Catering: A Guide to Managing a Successful Business Operation - Hardcover

Bruce Mattel; The Culinary Institute Of America

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 076455798X ISBN 13: 9780764557989

Publisher: Wiley, 2008

Synopsis

In this invaluable reference, The Culinary Institute of America provides all the information that caterers and would-be caterers need to set up and run a successful catering business of any kind. From launching the business, establishing pricing, setting up a kitchen, staffing, and marketing to planning events, organizing service, preparing food, managing the dining room and beverages, and developing menus, it provides detailed guidance on every aspect of the catering business, showing operators how to troubleshoot and creatively solve problems. Illustrated throughout with 50 photographs and 30 black-and-white illustrations, Catering is an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to succeed in this highly competitive field.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Catering is one of the fastest-growing segments of the food service industry. To succeed in this highly competitive arena, you need not only culinary expertise, but also a wide range of business skills. That's why Bruce Mattel, a successful caterer with more than 20 years of food service experience, teamed up with The Culinary Institute of America to create this indispensable guide. It's brimming with practical information and real-world know-how—everything you need to set up and run a profitable catering business.

Beginning with an overview of the catering profession, the book explains the various kinds of career opportunities available as well as the skills you need to succeed. It walks you through every aspect of operating a catering business, including:

• Launching a catering enterprise

• Pricing for profit

• Setting up a catering kitchen

• Hiring and managing staff

• Marketing the business

• Planning successful events

• Establishing impressive service

• Preparing distinctive food

• Managing the dining room

For each topic covered, Catering provides detailed information and guidance on best practices, complete with the hands-on examples and insider tips you need to troubleshoot difficulties and creatively meet challenges in your own catering business.

This invaluable reference is full of tools and resources to help your operation succeed. To assist you with the practical aspects of your operation, you'll find a detailed sample business plan, helpful recommendations on staffing and equipment, complete examples of how to price events, and much more. And to make sure your service and food receive accolades, you'll find in-depth advice on service styles, tips on active buffet stations, and sample menus for a wide range of events. Featuring more than 70 instructive photographs and illustrations throughout, Catering is your road map to a thriving catering business, whether you're new to the field or a veteran caterer who wants to improve performance.

From the Back Cover:

Praise for Catering

"Every restaurateur also wants to be in catering but doesn't always know how to take that step. Catering shows us how to take that step with ease and grace."
—Nick Livanos Co-owner of The Livanos Restaurant Group

"This book is the most comprehensive, all-in-one resource I have seen. It is filled from cover-to-cover with accurate, updated, and detailed information on all aspects of the catering industry. It is a must read for both novices and experienced caterers."
—Alison Awerbuch Executive Vice President and Partner of Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships

"If this book had been around when I started my company, it would have shaved ten years of frustration and foolish decisions off my career and added ten years to my life. The devil (or the profit) is in the details and Catering covers the details, chapter by chapter, with entertaining examples and insightful photographs."
—Lori Daniel Chief Inspiration Officer/Founding Chef and Co-Chair of Two Chefs on a Roll

"After twenty-six years of building my business on intuition and creativity, I wish I would have had this book when I first started. If you are starting a catering company, buy this book! It sets the standard for today's competitive market with emphasis on profitability."
—Elaine Bell Owner of Elaine Bell Catering

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 076455798X
• ISBN 13: 9780764557989
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368