support and office departments.

In turn, the production area should be divided into different workshops - cold, hot, confectionery and others.

Before purchasing catering equipment, make a list project plan.

Step 4. Hiring staff

Of course, you want everything to be perfect and your company to have employees of the highest level, but at the beginning of business development you only have enough resources for mid-level specialists.

Over time, you will definitely find a way to improve the skills of your employees. For example, you order specialized trainings and seminars for cooks, waiters and managers. This will not only help them learn to unobtrusively and efficiently take care of guests, but will also unite the team.

Step 5. Developing the menu

The determining factor here will be the type of catering business you run. However, regardless of this, each dish must be written down in the technological map.

When the menu is compiled, you need to arrange permitting documentation.

A good menu is one of the main conditions for success.

Step 6. Looking for customers

Take care of this during the paperwork process. When you receive a work permit, you will already have a certain number of potential customers.

Currently used for advertising all available channels. You definitely need advertising on the Internet - creating your own website, forum, groups on social networks. However, one should not ignore classic shapes advertising - distribution of leaflets, banners, etc.

Step 7. Expanding the business

As we said, when a business already brings in a certain stable income, you can start expanding the range of services. Continue to work in your field and at the same time start promoting another type of catering that will complement the list already known to your clients.

Example

Victor began his career as a businessman with a small cafe. As we approach summer season he mastered the organization of an outdoor bar, and subsequently, taking into account the wishes of customers, hookah catering.

Now his plans are to give up working for the mass consumer and move to the level of VIP catering.

Other useful tips from the practitioner you will learn from the video.

4. Where to order catering services - review of the TOP 3 catering companies

There are enough companies for ordering catering. When choosing, we advise you to pay attention to the experience and reviews of other customers.

The cost of services is always individual - it will correspond to your needs and budget.

Catering Service was established in 2006 as "Care Dining" "Cafe Pushkin". Now it is a company with an impeccable reputation, known to a wide range of clients.

Catering services are the main activity of the company. Customers primarily note the incredible service and creativity of the chef. Great importance is also given to the external design - they even take care that the uniform of the waiters matches the style of the event.

This year he acted as a partner at the “Event of the Year” award ceremony, where he became one of the winners in the “Best Catering Concept for an Event” category.

The catering restaurant has been pleasing its customers for 10 years now. high quality services provided. More than 2,000 events were held here and over 150 thousand people were served. This experience makes the company truly professional.

They will develop an individual menu for you in accordance with your budget, organize personal tastings, buffets, barbecues or banquets for any number of people. The restaurant provides a rich menu consisting of dishes of Russian, European and Oriental cuisines.

Prices also remain the same best experience. There is also a flexible discount system.

The company organizes business events, private celebrations and outdoor catering. At any level of complexity of the event, your application will be processed on the day of your application, and a personal manager will come to you to discuss the nuances in detail.

The team consists only of professionals - from the chef to every waiter. And strict quality control of services complements the solidity of a company that already operates at the highest level.

Two large production facilities significantly expand the company's capabilities. For there are no boundaries. They will cater for an event of up to 5000 people anywhere in the world.

5. What mistakes are made when organizing catering - TOP 5 main mistakes

An important point in any business is the ability to see the weaknesses of an organization, as well as to predict and prevent actions that will obviously be wrong.

Therefore we will consider the most common errors and omissions that are encountered when organizing catering. Naturally, it is impossible to foresee everything, but if you prevent even some of them, the success rate will increase significantly.

Mistake 1. Over-standardization of catering

Of course, each type of catering service has its own specifics and there are certain standards. However, don't approach the organization too formally.

Always try bring something new to the menu selection, do different combinations dishes and drinks, change the setting. Think about how you can do events differently. Customers like innovations in service, especially if they are regular for you.

Mistake 2. Lack of service during catering

Prepare delicious dishes and drinks are only half the battle. It is equally important to arrange and present all this beautifully and efficiently. Professional waiters ensure success no less than chefs the highest level.

Catering is a service of the highest quality

Some companies, not having sufficient staff, resort to the services outsourcing companies and attract outside people for serving and servicing. This point must be carefully calculated, since it is often unprofitable.

Mistake 3. Excessive economy

Needless to say, saving usually comes at a cost. By saving on products, you will provide the customer with low-quality dishes. Saving on serving or service in general can ruin the entire event.