The Seven Functions of Catering
Chapter 6
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duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Seven Fundamental Catering Management
Functions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Formulating the strategic plan for the event
Executing the operational tasks
Organizing resources
Matching equipment needs to requirements
Implementing the plan
Controlling the event by use of financial tools and
predetermined standards
7. 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
© 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.
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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duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
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
© 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.
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!
© 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.