Overview of Catering Industry
The catering industry is divided into three segments: commercial, non-commercial, and military. Catering management involves planning, organizing, controlling, and executing food preparation and service. Catering can also be classified as social or corporate.
Types of Catering
Event catering includes three main types: hotels/restaurants, mobile/delivery, and venue caterers.
Catering Types and Segments
There are four general catering types: wedding, corporate, social event, and concession catering. Caterers create menus, coordinate events, prepare food, and manage staff.
Caterers may design unique menus for special events and must prepare all dishes at once if professional wait staff will serve guests.
Food Service Industry
The commercial segment includes restaurants, catering/banquets, retail, stadiums, airlines, and cruise ships. The foodservice industry has full service, quick service, eating/drinking place, and retail host segments.
Segments and Classifications
What are the segments of food service?
The food service industry has commercial, non-commercial, and military classifications. Catering management involves planning, organizing, controlling, and executing food preparation and service to influence quality and profitability.
The non-commercial segment uses a not-for-profit model to serve students, patients, and employees within specific institutions like schools, healthcare facilities, the military, and transportation services.
Responsibilities of Catering Managers
The catering industry is divided into three main segments: social catering for events like weddings, corporate catering for business events, and concession catering for public venues. Catering managers are responsible for planning menus, coordinating events, preparing food, and managing staff.
Types of Caterers
There are four general types of caterers: mobile caterers, venue caterers, hotel and restaurant caterers, and specialty caterers.
Catering Trends and Growth
The food service industry will continue to grow, with an expected increase of over 14 million positions. Trends include an expansion of options like food trucks and quick-casual dining for consumers seeking flexibility, speed, and reasonable prices. As the industry evolves, the fundamentals of good service, customer satisfaction, and delivering value remain constant goals.