There are a variety of types of catering functions, be it
theme parties, seminars, ceremonies for awards, year end parties,
or Christmas functions. One of the most important tasks of
food service managers is assisting executive chefs. This is
because they have the job to select successful menu items.
Any function requires the appropriate menu selection. This
task varies by establishment, depends on the seasonality of
menu items, the frequency with which restaurants change their
menus, and the introduction of daily or weekly specials.
Many catering companies rarely change their menus, while
others make frequent alterations. Managers, or executive chefs,
select menu items, taking into account the likely number of
guests, and the popularity of dishes experienced in the past.
Managers, or executive chefs, analyse the recipes of the
dishes in order to determine food, labour, and overhead costs,
and to assign prices to various dishes. Menus must be developed
far enough in advance so that supplies can be ordered and
received in time.
Managers, or executive chefs, estimate food needs, place
orders with distributors, and schedule the delivery of fresh
food and supplies. To professionally and effectively cater
for functions may also require the planning for routine services
or deliveries, such as linen services, or the heavy cleaning
of dining rooms or kitchen equipment.
Managers also arrange for equipment maintenance and repairs,
and coordinate a variety of services such as waste removal
and cleaning afterwards. Managers, or executive chefs, receive
deliveries, and check the contents against order records.
They inspect the quality of fresh meats, poultry, fish, fruits,
vegetables, and baked goods, so as to ensure that expectations
are met. They meet with representatives from restaurant supply
companies, and place orders to replenish stocks of tableware,
linens, paper products, cleaning supplies, cooking utensils,
as well as furniture and fixtures.
catering for functions is a specialised vocation, and requires
a specialised set of skills, which are honed over time, with
great passion and hard work.