How to Become a Caterer

About Caterer

A Caterer is a person who supplies food for weddings, corporate events, parties and other large gatherings. He is responsible for developing the menu, transporting, preparing and serving the food, as well as helping with cleanup. A caterer works on a contract basis, consulting with clients to create and serve customized menus at parties or events. He is also in charge of all aspects of the catering process, such as menu options, ingredients, staffing, and training. A good Caterer provides the catering services as per the requirements and budget of the client. 

Responsibilities of a Caterer

Check some major responsibilities of a Caterer provided below.

• Preparing and serving food at events and parties

• Loading and unloading plates, silverware, and other service equipment

• Transporting meals and associated items to the event venue

• Coordinating with kitchen manager for the day's orders

• Keeping serving stations restocked throughout the event

• Serving meals, food and beverages to event attendees

• Assigning duties to all the staff members and ensuring the safety of them

• Observing and enforcing food safety regulations

Eligibility to become Caterer

Candidates who are aiming for a career as a Caterer need to satisfy the eligibility requirements decided by the catering company. The eligibility criteria for a career as a Caterer is provided below. 

Courses to become a Caterer

You check the table provided below to know some of the courses that you can pursue to become a Caterer. The table also includes the total fee and the top colleges offering these courses. You can apply to any of these colleges by filling our Common Application Form.

Types of Job Roles Caterer

The job roles and responsibilities of a Caterer varies according to the level of the catering company. There are many other job profiles available for a Caterer. Some of them are provided below.

• Head Chef

• Restaurant Manager

• Kitchen Manager

• Food and Beverage Manager

• Sous Chef

• Chef

• Catering Manager

• Food and Beverage Supervisor

If you want to know what profession is perfect for you, you can give our Career Profiling Test. Besides this, you can ask questions about a career as a Caterer on the Collegdekho QnA zone. 

Employment Opportunities for Caterer

A Caterer can join a hotel or catering company. He can also start his own restaurant or catering company. Some of the other sectors where a Caterer can apply for a job are Corporate facilities, Cruise lines, Casinos and Guesthouses. The graph provided below will provide you with a detailed understanding of the employment opportunities available for a Caterer. 

Top Recruiting Agencies for Caterer

Some of the major recruiting companies for Caterer are listed below.

• Culinary Affaire

• HeartyGrabs

• Little Food Co

• Mini Punjab

• Bespoke Catering

• Food Art

• Flavee Gourmet

• Party Chef

• Trupti Caterers

• Esca Brahma

Employment Sector/Industry for Caterer

Pay Scale/Salary of Caterer

The average salary of a Caterer will vary according to his skills and experience. Those who have a working experience of 3 years can be around 4 lakh per annum. The table provided below shows the salary of a Caterer for all levels of experience. 

Books & Study Material to Become Caterer

Here are some recommended books for a Caterer. 

• Catering Management by Nancy Loman Scanlon

• Catering: A Guide to Managing a Successful Business Operation by Bruce Mattel

• Professional Catering by Stephen B. Shiring

• Hotbox: Inside Catering, the Food World's Riskiest Business by Matt Lee and Ted Lee

• Introduction to Catering: Ingredients for Success by Richard Mills and Stephen B. Shiring

• Catering Like a Pro: From Planning to Profit by Francine Halvorsen

Pros of becoming a Caterer

• This profile will help you express your creativity

• You do not require a higher degree to start your career as a Caterer

• Numerous job opportunities are available for a Caterer

• You do not have to follow the 6 to 9 working schedule while working as a Caterer

Cons of becoming a Caterer

• You will have to manage the transportation along with providing excellent catering services to clients

• Several clients can be a little bit demanding. You will have to work hard to make the clients satisfied

• You may receive a lot of orders during the festive season. You should be able to manage your time very well

• You can receive negative reviews if you failed to provide good customer service to your clients. Hence, you have to be careful until the event is over successfully