Don’t Let Uncertainty Stop Your Success
For a lot of caterers, running their companies during the COVID-19 pandemic felt like trying to navigate their way home through a raging forest fire.
Trends: Four Reasons to Consider a Virtual Kitchen
At this time last year, the average eater or chef didn’t know much about virtual kitchens. Now, these often delivery-only concepts are popping up in almost every U.S. city and are slated to be a $1 trillion global market in the next 10 years.
How to Protect Your Business
Being the life of the party can be exhilarating, and—as a caterer—you are the unseen life of the party. Unfortunately, you are also on the hook if things go terribly wrong.
Green Your Takeout
As a result of the pandemic, more people than ever are ordering takeout food. While some may worry about the environmental impact of disposable ware, there is a way to “green” your business while increasing your to-go orders: compostable containers.
THE STAYING POWER OF BBQ
There’s no doubt about it—Americans love to grill. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, according to a 2020 survey by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. And the lockdowns of last summer gave them plenty of time to practice their craft during backyard cookouts.
Outdoor Cooking Equipment
When it comes to grilling and smoking outdoors, it’s important to have equipment you can trust. Grills and smokers must be hardy, portable and efficient. Most of all, they must produce the mouthwatering meats that keep your clients hungry for more. CFE has rounded up a selection of caterers’ favorites for you to consider for your next outdoor feast.
10 Ways to Make Outdoor Events Memorable
For many, the outdoor events of this summer will be the first time they’re reconnecting with friends and family in over a year. “They’re going to be so happy they’re getting together, why not experiment?” asks Edward Perotti, owner of Edward Perotti Events & Experiences, who’s created events for the likes of Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas.
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.
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.
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.
