Catering Substitutes

Purpose: To assist with the prep, packaging, staging, and execution of catering orders and events on an as-needed basis. Catering Substitutes step in during peak event periods, seasonal demands, or staff absences to maintain high presentation standards, quality control, and timely fulfillment. 

Responsibilities and Duties

Customer Service:

Provide courteous, efficient, and responsive support during catered events and order pickups.

Address dietary inquiries (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, major allergen concerns) with accuracy and care.

Communicate effectively with event organizers, guests, and kitchen supervisors to ensure smooth event execution.

Product Knowledge:

Maintain a basic understanding of catering menu options, ingredients, and portion guidelines.

Familiarize yourself with common dietary restrictions and allergen cross-contamination protocols.

Product Presentation and Quality:

Assist in assembling, plating, wrapping, and labeling catering platters and individual meals to company standards.

Ensure all items staged for delivery or pickup meet quality, visual presentation, and fresh-temperature requirements.

Maintenance and Conditioning: 

Keep catering prep, staging, and storage areas clean, organized, and properly sanitized.

Perform dishwashing, tool cleanup, and station breakdown/restocking during and after shifts.

Assist with proper stock rotation (FIFO) and secure food storage.

Safety:

Adhere strictly to local health department guidelines and ServSafe food handling regulations.

Safely operate kitchen tools and equipment, maintaining clean and hazard-free workspaces.

Teamwork:

Work collaboratively with kitchen staff and event leaders under fast-paced, time-sensitive conditions.

Adapt quickly to assigned roles based on shift priorities (e.g., prep work, packaging, staging, or dishwashing).

Accountability:

Arrive on time for scheduled or call-in shifts, ready to perform tasks with minimal onboarding supervision.

Follow assigned recipes, portion rules, and timing specs accurately.

Job Specific Functions:

Execute batch prep work (chopping, slicing, mixing ingredients) for large-scale catering orders.

Load, unload, and organize catering trays, hot/cold transport boxes, and event supplies.

Qualifications

Experience: Previous catering, food prep, or culinary experience preferred.

Certifications: Food Handler or ServSafe certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, and lift/carry up to 40–50 lbs safely.

Availability: Flexible schedule to accept shifts on short notice, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as catering demands dictate.