New year, new menus and new planning method… right after the rush?!
We understand that you’ve possibly just got through one of the busiest times of the year, and now you’re taking this time to jazz up the menu, organise the kitchen and try and ensure that you and your staff providing a top quality service. We look at a few of the fundamental planning tips for catering managers (whether you’re running a small cafe to a full service canteen or event).
Understand your peak times, seasons and local events
Each week is different for your business, however, you can preempt busier times with a bit of research and planning. There are the obvious busy times… occasions such as Mothers Day, Valentines Day, St Patricks Day, Easter and other bank holidays.
TOP TIP: Check your local events calendar (follow local Twitter feeds and Facebook pages) to find out when certain events are happening in your area. This will give you a good idea of whether you will be busier that normal, therefore can plan to get the right amount of staff on shift.
Staff contingency plan
An important consideration is staff and running a high functioning service, with the ability to have flexibility for illness, holiday and transition periods between staff leaving and hiring new staff. Partnering with a local catering staff agency offers you the flexibility to call on bank staff in these situations and also during busy periods. This gives you the ability to fill any gaps quickly without having to hunt down staff at the last minute.
Budgeting and forward thinking
Stock takes, menu planning and cost per meal are all vital to ensuring you provide high quality food, minimise waste and deliver with great customer service. By understanding your peak times and staffing requirements, the former tasks makes catering and staff management a smoother process.
Don’t get us wrong, we completely understand that a few spanners in the works can create an almighty headache… we hope to help alleviate some of this when it arises.
Find out how partnering with Chefs and Events is easy, with no obligation and flexible terms by calling us on
023 9281 2725 or email personnel@chefsandevents.co.uk
Chefs and Events – Catering staff agency Hampshire