I'm going to describe the caterer I just met. What do you think?
927230
I wouldn't really on a caterer that was late to our meeting, and had no time to talk, to cater my most important event.  If the caterer is not organized and professional enough to arrange a simple tasting, I don't think he could be counted on for a full wedding party.\n\nBesides, instant potatoes.... blah!!!
260313
ABSOLUTELY NOT.\nI am a pretty good tipper. Usually more than 20%, and I never even considered the server's looks. Good personality and On-The-Ball are good traits, but I leave a tip that is generous, especially if I plan to frequent the establishment.
505788
sounds like your daughter is running the show.  let her get good and hungry.  i bet she'll eat then.
1147784
I would still hire a server, just so that you and your guests don't have to serve yourselves and that way there is someone there paid to clean up, so they will. \nI would offer light, sweet summery wines and light beer.\nAnd what do you mean by BBQ? It means something different in the south and north. \nIf you're having honest to goodness BBQ, make sure the servings are smaller and less messy. Nobody wants to stain themselves in their best clothing!\nEither way, I'd make the servings smaller than normal, "finger food"-esque. Like bite sized hot dogs/hamburgers. It sounds so casual but a good chef can make them look brilliant and elegant. \nI would also suggest a fruit/vegetable tray and a cheese tray. And everything set out a la buffet style. \n\nAnd remember, it's your big day. Yes, you want the guests to be happy but when it boils down to it, make sure you are 100% happy with your choice!
796349
It is perfectly acceptable to ask your sponsor about any unique customs.  In general, good table manners, respectful conversation and dress are appropriate.  The specifics largely depend on the type of dinner you will attend.  If it is a small, private affair, then one acts as one might at any dinner party.  If it is a public feast then there may be additional considerations according to the traditions of the institution.\n\nI recommend reading De Brett's Guide to Modern Etiquette for a detailed discussion of dinner-related manners.  It is the de facto standard for British gentlemen.
17628
THE STAFF!!  I have worked in restaraunts since I was 15 and I must say that if your staff isnt GREAT CHIPPER UPBEAT And ready to deal with the JERKS that walk in then you restaraunt wont do well either!  You need to establish a 'regualr' customer base and really get the word out.  2/3 businesses dont make it past the first year due to going into the hole.  Make sure that you are prepared to losse money your first year in order to provide promotions and specials to the public to get them into the restaraunt.  Make sure that since this is your first atempt that you only hire experienced servers and cooks.  This will not be the place to train new employees!  Make sure to set a budget for each month and make sure that you stay within it!!  I helped open a restarant in St. Charles MO and they are now making a killing off the business so this is where I get my info from.  Make sure also that who you have doing to books and all is someone who you TRUST!!  Accounting is a huge part as well!!  Make sure that you like all of the food that you serve cause if you dont like it and you wont eat it chances are that the public wont either.  Any time that you try a new dish serve it as a specail once or twice a week for about a month to see what the responce is to it first.  Have your staff taste things as well they will be your most honest critics!!  Cause they wont want to serve something that they cant sell... you have to think that servers make money directly off of your products.\n\nOh and feel free to IM me at justone_girl on yahoo.  I would love to help you out any more if I can
130657
Just include it in the details.  I just had a big birthday party for my 40th and I don't think anybody was offended with my way of doing it.\n\nI said where, when, described the food and entertainment, and listed the prices for adults and kids and asked them to pay me which I then took care of with the manager.\n\nDo yourself a favor and have a list of who is coming and how much they owe.  That way you can check off who came so the restaurant doesn't overcharge you and you can mark off who paid.\n\nIt worked like a charm for me and everyone had a blast.
939956
Yes, you unwittingly broke a rule.  You just shouldn't comment on your date's choice, except to say, "that sounds delicious" or "great choice."  Your comment could be misconstrued as a criticism of her eating/health habits.  It's like saying, "I would eat that, but fried food is bad/fattening/disgusting and grilled food is far superior."  Thus, it's a little rejection of your date.
402596
Wow that sounds a lot like my boyfriend....hmmmm, what's goin' on here?\nMy guy likes it when I make him a big dinner and when I wear sexy things....
49245
A calculation my wife and I used for our wedding (because this is what we were told to do, we didn't come up with this on our own) was to take the number of invitations we sent out, double that number and take 60%.  With that calculation we were expecting 240 people, we ended up paying the caterer for 250 so I would say that worked for us.
799118
What a great idea.. \nWhere were you for the client dinner party last week,\nwe had 10 business men from Japan in town to host\nand I had one hell of a time accomodating their tastes.\n\nReally, with enough publicity I think you would be a HIT.\nI would use you and I'm sure you would be very busy for\nthe holidays, everyone hates to cook on the holidays.\nPlus the selling point is that you clean before and after.\n\nGood luck to you..
1164734
That depends on what type of catering business!  Where it will be located, the hours of operation, the number of employees....... I would suggest first have in your mind and on paper what your goal is, for instance lets say you want to operate a traveling food stand, one that you may drive to construction sites and offer both hot and cold sandwiches and drinks!!  OK, now I would then call other catering businesses in other towns or cities across the US, lets say 5 businesses in 10 cities that gives you a total of 50!!  Let them know why you are calling and where you are located, that way they will not feel threatened in helping you since you would not be their local competition!  Have your questions ready, and hopefully at the end of the 50 calls you will not only have a ballpark figure, you possibly will have gained more insight into being successful!!  Good Luck! Have a Great Day! MB!
662759
well there are lots of things but the one that stands out the most is... this customer who use to come in to my table for lunch ( i was a waitress )everyday..\nthen one day he brought a lady friend with him. They kept on coming in for a while then one day he came in all by him self and i asked him where his lady friend was.( he was so much better looking then her she was really plain Jane... not to be mean ) but i asked him where she was , then i said to him  " You know you could do a lot better then her" He says to me we got married last week... oops... I though I would die... but that was when i was in my twenty's and people except you to talk stupid when you are 20ish....
852172
Hi!\n\nI can't believe that you're finding it hard to find weekend work in the catering trade!\n\nThey're crying out for staff - especially at this time of the year.\n\nI think you need to put yourself out there a bit more!\n\nIt's always good if, while you're working towards a qualification, that you get hands on experience in the trade.\n\nBest of luck!
770105
I offered my place in line to a guy who had less items than me, and he was so shocked, he offered to pay for my items! (I didn't accept), but then I was shocked at how nice he was!  Sad, that we both were shocked at simple politeness, isn't it?---Today, I saw an old man carrying a gas can and walking, and offered him a ride, he smiled so big, and said no thanks, he didn't have far to go,but he brightened up, just having someone offer.........yes,sometimes complete stangers cheer me up on my bad, sad, days.......a kind word can make or break you ,some days..........
826266
sounds like a very intesting person
275856
you sound like you are writing a report or such like on this :)  i mean.. its going to take more than a para to answer this..but DM in the hospitality would largely help in building a great relationship/ loyalty program with the consumers.. get them to keep coming back for more..