Being in the food industry requires lots of hard work. It’s not something you learn overnight. You must have careful research, food experimentation, motivation, knowledge, and know the proper equipment to start one. It’s a constant process of learning how to make good meals and balance the way your business runs.
When you want to start your food line, there are many things you must consider, especially if you want to venture into a catering business. Below are some points on the importance of food storage, having the right equipment, and effectively storing foods when you’re in a catering business.
The Importance of Proper Food Storage
In a catering food business, you must successfully bring the food from one location to the destination in a state that does not get spoiled and still looks presentable. No one would want to see food during spilled events, which could give rise to a lot of stress.
Proper food storage is an important part of maintaining high catering standards and reducing food poisoning among guests. Some foods require storage in a fridge, while others should be eaten immediately.
Proper storage helps preserve the nutritional value of foods and prevent spoilage. If food spoils, no one can eat it, and your business does not profit from it. Imagine how many foodborne illnesses brought about by harmful bacteria could be prevented if only you had proper food storage.
The Essential Equipment for Catering Business
A food business is not a game wherein you just stock foods and then leave them. Proper equipment is essential in keeping them safe and fresh. The following are some types of equipment you could use in the catering business:
The Table Setting
The table setting is the first thing guests will see if they look at their tables. In addition to incorporating beautiful designs like flowers, the main essentials must be present, like dinner plates, bread plates, and soup bowls. If you serve salad, make sure you also prepare salad plates.
Also, do not forget about water glasses, so they have something to drink on. If you also serve wine, prepare wine glasses since when choosing food equipment for your business, you must consider how the glasses will be used. For instance, you can’t serve a soup to a guest in a water glass. Also, add the saucers and utensils to the list.
Lastly, keep in mind that not all pieces of equipment should be placed on a bare table. Decorate the table with tablecloths, beautiful centerpieces, and napkins that go well with the event’s theme you were asked to cater for. You can also add a little extra like sugar, salt, and butter but in a pleasant and attractive holder to keep them attractive throughout the event.
The Beverage/Drinks Section
Suppose your catering services offer coffee and other beverages. In that case, some equipment, like airports, will be required to keep the coffee warm and dispense it without the use of electricity. Prepare some decaf backups for those who are not fans of caffeinated drinks.
In keeping the drinks cool, prepare ice tubs. Also, have coffee mugs and cups ready so people can quickly get them from the drinking station. Place a wastebasket somewhere near so that when guests are finished drinking, they could easily toss them in the bin.
The Serving Equipment
Serve the guests nicely with serving trays, water pitchers, and bus tubs to clean up quickly. It would be best if you have tons of bus tubs prepared to clean up those dirty dishes after each serving, and you could successfully clear the table immediately.
The Buffet Equipment
It’s best to have a few extra same items prepared since you can’t deny that some utensils could be broken, lost or dropped during the event, and guests could request another clean one.
Also, have large spoons and tongs for serving the people. Bring one sharp knife with you so you don’t have problems if you need to slice turkey, beef, or the like. Lastly, do not forget that the tables are not the only things that need decorations—the buffet tables, too!
Other Items You Might Need
To be prepared in whatever circumstances arise, have a Cambro, which helps store cooked foods. If not, have other insulated containers that could help keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, whether you will be serving them indoors or outdoors.
Also, take some disposable containers if guests want to take some leftovers home. Remember to bring plastic wraps, foil, sanitizers, paper towels, and trash bags to keep all the dirt in one place.
How can I store food effectively for catering
As someone who is working with food, you must be able to understand how to keep it safe and fresh. So, read down below to know more:
- Remember to wash and sterilize your hands always to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use separate chopping boards when slicing raw meat and fresh vegetables.
- Use airtight containers that are clear to be able to see what’s inside and label them.
- Cook food only at the right temperature.
- Always wash what you use in the kitchen immediately after use.
Takeaway
Starting a catering business is a fun way to discover more about food. If you are in this kind of business, you must be prepared not only food-wise but also attitude-wise to handle the pressure, especially if you are a new caterer. So, to avoid any mistakes, you may refer to the information mentioned above to guide you in growing your own catering business.
