November 2007

Features

From the Idea Factory
The parties at Event Solutions’ Idea Factory showed caterers a bunch of new ideas they could use in their own business.

A caterer’s life
Managing a personal life and a catering business isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Five caterers at four different operations tell how they do it.

Going to the dogs
Is it a trend? Could it become one? Bold American Catering put on a great event—for a client’s dog.

Catering for pharmaceutical representatives
Philip and Marty Wilson discovered that they could do great business just handling events for pharmaceutical reps. Now they’ve developed a way for other caterers to do the same.

Special Focus

Tables & chairs
These basics don’t have to look basic. Manufacturers and distributors blend fashion and function.

Food & beverage storage,transport & holding equipment
Your chef’s skills won’t be appreciated if the food doesn’t get to the event in good shape and at the right temperature. These products help insure that your catering arrives the way it ought to.

Parties and more at catersource 2008
A look at last year’s Intrigue! party, and highlights of the upcoming Temptation, plus an introduction to the new CORE FastTrack.

Departments

Regions/South
Affairs to Remember in Atlanta started with just one successful bar mitzvah. Today, it’s a trendsetter—and still fun for the original partners.

Regions/Midwest
Food with Flair in Des Moines is known for its made-from-scratch quality for everything, including breads and pastry.

Regions/West
At Oregon Health & Science University, the catering operation’s ambitions mean it is growing dramatically.

Regions/East
Wickey’s Caterers and Special Events in Pennsylvania and Maryland concentrates on consistency.

Product spotlight
Dazzling bon bons, organic spirits, flavored rice pilaf, recyclable paper products, golden crumb cake, high-end tableware and a way to frame your catering.

Selling
What to do when the shopper seems “frozen” and can’t make a decision.

Marketing
Do you know how you would handle information about a problem? A former caterer offers advice on how to develop a plan for crisis communication.

Updates
Winners we know, the popularity of meal-assembly operations, readable recipes and some interesting trends for bar and bat mitzvahs.

catersource voices

Publisher’s letter
What does balance mean in our daily lives—and how do we achieve it?

Event planning
Find the time each day to create your own “life map”—and then follow it.

From the chef
A chef that manages to balance personal and work lives is likely to present dishes that are balanced as well.

Business outlook
The key to balancing your work life and your personal life may be giving others an ownership role in the business.

Forum
Caterers share their favorite marketing ideas.

Roman’s opinion
Whether you have a financial investment in the place you work or not, acting like an owner will help bring you success.