The first priority of an upstart catering business is to acquire proper transportation equipment to get your supplies to and from the site to be prepared, stored, and served on-site. From refrigeration trucks, two flatbed trucks, flatbed semi trailers, two flatbed trucks, there are many options available to transport your goods. To move your food to their final location without a hit in temperature, you’ll need the following things:
Vehicle – A large flatbed truck or large flatbed trailer is necessary for transporting your catering equipment. If you only have a small amount of catering equipment, such as platters, bowls, and serving carts, you may consider renting a vehicle, but if you own high-end catering equipment, you should purchase your own vehicle so that you can avoid paying for damages that may occur during transport. A professional catering company will create your custom-made flatbed trailer for you. As you make your checklist for moving and storage, you’ll also want to add the cost of renting a vehicle into the total costs so you won’t be surprised by unexpected costs. In addition, it’s best to create separate checklists for hot and cold moving, because sometimes it can be harder to find alternative locations for storage in cold climates.
Buffet Line – Moving and storage of your catering events can be much easier with a buffet line. Depending upon where your catering events are located, you may consider renting a truck or semitrailer that has several sides with a long drop-off at the end. You can then load your foods onto the side of the trailer and allow your guests to stack their plates on top of them. This will allow your guests to help themselves. This can also help you avoid using your available space for storing cold dishes. This method is perfect for catering events that are held at the event location itself or are outside, as there is usually enough room to move around the buffet line and accommodate any number of people.
Heated Pallet Racks – Your catering equipment checklist should also include several types of heated pallet racks. Whether you are holding a hot buffet or an indoor wedding, keeping food hot and warm is important to ensure your guests’ safety and satisfaction. One way to keep food hot and ready to serve is by using several heated pallets; however, this can be very costly if you choose to rent or buy heated pallet racks for each individual dish catering equipment. A portable heated pallet rack, however, is often less expensive and more flexible if you plan on catering multiple events.
Round Serving Tray – If you have a catered events such as weddings or corporate parties at your facility, you also need to have quality serving equipment in place. Portable round serving trays provide customers with a great serving experience and they are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate many different parties and events. In order to effectively use a round serving tray, you need to place the serving tray on a serving table and then place the food on the tray. The trays are usually available in various heights and widths to fit most catered events, including graduation parties or holiday gatherings.
Buffet Style Dishes – If you are catering a formal event, or one that requires clean up, you may want to consider buffet style serving trays instead of the more traditional rectangular tray. These are ideal for catering companies that do not have enough staff to handle a buffet. The serving trays fit onto the buffet and can contain plates, napkins, silverware, condiments, and even condiment kettles and vacuum packs. However, there are some important things to remember when using buffet style dishes. First of all, always make sure the serving trays are washed thoroughly after each use to eliminate leftover food particles and bacteria from plates, condiments, and silverware.