Banquet Serving?

Question

So I was recently hired by a Convention Center in Southern California as a Banquet server. The center hosts all sorts of events from huge Car Shows to Computer geek products release annuals, weddings, club parties, etc.

I used to work at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. And sure, we would cater once in a while (we did frat dinners, sorority dinners, engagement parties, big birthdays) but the food is informal, the presentation is semi formal, but the place was big and loud and relaxed. Thats my experience.

I'm fine with working with people- not a problem.

But what sort of skill or etiquette should I be brushing up on to prepare for All these kinds of events, and all levels of food serving (apps, entrees, stand up, informal, formal, drinks, etc.) throughout the day.

Days can start anywhere from 6am to 9pm and on... So Ill be serving the full range of daily meals (morning, noon, night, cocktails)

Any advice regarding Banquets/ Banquet serving/ Catering will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Personal appearance and cleanliness. Pants secured properly at your waist. Clothing clean and pressed.

Polished shoes, neat & clean hands, face, buffed or clear polished finger nails and please--secure your hair neatly. Keep your hands away from your person: hair, nose, mouth, etc. People notice.No obtrusive piercings.

Politeness, politeness, politeness.

Don't serve food with hands that have removed dirty dishes without washing hands first...sanatization, sanatization, etc.

No phones, food, gum chewing, food nibbles, conservations...

You are a "silent server" Unless instructed by your supervisor to be otherwise.  

Follow instructions concerning food cleanliness and safety.

Know how to properly set a table for various functions and know how to serve and remove food.

Follow instructions by supervisor cheerfully. Don't be a clock watcher when supervisor asks you to do something. Observe closely when procedures are demonstrated and/or explained.

Take notes if necessary.

Know where restrooms, phones, exits, closest emergency places (hospitals, dentist, er) airports, taxi, sporting events, parking hotel, etc. Chances are you'll never need to know but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Now, last, but not least,  remember this: you are on the job and being paid to do your job well; goofing off, arriving late, leaving early, shirking your duties or doing your job without your best effort is, in effect, stealing from your employer.

Customers may not comment when you do a job well, but they will comment if you do a job badly or with attitude. Bottom line, your employer is listening and watching.

Your questions suggests you want to be successful at this occupation. Your first impression was favorable or you would not have been hired. Keep up the good work!

PS personal note: You can't watch a purse/briefcase/f***y pack and don't want bulging pants pockets--Invest in an unobtrusive body/document carrier to be hidden on your person for credit card, emergency money,  license, insurance information and just the essential keys. Carry a throw away wallet with a few dollars.

Answer 2

Sanquet serving involved many paxs 1000-5000.

so can be very challenging and time flies from am-pm.

Sweat it out when comes to back to back catering / set up.

Most importantly

Enjoy your work!You're a Professional Banquet Svc man.

Answer 3

I have been in the catering service for 2 years now. The best advice I would give you is to be alert and aware of what is going on, be polite and everything should be fine. Most of all BE ALERT, one person, not paying attention can s***w up everything.

Answer 4

good day,

Banquet serving 2 types buffet and plated.

If you are buffet serving, serve up a big smile  and your area clean, plated service- you sever to the left and pu to the right. u can say "may i remove your plate?" also knew where the bathroom are and brush up on CPR. You will have a lead on every job, ask question and have fun..