Customer Reviews

Career Diary of a Caterer (Gardner's Guide series)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This informative short book goes into details about the business "gotchas" of being a caterer. Note: it is NOT about cooking or food. This is more about being a party planner--or at least the organizational aspects of catering, down to the details of renting equipment and whether dishes and silverware need to be washed before returning or just rinsed (hint: find out from the rental agency, as you may incur a large charge if you don't return the items in proper condition.)

Recommended for anyone thinking of going into any aspect of this business, but not about the culinary side.

I really enjoyed reading Ms Heigl's book. I had no idea what to expect and knew nothing about the catering business. Ms Heigl is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Jennifer Heigl's book, "Career Diary of a Caterer" was enlightening and well written. It is an honest look at the huge amount of work involved in starting and running your own catering business. I would advise anyone who has ever wanted their own business (in food service or not) to read this book before attempting such an immense task. As Mrs. Heigl points out, being your own boss is both a blessing and a curse. Her workday never really ends. Each day is filled with a hundred little things that must get done or the bills do not get paid. Having the diary be just that, a personal diary, really gives the reader insight into the amount of blood, sweat and tears that the author puts into every day. I give Mrs. Heigl a great deal of credit for documenting her struggles so honestly and realistically.

Despite the trials and tribulations the author endures, Mrs. Heigl never discourages the reader from wanting to run a business for themselves. She simply paints an honest picture as best she can. I feel that any entrepreneur would benefit from the insights within this book, especially those in food service. The daily grind is well documented here. It reminded me of Anthony Bourdain's great section in his book, "Kitchen Confidential" which detailed everything he did in one day as an executive chef of a successful restaurant. Like that book, "Career Diary of a Caterer." Makes you both respect and pity the author and all she does for the love of the job. An added bonus to the book is the detailing of Mrs. Heigl's relationship with her husband, who happens to be the company's head chef. As if running your own business were not enough work, the author maintains a healthy relationship with her spouse while cooking and preparing a dinner for 250 people on Friday, and a brunch for 100 on Sunday.

In closing, I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who would like to start their own company. Mrs. Heigle chronicles the ups and downs and everything in between in an honest and realistic voice. As an educator, I would use this book in an instant in my class if I were teaching anything about business management and entrepreneurship. Food service is a tough business to succeed in, which the author has done. It is even tougher to write an enjoyable and enlighten book documenting the struggles and success of a small business striving to succeed.

The Career Diary series of books from Garth Gardner are excellent little vignettes into the daily life of each career featured and what it takes to make it successful. If you have ever considered changing jobs and think opening a catering business might be fun, you need to read Career Diary of a Caterer. The book is a 30-days-in-the-life journal which looks at exactly what it takes to own and operate a catering business. Readers will get an honest no-frills look behind the scenes at this rewarding but fast-paced occupation.

Author Heigl details daily activities such as organizing catering events, training staff, dealing with vendors and clients, prep work required for events, helping in the kitchen, billing and accounting, and troubleshooting last-minute problems. She shares wonderful examples of a few perks of the job as well as why she likes being a caterer.

The book was filled with hidden surprises. As an example, I had no idea caterers also arrange the venues for some of the events, such as booking ballrooms or halls. I thought the client did that and the caterer simply supplied the food and wait staff. I also had no idea that schools (at least in the author's area) are given the choice of having professionally prepared, delicious and nutritious meals for students. I wish that had been an option when I was in school. I also never gave a thought to the incredible organizational skills and flexibility caterers must have to do their work.

After reading the author's account of a-day-in-the-life, I know that it takes an exceptional person with a lot of endurance, incredible multitasking abilities, and the talent to "think on your feet," in order to be a successful caterer.

I highly recommend Career Diary of a Caterer for people interested in the food service industry who might be looking to change career, or for parents with middle to high school age children who haven't yet decided on a career path or perhaps want to see if their expectations meet in or near the vicinity of reality.

Armchair Interviews says: Interesting way for people to sample a profession.

This book gives a great insight into the day to day life of operating a catering business. It is well written, easy to follow and entertaining. I highly recommend it.