What Is a Hotel Caterer?

What Is a Hotel Caterer?

A hotel caterer is someone who manages catering and event
services for a hotel. Typically, the hotel caterer is supported by
a large staff which includes numerous assistants who help
catering tasks run smoothly. Many people in hotel catering
positions have received catering training through a trade
school, although some have worked their way up in the ranks
of the catering industry to arrive at supervisory positions. This
type of work requires a very high degree of attention to detail
along with the ability to manage a variety of tasks
simultaneously.
Many large hotels have a facility for functions, and some have
a catering staff which manages the facility. When people wish
to hold events at the hotel, they work with the hotel caterer to
develop the planning for the event. This can range from a
wedding reception to a business workshop. Every detail of the
planning is supervised and managed by the caterer, and the
caterer can also bring in contract workers for different aspects
of the function.
The hotel caterer takes care of seating, place settings, food,
floral arrangements, lighting, sound systems, and any other
requirements which need to be met. Hotel caterers may also
handle general food services for the hotel. This can include the
catering menu with room service options for hotel guests,
along with menus for pool side service and bar service, and it
can also include supervising the hotel dining room.
Some hotels are capable of hosting multiple events at once,
which can put heavy demands on the catering staff because
the staff members must be able to coordinate to make all of
the events run smoothly. Even if a hotel only has one event

area, a hotel caterer is often in the process of planning multiple
events at once. Computer software is often used to assist with
planning and management so that no details are neglected.
Skilled caterers enjoy working with food and are often
competent cooks, even if they do not personally cook for
events. They are also good at public relations and feel
comfortable working with people and meeting their needs.
People are often very concerned about events, especially
major events like weddings, and the caterer is an important
point person who must be able to address worries at various
planning stages. Having a passion for organizing can also be
very important for someone who works as a hotel caterer, and
it's also important to be able to supervise and coordinate
numerous employees and contractors.
Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-hotel-caterer.htm
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