© 2014 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

The Seven Functions of Catering

Chapter 6

© 2014 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Seven Fundamental Catering Management Functions

1. Formulating the strategic plan for the event2. Executing the operational tasks3. Organizing resources4. Matching equipment needs to requirements5. Implementing the plan6. Controlling the event by use of financial tools and

predetermined standards7. Obtaining insurance coverage and ensuring all

legal concerns are covered by a contract

© 2014 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Planning• Formulate and implement a plan based on

competitive strategies per the mission statement.• Types of plans:

– Strategic– Tactical– Time-line planning

• Measurable objectives– Guest satisfaction– Attainment of financial goals– Positive organizational growth

© 2014 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Operations: Execution of Tasks• Translate each customer objective into a specific

operational task.• Employees carry out predetermined goals.• Must exceed customer satisfaction by:

– Identifying tasks– Bundling tasks– Delegating tasks– Executing tasks

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Organizing the Event• Formally structuring the organization so that each

task can effectively attain the objective.• Caterer must distribute, monitor and control scarce

resources.– Human resources– Capital resources– Financial resources

© 2014 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Equipment• Equipment needs are based on:

– The menu– Service requirements– Type and location of the event– Special need of the client

© 2014 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Implementing• Communication with:

– Kitchen manager– Service or dining room manager– Office personnel– Purchasing manager

• Tasks are bundled into subplans.• Each function is implemented by its own executable

subplan.

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Controlling• Controlling resources is one of the most important

catering management tasks.• Control in all facets of the operation is needed.

– Food and beverage costs– Labor costs– Direct and indirect costs

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Understanding Risk Management, Insurance and Legal Issues

• Caterers must know their legal responsibilities.• Insurance plans should cover:

– Equipment– Personnel– Guests

• Establish a crisis or safety management team.• Never do a function without a signed contract!