However frightening the beginning of 2020 was, we still want to believe the pandemic is receding. Quarantine measures are being lifted everywhere, people are gradually returning to work. Life isn't boiling over yet, but figuratively speaking, it's been put on the stove to warm up.
Although mass events are paused, catering companies are not idle. Total self-isolation forced them to redirect all efforts and potential to food delivery. How will quarantine affect catering operations in the future? What changes have occurred in their work? What 2020 trends can be identified in the catering sector?
Not long ago, we held a webinar on catering. Executive Director of the event agency Aventura, Evgenia Glushenkova, interviewed representatives of the food industry in detail about their activities during the quarantine period and their "post-COVID" plans. For those who missed our broadcast and for those who want to recap the main points, we have prepared this summarizing article.
Relaunching the concept of public catering
One of the main changes in catering will be a rethinking of the very organization of food service at events as a whole. More attention will be paid to safety. For example: protective screens will be installed between tables, tableware will be provided in individual packaging, and a more spacious layout of the space will be planned.
A good alternative will be the so-called "vertical buffet". This is a special wall on which appetizers are served vertically.
Dmitry Potapov, owner of the off-site catering restaurant "Imperia Cateringa" in St. Petersburg, gives examples of developments from his service that were already used before quarantine.
In addition to the mentioned vertical walls, these also include various animation stations, burger stations, cheese and ham stations, etc. Mono-buffets and other buffet systems remain popular, which either stylistically fit the event format or simply decorate the serving.
Today the emphasis is on beautiful and spectacular presentation. For this, unusual dishes, original cutlery, stands, and accessories are used. As noted by Viktor Termanov, manager of the banquet service of the restaurant chain in Siberia "Atlantida Group": - "Food must be beautiful!"
- Many people like to photograph food, - notes Viktor. - And the more spectacular its appearance, the greater the chance that photos will be posted on social networks. And this is additional advertising for your company. The serving of appetizers is becoming more and more refined, although the dishes themselves can be quite simple.
Dishes from Quarantino
Another trend that remains relevant is the eco-trend. There is a widespread maximum rejection of plastic, and disposable tableware is generally bad form for a reputable company. Catering services are paying attention to wooden accessories, which also play into the design.
Relevant will be tableware or utensils made from recyclable materials. An example is the Mexican company BioFase, which launched the production of biodegradable cutlery from avocado pits. After use, such spoons, forks, knives, and straws begin to decompose without a trace for the environment after 8 months.
As for the menu and usual appetizers, there is fortunately no shortage of goods, so the chefs will please with variety. Restaurateurs do not promise exquisite buckwheat caviar, unless clients themselves wish for such a dish from Quarantino. And those who totally bought up buckwheat and rice will eat plenty of them at home.
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| Eco-trend and variety of dishes |
Social distancing
If earlier organizers looked for spacious venues to accommodate a large number of guests, now priorities have changed. Now, large halls will be chosen for the purpose of increasing the distance between guests, whose number will significantly decrease.
Dmitry Potapov is convinced that global mass events will remain prohibited for a long time. First of all, small events of up to 50-100 people will be allowed.
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| Increasing the distance between guests |
First, summer venues and establishments where events are held outdoors will open. Events in restaurants will become available later. Large events with a large number of guests are preliminarily postponed by customers to July-September. Under any conditions, the increased distance between all participants will be observed.
Guest and Staff Safety
Special emphasis should be placed on personal protective equipment for guests (masks, gloves), which must be available to everyone. Special disinfectants should be arranged in separate stations in accessible locations.
If necessary, body temperature will be measured at the entrance to the event. Naturally, all staff, chefs and waiters will work in protective masks and gloves and change them regularly, in accordance with sanitary requirements.
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| All staff will work in protective masks and gloves |
All these points, at first glance, seem like some kind of fantasy, inapplicable to the event sphere. But event organizers and catering services can use such conditions to their advantage. For example, make all staff protective masks in a single color, add the logo of the brand or certain recognizable decor. Protective screens can also be used as part of the banquet design by changing their color, adding an inscription or logo. Such unusual protective measures will attract guests' attention. Use this for additional advertising.
Regular cleaning and disinfection
New requirements for regular cleaning of premises will require more staff. Guest areas, tables, chairs, door handles, railings and other surfaces must be treated to keep guests safe. Therefore, you should discuss in advance with event organizers the costs of additional staff to avoid misunderstandings in the future.
Today, the only activity of catering companies has become the delivery of food and snacks, including festive menus. But the lifting of all restrictions is not far off, and we all look forward to the start of full-scale work at events.
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Guest areas, tables, chairs, door handles, railings and other surfaces must be treated |
The Aventura event agency is always ready to help organize a wide variety of events with catering. If you, like us, are tired of isolation and remote work, contact our specialists to discuss bright and original event ideas and future unforgettable events.
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