Jobs Related to Catering
If you love creating menus, giving parties and cooking for your friends, you might enjoy a career in catering. There are various career paths in this food- centric industry. It does not get any more hands-on than working as a chef. However, if you prefer to be one step away from the heat of the kitchen, working all the details as a catering director might be more appealing. To succeed in this industry, you must be creative, have a passion for food and enjoy working with people.
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Catering Director
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Entering the catering world in the hospitality industry can lead to a high-level position as a catering director. The job involves managing the functions for a hotel or convention center. In this position, you are ultimately responsible for client sales, operations that include the kitchen and waitstaff, and most important, maximizing profit. To execute this position successfully, you must be a perceptive negotiator, excel at managing a team and have five or more years of experience in the industry. Additionally, a catering director must possess finely honed customer service and organizational skills.
Head of the Kitchen
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In the catering industry, the focus is on the food. Catering events is an integral part of the business at five-star resorts or convention centers. The chief chef must run an efficient kitchen operation. She must be a creative food stylist in addition to producing quality dishes. Planning mouth-watering menus that delight the palates of clients and do not exceed the budget can be a challenge. Ordering and preparing fresh food on a daily basis is the norm. The head chef must staff the kitchen with competent, reliable cooks that deliver the meals per the client's specifications. Kitchens operate seven days per week and typically run three shifts. Head chefs work nights and holidays.
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Private Caterer
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For many experienced chefs, owning a catering business is appealing. Although demanding work, catering can be exciting and lucrative. The job of a private caterer involves preparing food for a variety events, which could include toddler birthday parties or elegant weddings. Hiring waitstaff to work the events is common in this industry. Caterers supply the serving plates and dishes. Often they are responsible for planning the entire event, which means furniture rental and tents if the client wants the gala held outdoors. Owning your own catering company does not require any specific culinary training. It is advisable, however, to take cooking courses and train with another caterer if you decide to forgo formal training.
Personal Chef
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Many busy families want healthy nutritious meals but lack the time to prepare them. When you cannot cook at home, employing a personal chef is the answer. Individuals who love to cook and enjoy providing this service for hectic households often start a business as a personal chef. Creating menus customized to the client's liking and observing any food dislikes or restrictions is an important part of the job. Most personal chefs cook in the client's kitchen.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding cake image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
