Life’s Special Events and Corporate vs. Private Caterers

In looking over my calendar for last month, I saw that I had a wedding, a graduation party and a memorial service on the books. I couldn’t help but being struck by the cycle of life events that a caterer is witness to, and even more than witness, partner in. All I needed, I thought was a baptism, bris or baby shower to complete things.

That’s a big attraction, for me, to this business, and why I am much more drawn to private catering than to say, corporate catering. I know caterers who prefer corporate catering- they don’t care for the “hand holding” that’s part of the job when dealing with private clients. And it’s true -with corporate clients there’s a lot less of that required on the part of the caterer. I had a corporate catering job a few years back when once the menu was selected (over the phone) and the deposit paid, I didn’t hear from the client again until I met him on the day of the event. Don’t get me wrong-that’s not bad either, but it’s quite a different experience than dealing with an anxious bride or mother. But as I said in my last post, I love being a part of those special moments in others lives, and creating those great memories. So I make this suggestion to those of you who may be out there looking for a caterer- find out what percentage of your potential caterer’s business is private as opposed to corporate.

Ah, and as I look to my calendar next month, I do have a bay shower on the books. Completion!

Ciao,

Gisele
www.smallpleasruescatering.com