Food catering services in Rhode Island provide many jobs to the state. From weddings to corporate events and everything in between, there is a constant need for caterers in R.I. But before you jump into the field of food catering in Rhode Island, there is some training and education you should receive in order to be a valuable employee.

R.I. catering combines the talents of a well-skilled cook, a pleasant host, and someone who does not lack attention to detail. Hours are often worked on weekends and at night when events are held. Here are some steps on how you can ready yourself to be hired by Rhode Island catering companies.

1. Determine what is expected of you if you wish to work for caterers in Rhode Island.

2. Attend a culinary school in Rhode Island to make yourself more attractive to R.I. caterers.

3. Educate yourself in the Rhode Island Department of Health's standards before working for Rhode Island caterers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research what it takes to work in R.I. catering

Before you leap head first into working for a catering service in Rhode Island, it's wise to look at the prospectus for employment. This should include understanding exactly what the job entails, education required and an approximate understanding of how much money you'll make while working for Rhode Island catering companies.

I recommend: Check out the website at E-Reference Desk, a subsidiary of Web Marketing Solutions, that provides a comprehensive glance on what is required of someone who wishes to work in the Rhode Island catering industry. Also an official Rhode Island government website offers a glimpse into what to expect when working in the food industry. Toggling around on this website will also provide you with current employment statistics in the field.

Go to school as part of your food catering services in Rhode Island education and training

Food shows are a great place to meet Rhode Island caterers. Not only does it allow you to interact with the vendor face-to-face, but you also get to sample some of their food. And the best part is, with so many catering companies in R.I. in one place, you'll get to meet with many vendors in a short amount of time.

I recommend: Check out the official website for Johnson and Wales. This is not only one of the premiere places to study the culinary arts in Rhode Island, but also the world. For those who wish to take courses on the side, Nine Cooks, an area caterer, also offers cooking classes on various subjects.

Learn food safety as part of your food catering services in Rhode Island education and training

When cooking for the masses, it is imperative that proper care be taken when preparing food. Keeping food at the appropriate temperature when working for catering services in R.I. is going to be part of your responsibilities. Make sure that you have a firm grasp on safe temperatures and storing procedures.

I recommend: Check out the "Dine Safer" program which is taught in the state of Rhode Island. Industry professionals mix with members of the Department of Health to teach the classes. The University of Rhode Island also offers a course in "Standard Operating Procedure" in regard to the health requirements concerning food in the state of Rhode Island.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that due to the weather, R.I. catering has strong seasonal flows. The wedding season, which lasts from April to October is always quite busy, as is a short stretch during the holidays. If you are looking for a job with catering companies in R.I., time your application accordingly. You'll have a better shot at getting hired.

Food catering services in Rhode Island are a diverse and eclectic group. Without a food service or catering background, planning an event can become overwhelming. Proper planning and attention to detail are vital to maintaining control. Knowing where to look and what questions to ask will make your job manageable and your event a success.

Caterers in Rhode Island offer a wide range of services. Having a clear understanding of your event's needs is essential in narrowing your search. Undertaking the process, three key items should be kept in mind while searching for food catering services in Rhode Island.

1. Find caterers in Rhode Island who offer what you need.

2. Look into the background and reputation of the RI caterers.

3. Cover every detail early on so there are no surprises.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know what you want in a Rhode Island catering company

The key to a successful event is securing Rhode Island caterers who offer services that you need. Due to the diverse nature of events, from weddings and birthday parties to corporate functions and fund-raisers, certain companies specialize in specific areas. Find the food catering in Rhode Island that best suits your business catering needs.

I recommend: There are a number of local directories that can help narrow your search. Gathering Guide lists a concise mix of services, while the Event Planners Directory provides a town-by-town breakdown of RI caterers.

Do your homework when choosing RI caterers

Too many times event hosts have been burned by unprofessional, disorganized or downright incompetent caterers. It is your responsibility to ensure that the RI catering you choose come with a solid reputation. Word of mouth feedback from friends and co-workers is a good way to start. Dig deeper and use your resources, such as online reviews and discussion forums, to make a wise choice.

I recommend: Eventective offers a comprehensive way to weed out the caterers in RI that don't fit your needs. For a more personal look at catering companies in RI, try the online magazine Rhode Island Roads, which offers insightful customer commentary. Scroll down the page for a list of the best caterers in Rhode Island.

DO sweat the small stuff on caterers in Rhode Island

Rhode Island caterers know their stuff, but they aren't psychic. Have a clear, detailed understanding of exactly what you want. There is nothing worse than arriving at your corporate event and realizing that the set-up is all wrong, or the linen is the wrong color. There is no detail too small, no concern too insignificant not to bring to the attention of your caterer.

I recommend: Resources abound to assist you in catching every little detail to share with the food catering services in Rhode Island you opted to use. LocalCatering.com offer insightful tips on things you may have forgotten, as well as free catering quotes for your corporate event. The Greatevent.com provides a checklist that will take you through every step of the catering process.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Catering for your corporate event is in the detail. That said, you want to speak directly with the RI catering representative that will be dealing with your event. You'll book the event with a member of the sales team, but before the process gets too far along, ask to speak with the event manager. That is the person who ultimately controls the success or failure of your event.

Rhode Island catering is a big business within the state. From weddings to proms to business functions, they provide the food and drinks at large scale events. When searching for catering companies in Rhode Island, it is important that you understand some key points about catering services that differ from placing a large order at a restaurant.

Take the time to understand how caterers in Rhode Island operate so that you will know what to expect upon hiring one of them for your events. Here are some resourceful links to get you started. Think of this tutorial as food catering services in Rhode Island basics.

1. Read menus for caterers in Rhode Island to get a sense of how caterers operate when working an event.

2. Learn about common venues associated with caterers in Rhode Island.

3. Read testimonials for caterers in Rhode Island to determine if they are the ideal caterer for your event.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read the menus of food catering services in Rhode Island to understand how they are broken down

Rhode Island caterers break down a catering menu a bit different than if you are merely eating at a restaurant. There are usually both buffet and plated options of menus. A buffet menu will provide multiple dishes where the guests serve themselves, while a plated menu will be served to the guests one course at a time. Take the time to browse the menu and understand the differences in costs and service styles.

I recommend: Visit the website for The Company Picnic Company for an example of how menus are made for catering purposes. The website for Russell Morin Fine Catering is also another great resource when looking at menus and how they are broken down for large gatherings.

Learn about the various venues where caterers in RI are allowed and popular

When it comes to selecting, understanding or working with a caterer, you must find out the venues where they are comfortable working or have been approved to work. Certain state parks, or privately run facilities will only approve certain caterers. Be sure that the caterer you are selecting has been approved at the event site you are targeting. For this reason, many catering companies in Rhode Island list where they have operated or are allowed to operate on their website.

I recommend: Go to the website for Pinelli Marra Fine Catering for an example of a venue list where Rhode Island catering companies may have worked. Atomic Catering also offers a number of venues with an explanation next to each selection.

Learn about testimonials for caterers in Rhode Island as part of your decision making process

Testimonials are very important to any catering service because they are reviews from former clients. When narrowing your search for caterers in Rhode Island, be sure to not only read the testimonials, but also ask the caterer for contact information of past clients so that you may speak to them personally. Any caterer worth their salt will gladly provide such information so that you can speak to previous clients about the positives and negatives of their experience with that particular caterer.

I recommend: Go to the websites for Blackstone Caterers and Plantation Catering of Newport for examples of testimonials from previous clients.