Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Catering Crew

Have you ever wondered what it takes to orchestrate a seamless event, where every detail is meticulously executed? I personally have an A-type personality, and struggle to put faith in other movers and shakers. I have an insatiable need to know every detail so I can have a deep understanding of execution and outcomes. I once had a bride who needed what she called “a rain plan, a hurricane plan, and a tornado plan”. In that moment I realized that while I cater every single day and have the utmost confidence in my catering crew, that my clients might be booking catering for the very first time. Their event might be the very first event they’ve ever planned, and like me, they need ALL the details.

What questions to ask comes first. Once you’ve committed to a caterer (and we’ve emailed, and met, and tasted, and planned all the finer details), the week leading up to your big day is when our work as a catering team truly begins. And like a symphany, or an artist laying paint on a canvas, we build up to the moment that is your culinary dreams on a plate.

So for all the inquisitive at heart, let me pull back the curtain and give you a glimpse into the exhilarating and demanding week in the life of catering at The Roadrunner Food Co.

Family Meeting: The week leading up to your event our culinary team, event specialists, team leads, and owners have what we call our weekly “family meeting”. Your event plan is thoroughly reviewed ensuring that each department and team member understand your vision for execution. From linen choices, to final plating goals, everyone knows everything.

Chef’s write prep lists, complete orders, schedule culinary staff, coaching and guiding each step of your menu execution. Event specialists execute seating arrangements, floor plans, and meal choices, breaking out a service plan that will allow for seamless service.

Your event day begins with the rising sun, with our dedicated catering team already hard at work. At our production facility the kitchen is a hive of activity, with each Chef passionately crafting components of hors d’oeuvres, entrées, and decadent desserts. Working in harmony to bring your carefully curated menu to life. While our culinary team focuses on flavour and preparation, our event specialists are busy transforming your venue of choice. Vendors are received throughout the day, tables are meticulously arranged and linens perfectly draped.

When it comes time to transport from our production facility to your venue, we load our catering vehicles and/or mobile kitchen with prepared food and catering wear. Depending on your venue and your culinary program, our team will time this transition to ensure the freshest, most quality product.

In some cases, where a venue is a little less traditional, we begin days ahead of your event. Like Dale & Andrew for instance, and their wedding on their private island in Honey Harbour. Culinary components were built days in advance, all designed to be served in edible vehicles. Our mobile kitchen was loaded the night before, and on the day of their wedding we made the drive to Honey Harbour where we loaded two passenger boats with kitchen equipment, prepared food, and catering ware. As our boats approach we see a stunning cottage on the top of a rock slope. Our catering crew unloaded our two boats into their cottage kitchen - just the beginning of a gruelling day ahead, all for the love of providing unique culinary experiences in abstract environments.

No two events are the same, and the true mark of a skilled catering team lies in their ability to adapt to any situation. Whether it’s adjusting to last minute changes in guest count, accommodating dietary restrictions, or navigating unexpected challenges, our team truly thrives on their ability to think on their feet and ensure flawless event execution. No matter the terrain.

As your event unfolds we transition from preparation to service. We pass hors d’oeuvres with pride, present each dish or buffet with a smile. the culmination of hours of hard work and dedication, the satisfaction of seeing guests savouring the fruits of our labour is the ultimate reward.

As the event winds down, and we pack up our catering gear we reflect on the day’s successes. Feedback amongst our crew ensures a commitment to continuous improvement and that each event is better than the last.

Behind every successful event is a dedicated and passionate catering crew working tirelessly to create a seamless and unforgettable experience for their client. From the early morning preparations to the final moments of service, our team is committed to turning your every dream into a reality.

Next time you attend an event, take a moment to appreciate the unseen hard work, precision and artistry that goes on behind the scenes, making every celebration a truly special occasion.