| When most people use the word caterer, they | | | | the customers serve themselves. The staff does |
| use the word to describe a person who serves | | | | not prepare the food, but will help with setting up |
| food at a special event by using wait staff, or | | | | the dining area. Banquets, conventions and |
| setting up a self-serve buffet. This description is | | | | weddings are the most common. If there are |
| not far from the truth. However, there are | | | | proper facilities, the food might be prepared |
| several different types of caterers which may | | | | onsite. Otherwise, the caterer will bring prepared |
| require a group or individual to need a catering | | | | food and add finishing touches at the location. |
| service. Basically, a catering business provides | | | | Basic menus may include food, drinks, and hors |
| food service at remote sites. Understanding the | | | | d'oeuvres. Usually the event will have a particular |
| different descriptions will enable you to make the | | | | theme. Therefore, the menu selections will |
| right selection that is appropriate for your event. | | | | sometimes follow the theme. The catering |
| Hotels, corporate offices, churches, and event | | | | company is skilled at making the food not only |
| venues are several types of places where a | | | | appealing to the taste buds, but also to the eyes. |
| catering service is used. Some people even have | | | | This has lead to some catering companies offering |
| a catered event at their homes. One creative | | | | table setting and lighting decorations to |
| way for providing this food service is through the | | | | compliment the meal. |
| use of a mobile caterer, where food is served | | | | Gathering around a meal is a common part of |
| directly from a vehicle or cart. Many outdoor | | | | many cultures. Whether the event is business or |
| events such as concerts, workplaces, recreational | | | | pleasure, a professional caterer will have the |
| centers and downtown business districts tend to | | | | experience to make the event special and |
| use a mobile service. | | | | memorable. The catering service is often provided |
| The most common is the event catering service, | | | | on a per person basis, so in order to make a |
| which just as its name implies, is used during | | | | decent profit, caterers will set prices below a |
| special events. Customers may use a box lunch | | | | price margin that is comfortable for a customer |
| drop-off, or even a full-service catering. With the | | | | to pay. The customer will receive a proposal |
| full service, wait staff are available unlike a | | | | which will include a timeline that affects the |
| drop-off scenario where the food is delivered and | | | | catering price. |