What Makes a Good Caterer? ~Cru Catering Charleston

December 16, 2015

What Makes a Good Caterer?
These items are some of what separate the ‘men from the boys’ in the catering world:

Cooking

At its most basic level, catering is all about food. No matter how beautifully the venue is decorated or how carefully the place settings are arranged, none of it matters if the food is awful.

Food safety

A good caterer (and their staff) should be aware of and comply with the most-up-to-date food safety laws in their particular state. In hot states, such as South Carolina, knowing and following these regulations is particularly important.

Customer Service

Caterers work with clients to design a menu. Good communication and people skills are vital to building up a client repertoire and catering a successful event. A satisfied customer is the best recommendation, and word-of-mouth remains some of the most effective advertising out there.

Flexibility & Creativity

Recipes may need to be adjusted to cope with food allergies, and cooking methods may have to be altered to conform to religious dietary requirements or personal preferences. An imaginative and adaptable person will be able to triumph in these situations, and instill confidence in their clients in the process.

Leadership

A caterer has to manage a staff of cooks, servers, cleaners, and dishwashers, while ensuring their team is aware of their schedules, place settings, serving customs, and food safety regulations.

Motivation

Caterers must be enthusiastic and proactive at all times for all events. During the busiest times of year, a caterer may work long hours, seven days a week, which demands stamina.

Attention to detail

A caterer may also be in charge of some décor, table arrangements and food presentation. Setting up, running and clearing the dining room all fall under the task of a caterer.

Read more characteristics of a good caterer here.