No one ever really thinks about what a caterer does until they need one. Many people are not always clear on what a caterer does or their role in the event planning process. What comes to mind when you think of a caterer in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding area?
If you’re like most people, the first thing that pops into your head is someone who provides food for large events, like weddings, special events, and corporate functions. While it’s true that caterers do provide food for these types of events, there’s so much more than they do!
In this post, Sterling Catering, a premier catering company in the Minneapolis & St. Paul area, discusses the various roles and responsibilities of caterers and the varying levels of service they offer.
Who is a Caterer?
Caterers are the professionals responsible for planning and executing all aspects of food service for an event. They work with clients to determine the menus and create a timeline for the event.
A caterer may be hired to provide full-service catering for an event, including the planning and execution of the event, or they may be employed to simply provide the food and drinks. A caterer can have varying levels of involvement in an event depending on the type of catering service and what the client desires.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Caterer
Here are five key roles and responsibilities of a caterer in Minneapolis:
Meeting with Clients and Suggesting Menus
The catering process usually starts with a consultation with the client. The caterer will discuss the event specifics: the guest count, the type of event, the budget, and any dietary restrictions or preferences that need to be considered. Based on this information, the caterer will create custom menu choices for the client. Caterers need to be creative and come up with dishes that will be both tasty and visually appealing.
Establishing Cost per Person
To help determine the catering budget, the caterer will provide a cost per portion for each menu item. This includes food costs, labor, taxes, and service fees. Establishing the cost of each item upfront allows the event planners to accurately plan for the event and avoid surprises when the final bill comes.
Preparing, Cooking, and Serving the Food
Caterers are responsible for preparing all the food for the event, whether it is a simple buffet or a more complicated sit-down meal. Once the menu selections have been finalized, the caterer will prepare and cook the food.
They may do this in a commercial kitchen or on-site at the event venue. On the day of the event, they oversee the serving of the food and make sure everything runs smoothly, including the delivery of food items and that all the guests are properly served.
Providing All Necessary Supplies and Equipment
A good caterer will provide not only delicious food but also all of the necessary supplies and kitchen equipment. This includes serving dishes, utensils, linens, and anything else that may be needed for service.
Providing Catering Assistants
If desired, a caterer can also provide catering assistants, including bartenders and servers, for the event. This can be helpful for larger events where you need someone to keep an eye on the drinks and ensure that all the guests are properly served. Additionally, a caterer can provide catering staff to help with the cooking and serving of the food.
Sterling Catering: Your Go-To Catering Company for All Twin Cities Area Events
When choosing a caterer in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the surrounding area for your next event, make sure you choose a company that can provide everything you need. Sterling Catering is a full-service catering company that can provide food, and beverage service, staff, supplies, and equipment for your event.
We have been providing catering services in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding areas for many years and carry with us a reputation for providing delicious food and excellent service. Our expert food service specialists will take care of all your catering needs, from menu planning to food preparation to serving and cleanup. Inquire with us online today for a consultation and let us make your next event a success!