Beverage caterers share post-COVID business strategies, bar trends and favorite holiday cocktails By Sara Perez Webber The holidays may look a bit different this year, but there will always be reason to eat, drink, and be merry. Like their food counterparts, bar caterers have had to adjust their businesses in the post-COVID world. Here we profile four from across the … [Read more...] about Shaking It Up
It’s Your ONE Chance to Reset
Steps caterers can take now to be successful and profitable Every two weeks, 11 successful catering CEOs from across the country meet via Zoom. Our sales range from $1 million to $13 million. For our first couple of meetings in March, we used the “pivot” mantra. But since that time, every one of us committed to immediate performance that will guarantee our company’s … [Read more...] about It’s Your ONE Chance to Reset
The Brunch Buzz
Ideas for creatively serving up this comforting, popular meal By Connie Jeske Crane Some decades ago, South Carolina-based chef and food writer Belinda Smith-Sullivan started her work life as a flight attendant based out of New York. “Back then we were called ‘stewardesses,’ just to give you an idea how long ago that was,” she says with a chuckle. It was then, in … [Read more...] about The Brunch Buzz
Mad for Mediterranean (Part 2)
Growing in popularity, the fresh, flavorful cuisines of the Mediterranean Rim offer up the perfect foods for outdoor gatherings By Sara Perez Webber The outdoors is “in” these days, as open-air spaces allow for social distancing, not to mention a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. While not all cuisines mesh well with this more casual, often on-the-go type of … [Read more...] about Mad for Mediterranean (Part 2)
Long Live Greek Cuisine
Cooking show host Diane Kochilas educates an international audience on Greek food’s history, variety and health benefits By Sara Perez Webber With roots on the Greek island of Ikaria, Diane Kochilas knows first-hand the health benefits of a Greek diet. Ikaria is one of five global Blue Zones—identified by author Dan Buettner as a region where people live longer, … [Read more...] about Long Live Greek Cuisine
Forget the Numbers, Keep the Clients
Strategies for connecting with your customers in the COVID-19 era and beyond By Darryl Brisebois, Mackasey Howard Communications All industries have been changed by COVID-19. Every owner in the market has lost sleep, planned for a bad quarter, then planned for another. With gatherings capped and events canceled, the catering industry is among the countless sectors facing … [Read more...] about Forget the Numbers, Keep the Clients
Mad for Mediterranean (Part 1)
Growing in popularity, the fresh, flavorful cuisines of the Mediterranean Rim offer up the perfect foods for outdoor gatherings By Sara Perez Webber The outdoors is “in” these days, as open-air spaces allow for social distancing, not to mention a healthy dose of sunshine and fresh air. While not all cuisines mesh well with this more casual, often on-the-go type of … [Read more...] about Mad for Mediterranean (Part 1)
Back to Business
For its first full-service wedding post-COVID-19, Thomas Caterers of Distinction employed extensive protocols to keep guests and staff safe By Sara Perez Webber CATERER: Thomas Caterers of Distinction • thomascaterers.com VENUE: Black Iris Estate • blackirisestate.com EVENT DETAILS: On June 5, Indianapolis-based Thomas Caterers of Distinction catered its first … [Read more...] about Back to Business
Tech to the Rescue
As the “new normal” presents new challenges, companies are employing technology to offer solutions By Sara Perez Webber Let’s face it—the business plans you made for 2020 have long been abandoned. No one could have foreseen the COVID-19 crisis or its dramatic impact on the industry. So you may have felt that you didn’t have the necessary tools to meet the challenges that … [Read more...] about Tech to the Rescue
Transition to Takeout
Products that will enhance presentation and packaging as many caterers focus their operations on pickup and delivery In March, many caterers had to swiftly transition to a pickup and delivery model, as required social distancing due to COVID-19 resulted in a mass cancellation of events. Adapting to a new mode of business requires new products. Catering Magazine asked the … [Read more...] about Transition to Takeout