The Catering Business Industry *Commonly used for upscale events, galas, and
formal occasions.
1.1 Define Catering.
Catering- the business or activity of providing
food and drink at events, for organizations,
charity events, etc.
*Catering is the activity of providing food and
drink for a large number of people, for example
at weddings and parties.
*Catering is the business of providing food
services at a remote side or a site.
1.2 Differentiate the types of catering.
1. Wedding Catering:
* Specialized in providing food and beverage
services for weddings.
*Presents a varied menu accommodating a
spectrum of tastes and dietary needs.
*Often includes comprehensive event services
such as table setup, trained service staff, and, at
times, event planning assistance.
2. Corporate Catering:
*Tailored to meet the culinary requirements of
corporate events, meetings, conferences, and
seminars.
*Emphasizes professional and convenient
service, featuring variety of menu suitable for
diverse corporate settings.
3. Social Event Catering:
*Covers a range of social gatherings like
birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions.
* Menus are often designed to suit the specific
theme or preferences of the host.
4. Buffet Catering:
*Involves setting up a buffet-style service where
guests can serve themselves.
* Suitable for large gatherings and events with
diverse guest preferences.
5. Fine Dining Catering:
*Provides a high-end dining experience, often
with gourmet cuisine and elegant presentation.
6. Drop-off Catering:
*Involves delivering pre-prepared food to a
location without on-site cooking or service.
* Suitable for smaller events or occasions where
a full catering setup is not required.
7. Boxed Lunch Catering:
*Offers individualized boxed meals, often used
for business meetings, conferences, or outdoor
events.
*Provides a convenient and organized way to
serve meals to a large group.
8. Concession Catering:
*Typically associated with events like fairs,
concerts, and sports games.
* Involves providing a variety of snacks, fast
food, and beverages in a concession stand
format.
9. Mobile Catering:
*Involves the use of food trucks or mobile
kitchens to cater to outdoor events or locations
without kitchen facilities.
* Offers flexibility in menu options and can
cater to a variety of settings.
10. Specialty Catering:
*Focuses on specific cuisines, dietary
preferences, or culinary themes.
*Examples include vegetarian/vegan catering,
ethnic cuisine catering, or dessert-only catering.
1.3 Classify social and corporate catering.
Social Catering:
1. Purpose:
*Social catering is primarily focused on private,
social, and family-oriented events.
* Events include weddings, birthdays,
anniversaries, family reunions, and other
personal celebrations.
 2. Clientele:
*Clients are typically individuals or families
organizing personal events.
* Emphasis is on meeting the specific
preferences and themes chosen by the hosts.
3. Atmosphere:
*Often informal and relaxed, reflecting the
personal nature of the events.
*Menus and presentations may be customized
based on the hosts' preferences and the nature of
the celebration.
4. Menu Variety:
*Menus can be diverse, catering to various tastes
and dietary preferences.
*Themes may influence menu choices, such as
cultural or seasonal themes.
5. Services:
*May include additional services like event
planning, decoration, and coordination with
other vendors.
*Focus on creating a warm and inviting
atmosphere that suits the celebratory nature of
the event.
Corporate Catering:
1. Purpose:
*Corporate catering is designed for business-
related events, meetings, conferences, and
seminars.
*Events are often more formal and business
oriented.
2. Clientele:
*Clients are typically businesses, organizations,
or professional entities.
*Focus on providing services that align with the
professional atmosphere of corporate settings.
3. Atmosphere:
*Generally, it is more formal and structured,
reflecting the professional nature of corporate
events.
*Attention to detail and a focus on efficiency are
essential.
4. Menu Variety:
*Menus are often designed to accommodate a
variety of dietary preferences, with an emphasis
on efficiency.
*Healthy and convenient options may be
prioritized to cater to business professionals.
5. Services:
*May include services such as timely delivery,
set-up, and professional catering staff.
*Customization options may be available, but
the emphasis is often on efficiency and meeting
the needs of business schedules.
6. Additional Considerations:
*Corporate catering may also include services
like coffee breaks, working lunches, and cocktail
receptions.
*Attention to dietary restrictions and special
requirements is crucial due to diverse
professional backgrounds.
1.4 Trace the History of Catering
Ancient Civilizations:
1. Egyptian and Roman Eras (circa 5000
BCE - 476 CE):
*Ancient Egyptians organized elaborate feasts
for religious ceremonies and celebrations.
* Romans were known for hosting grand
banquets, and they employed professionals
called "caterers" who provided food services for
large events.
Middle Ages:
1. Medieval Europe (476 CE - 1453 CE):
*Feasting was a significant aspect of medieval
life, with banquets hosted by royalty and
nobility.
*Guilds and inns began offering catering
services for weddings, celebrations, and events.
Renaissance:
1. 15th - 17th Centuries:
*The Renaissance period saw a resurgence of
interest in the culinary arts.
*Catering services became more sophisticated,
with a focus on refined presentation and diverse
menus.
18th and 19th Centuries:
1. Europe and Colonial America (1700s -
1800s):
*With the rise of the middle class, catering
services expanded beyond the aristocracy.
*Taverns and inns offered catering for public
and private events.
*Catering gained popularity in the United States
during the 19th century, especially for social
events and celebrations.

20th Century:
1. Industrial Revolution (Late 19th - Early
20th Century):
*The Industrial Revolution brought about
changes in food production and distribution.

World Wars (1914-1918, 1939-1945):

*Catering played a crucial role during wartime,

providing meals for soldiers and supporting war
efforts.

Post-War Boom (1950s - 1960s):

*The post-war period witnessed the rise of
catering companies, as social events and
corporate gatherings became more common.

Late 20th Century to Present:

Specialization and Diversification:
*Catering services diversified to include
specialized offerings such as wedding catering,
corporate catering, and event planning.

Technology Integration:
*Technology has played a significant role,
aiding in communication, menu planning, and
logistics for catering businesses.

Globalization and Culinary Influences:

*Globalization has introduced diverse culinary
influences, contributing to the variety of catering
options available.

Health and Dietary Trends:

*Increasing awareness of health and dietary
preferences has led to the development of
catering services catering to specific needs, such
as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.