Questions Types of establishment & service

1. State if these statements are true or false; Contract caterers provide food and drink.True Contract caterers always use their own kitchen. False Contract caterers prepare food for special events. True Contract caterers have a room available for events to be held in. False

2. Describe the difference between contract caterers and resident caterers. The role of contract caterer could include the following points: Has overall responsibility for the organisation of an event. Completes all the administration for the food including ordering the food and arranging the chef to cook the meal. Has to arrange wait staff to serve the food on the day – may have to liaise with agency for staff. Organise with the customer where the event will be held and liaise with the manager of the venue. Organise table layouts for service and explains standards of service to wait staff. Liaise with the customer throughout the planning of the event to ensure that the customers wishes are fully met. A resident caterer works in the same place all the time and has the responsibility for all of the above points.

3.Describe the main features of the following; Fast food outlet They have disposable cutlery and plates. Food is cooked and served quickly. They are popular with teenagers. They have limited menus. They may be self service or have a drive through facility. They often have special offers and advertise on TV. Cafe They have a wider range of choices on the menu. They may be self service or have wait staff. They are popular with shoppers. They often have daily specials and they have hot and cold foods available. They may also have a take-away service. Exclusive restaurant They take bookings and they will be more expensive. They may offer a table d'hôte or a la carte menu. Food is cooked to order and wait staff may silver serve food. Wait staff will be very smart and qualified and the chef will offer speciality dishes. They will be popular for celebrations.

4. Why are take-away menus popular? State why a food outlet may have a ‘special meal deal’. Take-away menus are quick and cheap, they save the customer from cooking and washing up, and they are an easy meal solution. There is a good choice of foods, they are suitable for all ages. There are known brands and they are always the same, they convenient for busy people. Meal deals increase turnover, advertising brings in customers e.g. birthday parties and they are able to compete with other outlets. They encourage customers to buy meals and there is demand for cheaper deals. They may be used to sell surplus stock

5.Discuss the advantages of a buffet service for the caterer and the customer. A buffet style is cheaper for the caterer, they require less staff; they can use left over foods for salads, etc. It is easier and there is less waste, customers will self serve and fewer skills are required by the chef who will prepare the food before service. The customer likes buffet style because they get to choose what they like, they get more choice (not just one item from a menu), they can have as much as they want, they can also go back from more. There will be a set price and a choice of hot and cold food.

6. Discuss the advantages of a carvery service for the caterer and the customer. A carvery is cheaper for the caterer, they require less staff. Wait staff will greet customers and serve drinks, starters and desserts. It is easier and there is less waste, a chef will serve the meat and the customers will self serve vegetables. Fewer skills are required by the chef who will prepare the food before service. The customer likes carvery because they get to choose what they like, they get more choice (not just one type of meat), they can have as much as they want. There will be a set price and a wide choice of vegetables.