November 2006

Features

How non-commercial caterers keep it creative
Catering operations at schools, hospitals and the military have a special challenge to develop and sell new ideas to a constant customer base.

Highlights from the Summer Symposium
Education, events and fun were in good supply at the Idea Factory in Denver.

Ideas from a top caterer
Susan Lacz of Ridgewell’s will share her story and her tips for success at the catersource 2007 Conference & Tradeshow.

Special Focus

Lunch boxes
Products that can help you put together interesting, attractive and profitable box lunches for your customers.

ICA ‘dish’ about catering
Lively topics from the International Caterers Association.

NACE pages
News and ideas from the National Association of Catering Executives.

Tabletops
Ideas for making your food stand out, from manufacturers who know the catering market.

Departments

Beverages
Custom cocktails are fun to create, add something special to an event and increase your bottom line.

Selling
Mike Roman suggests ways to increase your holiday bookings—and add new bookings for 2007.

Updates
Turkey specials, a funny foodservice website, foie gras concerns, new products and an apology.

Product spotlight
Prepared chili, a new banqueting system, a lively new melamine service pattern, Berkshire pork and artistic display pieces.

How do you … ?
Some guidelines for how to handle your employees when they’re also your relatives.

Marketing
N. Carol Pooler hands out a business card that no one is likely to forget.

Regions / West
At Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA, Kirsten Bettcher keeps the catering operation current with cuisine trends.

Regions / East
Domenic & Anthony Catering in Norwood, MA, is definitely a family business.

Regions / South
Robinette & Company Caterers in Houston has developed a successful retail business for busy people.

Regions / Midwest
Margarite’s Catering in Council Bluffs, IA, started as a hobby but quickly grew to a successful business.

catersource voices

Roman’s opinion
Mike’s father always told him that success depends on education; he’s been living that advice for decades.

Letter from the publisher
We always knew the catersource Conference & Tradeshow was a hit; now it’s confirmed.

Business outlook
The internet’s impact on catering is only going to increase; those who know how to use it will benefit.

From the chef
Take the best comfort foods and give them a new twist for menus that reflect the season and good taste.

Event planning
Non-profit organizations can use your advice on how to work with caterers—and it may pay off for you in the end.