Practices for Keeping Catering Staff (and Guests) Safe for Upcoming Postponed Events

As we start to consider our plans to reopen and start producing events again, the big question for all event professionals is the same: How can we keep our clients and their guests safe? In the catering business, this is a question we’ve always considered — but now we have to look past basic food safety and consider how we can prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Special events will look different for a while; at the very least, we’ll be operating under pandemic guidelines until there’s a vaccine available. Even then, guests may still be wary about crowds of people and public spaces. It’s our duty to make them feel comfortable and safe, so we need to start planning out health and safety policies prior to reopening. 

Here are some practices to consider — keep in mind that you’ll still need to do your research on each to ensure that it is implemented safely and effectively.

Adapting serving styles

Since the coronavirus is airborne, expect to serve food differently to avoid unnecessary exposure. Anthony Lambatos of Footers Catering predicts a change in presentation and serving practices: “On food displays, I think you are going to see a lot more food either wrapped or served in closed vessels. On any action stations or buffets, they will most likely involve someone creating plates or composed dishes for guests. Self-serve beverage stations are also something that probably won’t be appearing at very many events.”

Adam Gooch of Common Plea Catering agrees, adding: “Stations will turn more into action stations where chefs are building the meals and handing to guests. Yes, the normal buffet as most of us have been used to will go away, but is that such a bad thing?”

We may see a rise in boxed meals that are prepared in a sanitary kitchen ahead of time, to be delivered and served at the event. Connect with your industry peers to brainstorm safe ideas that can be used across the board until restrictions are lifted.

Encourage remote work

Even when everything is “open” again, remote work may still be the smartest choice for most of your team. You’ll need staff to go onsite for events, but outside event days, having your team continue working from home limits their potential exposure to the virus. Since many of those affected are asymptomatic, it’s hard to know who is currently infected. Teleworking helps to limit unnecessary exposure for your employees, reducing the risk that they’ll carry germs to an event.

Practice social distancing

Social distancing isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practice that effectively limits the spread of the virus. At an event, it can seem tricky to remain six feet apart from others at all time. It very well may be impossible in some situations, but do what you can to keep your distance. Venues should be spacing tables enough for servers to move about freely, so have a discussion with your clients’ venues to see what they’re doing to prepare for upcoming events. 

Provide PPE

Your team will need protective gear while onsite at events, so be mindful that you’ll need to stock up on sanitizer, masks, face shields, and possibly thermometers if you’re implementing temperature checks. These are all essential equipment, so this is not something to skip over. It will come at a cost and, in an already tough year, that can be a tough obstacle. The costs for PPE should come from your clients’ bills, so you’ll need to consider whether you need to raise meal costs or add a flat fee to every invoice.

In closing, Gooch presents a solid point: “We can’t lose our brand as caterers and events can’t become so sterile; it is like we are in a lab, so creativity will have to come into play along this process. We are part of the best caterers in the world, so we will figure out different ways to host and execute great events. Everyone’s events will be different because of the local regulations, but they can’t take away the love and details we put into the events we execute.”

We are event professionals and we are creatives — if anyone can come up with innovative solutions to navigate the upcoming months, it’s us!