The best catering operations know their reputation depends on giving guests a complete dining experience. Great food, seamless service, presentation and professionalism are all ingredients in the recipe for success, as is having the proper equipment.
If it is your goal to leave guests in awe and earn coveted referrals that will help your catering business grow, make sure you obtain these catering must-haves:
Kitchen equipment
Whether you're cooking food in your own kitchen and transporting it, or you're cooking in an onsite kitchen at an event, the right kitchen equipment is essential. Let your menu be your guide when selecting catering equipment and supplies, and be sure to contact the food industry veterans at ACityDiscount to get answers to any questions.
Food carriers & warming cabinets
Transporting prepared foods is of the utmost importance for caterers. Not only must proper temperatures be maintained until guests are eating, but food quality must also be preserved. Catering facilities would do well to invest in heated holding cabinets and banquet carts, and caterers that travel must have an adequate supply of insulated food and beverage carriers to get their food to the event site.
Tableware & flatware
Dinnerware is virtually a necessity for any catering company, especially if the focus is on high-end events like weddings, galas and other upscale celebrations. Appropriate numbers of the following basic dinnerware should be on hand:
- Dinner plates
- Salad plates
- Coffee cups and saucers
- Soup bowls
- Bread and butter plates
- Silverware
- Glassware, pitchers & carafes
- Additional items like teapots, salt shakers, and other assorted table accessories
Chafing dishes
Buffet-style serving is a popular method used at catered events, and chafing dishes are the best way for caterers to heat food for buffets. Durable, attractive metal chafers with lids can be used many times over and give banquet hosts flexibility when designing their service line.
Serviceware
To add an elegant touch to events, invest in designer serviceware. Pretty serving platters, gravy boats, relish trays, etc., can transform any buffet table into an attractive feast for the eyes. Attractive serviceware is especially necessary in banquet facilities that host weddings, as customers tend to spend quite a great deal of money on wedding receptions.
Linens and uniforms
Presentation can make or break an event, and that goes beyond what's on the plate. Linens on serving tables and uniforms on cooks and servers help convey a professional, upscale experience for guests.
