2021

A turn-key, at-home Dinner Party from Marcia Selden Catering. Photo by Andreas & Nico Photography

Bringing the Party Home

Hopefully we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic and its transformative effect on catered events. Yet even during the strictest days of lockdown, innovative caterers found ways to help clients celebrate events from home. And according to the two top caterers profiled here, clients will continue to book similar events even when society emerges from the COVID-19 danger zone—and the loyalty earned during these trying times will pay off for years to come.

“If it’s not profitable, don’t do it!” advises Sandy Korem.

Plan for the New Year

If you survived 2020, I want to congratulate you. You were doing something right, whether it was saving cash to get you through the hard times or finding alternative revenue streams. And I want to encourage you to continue what you’ve been doing—while also searching for more ways to serve your food. Here are three reminders and tips to get you started.

A Pandemic Solutions technician demonstrates the use of a backpack electrostatic sprayer in a kitchen (courtesy of Pandemic Solutions).

Effectively Disinfecting Your Catering Business

During the COVID-19 pandemic, few industries suffered more from stringent safety rules and regulations than the catering sector. Governmental authorities, including state and local health departments, will continue to monitor and enact new disinfection laws and regulations that will be costly to the catering industry. Decision-makers must learn from the lessons of 2020 when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting their businesses.

Caterers are often presenting appetizers in safe single servings.

Off to a Good Start

The food served at the beginning of an event often sets the tone for the entire affair—even when it comes to safety considerations. Catering, Foodservice & Events asked four caterers how they’re changing their appetizer and hors d’oeuvre offerings to ensure they’re being served safely in a COVID-cautious world.

Good Gracious! Events in Los Angeles serves individual servings of greens from a salad wall.

Safe Set-Ups

Whither the buffet? Due to safety concerns, this easy method of serving lots of guests has taken a hit since the advent of COVID-19. Foodservice operators have eliminated self-serve and buffets, according to a recent study by The Food Group (thefoodgroup.com).

Many caterers created takeout and delivery menus after the pandemic brought in-person events to a halt in 2020.

Catering Outlook for 2021

In the May/June 2020 issue, Catering Magazine asked seven seasoned caterers how they were “Weathering the Storm” in our cover story about the devastating business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elevate Your Food Photography

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created incredible challenges for the foodservice industry. In the absence of corporate events and group gatherings, caterers have had to pivot and find new strategies. Gone (for now) are the days of client referrals, where one great event leads to many more.

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