Hi! New to the site...I am looking for a job in catering in New York City. I am currently a college student in the city looking for an introduction into the field. I have restaurant experience...have staged in somewhat high end NYC restaurant and am eager to get my hands wet again. Does anyone have any information for me...reputable caterers where I can learn a lot about the business.

Thanks...Emily

[Svadhisthana]

Start small, maybe cater a party for a friend to get your name out there. Word of mouth is the best tool, make sure everyone within 10 feet of you knows that you are looking for catering jobs. Get to know local wedding planners as they help to chooose caterers at times. Also get business cards printed up and distributed. You can check in the catering forum and do a search of the archives. Like
this Good Luck!!!

[ July 05, 2001: Message edited by: Svadhisthana ]

[ July 05, 2001: Message edited by: Svadhisthana ]

[Anneke]

Hi Emily, welcome to cheftalk! I'm also interested to get into catering one day. I'm a student right now and have worked in a high end restaurant like you. I've been quizzing everyone I know in the industry about that very question you have. They all seem to tell me not to jump into anything too quickly. SOme have waited - deliberately - 10-12 years before embarking on their own adventure because to put it bluntly, your probability of failure is directly related to your level of inexperience, and , well, most caterers fail. It takes a lot to survive in this industry! So I would advise you to work for a reputable caterer, ask a lot of questions, test yourself by asking yourself constantly "if this was my company, would I do things differently? why? Why not?". If you are new in the culinary world, maybe you should stay in restaurants for a while because - to quote one of my co-workers recently turned caterer (and also our very own Chef David Simpson) - 'that's where you really learn how to cook!'. Chef David also talks about restaurant ethics in another post... Worth a read. Whatever you decide, good luck! You'll find an excellent support group right here whenever you need it!

A.

[ July 05, 2001: Message edited by: Anneke ]

[Kimmie]

Hi Emily,

I don't have any information for you, just wanted to welcome you to Cheftalk Café!

[KyleW]

Welcome Emily. If you are looking for info on anything food related you have come to the right place. I posted a response you your message in the Catering Forum with some info that might help you on your quest.

Kyle

[W.DeBord]

Having been a caterer for many years...I'm sure it won't be difficult finding a job with one at least on a temp. basis. You can never have enough help!

Look at the social pages and see if you can discover who's catering the social events (big fund raisers, medical fund raisers, etc...) around town.

Working for any caterer will expose you to tons of knowledge, even the small operators can do some pretty amazing work. If you really want to learn the business you need to work for several different caterers for the exposure. Never tell them you want to become a caterer yourself....don't forget to work back at their shop, because that's alot different than on site work. Even if your temp. help go back to the shop to help put away everything, show some interest in staying later then everyone to help out in any way. It also will be a real "in" with them.