FIRST FUNCTION: PLANNING – THE BASIC CATERING MANAGEMENT FUNCTION
• formulating a comprehensive plan for the event
• “The closer the caterer gets to the event, the more difficult the event becomes.”
Purpose of a Catering Plan
• ensure the caterer’s future
• Strategic plan is established to guide the entire catering operation over the long term.
• Tactical plan is specially created to guide the caterer in much shorter time frame.
• “Every observable action exhibited by the caterer evolves from the public mission statement.”
• enables the caterer to establish achievable objectives
• Objectives are established to serve as benchmarks to measure progress.
• blueprint or map • helps to minimize unexpected surprises
• Swiss Cheese Approach is where a caterer breaks down the master plan into smaller, more manageable segments.
Time-Line Planning
• Food Production Planning Time Line
• Staffing Planning Time Line