Like any type of career, restoration will undoubtedly require a combination of hard work, training, and carefully honed skills to succeed. Although they may have similarities to a chef, caterers generally face some additional challenges. In fact, they have to handle some business matters including marketing, customer relations, bookkeeping, and food quality.
Qualities that make a good caterer
cooking experience – Of course, enough kitchen experience is needed to be able to make recipe substitutions, plan great menus, and safely prepare, reheat, and transport large quantities of food. Keep in mind that no matter how fancy the place is, customers won’t come back if the food isn’t good.
Great customer service – Caterers will work with customers to design a menu. In fact, it is necessary to be tactful, diplomatic and courteous, as you may need to persuade a customer to substitute an ingredient or perhaps change a dish. Other than that, great people and communication skills are equally important for building a client base and running a successful event. Also, word of mouth is still the most efficient form of advertising.
creativity and flexibility – To deal with food allergies, recipes may need to be adjusted. Also, there are cases where you may need to modify cooking methods to meet religious dietary requirements or even personal preference. In fact, a creative and flexible individual may have the ability to succeed in such situations.
Leadership skills – Having excellent leadership skill will help a caterer to efficiently manage a staff of servers, cleaners, cooks, and dishwashers, while ensuring the team is fully aware of their schedules, food safety, and serving customs. There are also cases where it might be necessary to provide advice and guidance to clients.
food safety – A good caterer should be able to know and comply with the latest food safety laws in place. He or she must also attend additional training that is offered in this field.
Great knowledge about business management – Catering is more than just cooking. It has to be a profitable business. Administrative tasks associated with catering include bookkeeping, managing employees, ordering food, scheduling, and setting realistic budgets.
Pay attention to detail – A good caterer could be in charge of the arrangement of the tables, the presentation of the food and some decorations. Other tasks will also include running, setting up, and cleaning the dining room. With this, it is very necessary to pay enough attention to each detail that is associated with the task that you are going to perform.
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