This article is created & provided by Chef Crusco Catering in Austin, Texas
As mentioned in a previous article, food is only half the experience. Service staff can always elevate or unfortunately ruin your event. Make sure that the staff is TABC & TFSM certified. Make sure they are trained by other more experienced chefs and servers. Make sure the caterer puts as much importance in the service aspect as they do the food. In the end it will make all the difference in the world.
In part 5 of our 6 part series on ways to secure a reputable catering company, this article explains why proper staffing can turn a forgettable event into an unforgettable experience. Here are 7 reasons why it truly matters:
1. Proper Server to Guest ratio
Anything more than 9-10 guests to 1 Server is poor. Having the right number of trained staff will ensure that food is served on time, drinks are refilled promptly, and guests aren’t left waiting. Understaffing leads to delays and chaos which will always be felt by your guests.
2. Better Guest Experience
Attentive servers, bartenders, and chefs makes all the difference.. Quick responses, friendly interactions, and well-managed service creates a positive impression that people always remember. The goal is simply to make the host and hostess a guest at their own dinner party.
3. Food Quality and Presentation
An efficient flow of food and beverage service is of utmost importance. Proper staffing ensures that the food is handled, plated, and delivered correctly. If there aren’t enough hands, dishes may sit too long, arrive cold, or simply look poorly presented. Expecting a chef to plate 40 plates for a 4 course dinner for 10 without any servers will always lead to problems.
4. Event Organization and Coordination
Catering staff often help manage event timing—courses, introductory speeches, transitions and cleanup. On-site managers or captains are well versed with their set up/breakdown responsibilities. They make sure (at the beginning of the night) to be aware of all details: tableware, glassware, linens, cleaning supplies, equipment, trash needs, etc. Ultimately, a well staffed team keeps everything running on schedule without stressing the host.
5. Safety and hygiene
Adequate staffing helps maintain food safety standards, cleanliness, and proper handling—especially important for large events where small mistakes can have an adverse effect on the whole event. All staff should be TABC & TFSM Certified. All Chefs should have a Food Handler or Food Mangers Certification so they always adhere to proper food safety guidelines.
6. Flexibility for unexpected issues
Events rarely go exactly as planned. Extra or well-distributed staff can quickly adapt to last-minute changes, guest needs, or emergencies. Let’s say you have a 5 course dinner for 30 people at 7pm. Ask the caterer when they will arrive. If the answer if anything later than 5-5:30pm, that is a red flag and a caterer that is not creating time and flexibility for the inevitable issues that will arise.
7. Professional image
A properly staffed event looks polished and organized. Uniform standards of similar clothing helps staff stand out so that all guests understand who to look for when needing assistance. There are many guests that will notice when service is seamless and more importantly they will notice when it isn’t.
In sum, proper catering staffing isn’t just about having enough people. It is significant because it directly affects the quality, efficiency, and overall success of an event. Proper staffing turns an event from “just okay” into one that is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. A well staffed event feels seamless and easy where as an understaffed one feels chaotic and like work for the host and hostess. Which would you prefer?
