4

Chapter

Catering and Food

Service Management

Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter the learner will be able to:
zz know the different types of catering and food services, and the types
of services used in the industry.
zz be acquainted with the scope of the field of catering and food service
management, and the career avenues available.
zz understand the need for developing knowledge and different skills to
become food service professionals.

Introduction
Whenever a person leaves his/her home for more than a few hours,
s/he has to seek hospitality elsewhere. Often it may be a snack, a drink
or even a meal because his/her home is too far away to go to and eat. In
a long work day, even if a person takes a packed lunch, s/he may want
to drink some beverage — it may be tea, coffee, juice or an aerated drink.
Thus, we require services that will supply food whenever and wherever
necessary. These services are performed by the catering industry. The
catering industry provides, to varying extents, a substitute for food that
one would have got at home.
In ancient times in India, dharmashalas catered to travellers who went
on pilgrimages. Even today, such dharmashalas are in operation, offering

2021-22

Chapters.indd 85 3/24/2021 4:25:46 PM

 an economical place to stay and have meals. Besides this, at religious
places, it is traditional to give prasad or langar to the devotees. Similarly,
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

during the month of Ramzan, food is provided to all people when they
break their fast. All of these foods are prepared in very large amounts, by
persons who have the expertise to do so.
With changes in the socio-economic scenario, food service and catering
has evolved into an industry that is expanding, as there is much greater
demand for food outside home which is tasty, hygienic, healthy and
aesthetically served. In some situations, there is a demand for food with
longer shelf life. Scientific and technological advancement has helped
those involved in mass production of food to streamline their activities,
be more effective, improve the safety and quality and yet make it less
tiring. Use of computers has also contributed tremendously- not just for
maintenance of records, accounting systems, but also for on-line ordering
of food, information about equipment manufactured in different parts of
the world and recipes for various preparations.

Significance
Today with increasing migration, urbanisation, globalisation, international
travel, tourism, exposure to various cuisines and advertisements, as well
as increasing interest of local people to try out new foods, there is demand
for variety of cuisines and typical ethnic foods. Fig. 4.1 shows the factors
influencing development of food services.

Tradition and
Culture

Religious
Globalisation
practices
Development
of Food
Services
Technological Industrial
Development Development

Social and economic

changes

86
Fig. 4.1: Factors Influencing Development of Food Services

2021-22

Chapters.indd 86 3/2/2021 2:56:47 PM

 Knowledge of a variety of cultures and their ways of cooking is important.
Thus people involved in this business need to have broad culinary
experience. Media, particularly television, has stimulated interest in
cooking and the different food patterns of various cultures. Have you seen

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

most TV channels deal with cookery and cuisines? In India alone, we have
a very wide variety of regional cuisines from Kashmir in the North to Tamil
Nadu and Kerala in the South, to the North Eastern states, Orissa and
West Bengal in the East to Gujarat and Maharashtra in the West. This

And Technology
has made “Cuisinology” an area of interest and provided new professional
avenues. Similarly, across the world, there are numerous cuisines e.g.
British, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Austrian,
Russian, Eastern European, Swiss, Scandinavian, Mediterranean and
Middle Eastern, American, Mexican, Caribbean, African. In Asia and
S.Asia, besides Indian, we have Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Thai, Chinese,
Korean, Japanese, Indonesian, among others. In each of these cuisines,
the ingredients used and the methods of preparation vary considerably.
Food needs to be provided to people of all ages, in all walks of life, at
any and all times in a 24-hour period. One thing is common to all – the
need for food to be cooked and served well. Besides, providing food at
the workplace, institutions providing care for different target groups, such
as hospitals, old age homes, orphanages, hostels, have developed. Other
institutions where food is routinely provided are school, college, office,
prisons, feeding programmes undertaken by the Government or voluntary
sector to improve the health and nutrition of specific groups.

Services that cater/provide food service are also known

as Catering Services.

Catering can also be regarded as a service that provides a pleasant

change from home cooked food. People like to enjoy a meals/snacks/
beverages that have been prepared and served in different and pleasant
surroundings. More families are now eating out at weekends or go out to
eat sometimes in the evening for pleasure. Also, many families increasingly
travel away from home on holidays. They need to eat while traveling and
throughout the holiday period in restaurants/hotels etc, making national
and international tourism and catering a ‘growing’ industry.
There are individuals or groups who prepare food and send them to
persons at their places of work or to their homes. This is known as home –
based food service. Such entrepreneurial catering activities are many,
87

2021-22

Chapters.indd 87 3/2/2021 2:56:47 PM

 for example take home meals or delivery of home made meals. Many of
these enterprises are undertaken by women who use their interests and
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

skills at cooking. The demand for food to be catered is brought about by

the large number of families where both husband and wife are working,
and in some places where people live alone, have limited facilities for
cooking or are unable to cook for themselves. There are also mobile
units that serve food. Provision of food/snacks and beverages is needed
at community activities such as fairs, exhibitions, rallies, flower/fruit/
vegetable shows where visitors would like to avail of some refreshments.
Similarly, refreshments, lunches may be served at meetings. All of these
reflect the scope of opportunities in the catering industry and the potential
for different careers in this field of food service management.
Before we discuss the various careers, let us acquaint ourselves with
important concepts and aspects that are relevant to this industry.

Basic Concepts
Food service industry is large and encompasses those places, institutions
and companies that are responsible for any food or beverage preparation
outside the home. These vary from expensive hotels and restaurants to less
expensive outlets such as fast food outlets, street food vendors, food services
in canteens /cafeterias in schools, colleges, universities, industries, offices
as well as flight and railway catering. Food service industry may also be
referred to as ‘catering’ industry.
Food service management is the art of providing food and beverages
aesthetically and scientifically to a large number of people, in a satisfactory
and cost effective way. It requires a professional approach along with
special skills, knowledge and vigilance at each and every stage in food
service operation.
Food service is the practice or business of making, transporting and
serving prepared foods. The purpose of food service is to supply palatable
food prepared under acceptable standards of sanitation, aesthetically
served at specified cost.
Food service manager is the one who assumes responsibility for the
management and administration of a food service unit /department /
organisation.
Menu is a means of communication by which the caterer / food service
unit, whatever type it may be, informs the customer / consumer what food
items are being offered.
88

2021-22

Chapters.indd 88 3/23/2021 2:20:12 PM

 Let us acquaint ourselves with the types of food service establishments.

Types of Catering Services

Catering services can be broadly categorised as shown in Figure 4.2 , based

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

on their social and economic significance. This categorisation is based on
whether the aim of the catering is primarily profit making or otherwise.

And Technology
Catering Services

Welfare or Hotels and

Non-commercial Commercial Catering

Fig. 4.2: Types of Catering Services

Welfare / Non-Commercial Services: The major purpose of these services

is philanthropy and social welfare. Persons / organisations who undertake
these services, aim to ensure that people are well and properly fed, and if
any profit is made through their business, it is of secondary importance.
Examples of such catering services are feeding people at workplaces,
the armed forces, in schools, in supplementary feeding programmes
implemented by the government or for sick people who are in hospitals.
Industrial catering is one form of welfare catering. Many industries provide
food to their employees as part of their welfare activities. It is believed that
work output is related to the welfare of the employees. Well-fed workers
produce more and better work. Workers receive free food or food at a price
much lower than its actual cost (subsidised), with the rest of the cost being
borne by the company. In industrial, institutional and welfare outlets the
objective is mainly to provide a necessary service. Caterers / managers of
these services may be given limited budgets within which they are required
to successfully manage the operations. In such situations, the caterer may
not be in competition with other caterers for business since the functions
‘belong’ to the employing organisation. Also, in such establishments,
the service is not available to the public, but only to the members of the
institution /organisation for which the service is operated.
Commercial Services: Such services and establishments are open to the
public and sell food and beverages primarily to make a profit. However,
these services are valuable because they provide for the needs of their
89

2021-22

Chapters.indd 89 3/2/2021 2:56:48 PM

 consumers as well as are source of employment. Also, these services
have tremendous economic significance to the country. Hotels and
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

catering services support the tourist, travel and holiday industries. It is

a major earner of foreign exchange since this industry brings money into
the country in exchange for its services. Through the tourism industry,
hoteliers and caterers indirectly contribute to advancing understanding
between different countries.

    
Quantity Food Preparation by a Food Production in a School Canteen
Women’s group

Examples of establishments that undertake food service and sales are

given in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Types of Food Service Establishments

Welfare Catering Commercial Catering

Mid-day meals in schools Small to large hotels, restaurants, dhabas,

cafes

School food services Expensive luxury restaurants, Spas,

Speciality restaurants

Industrial canteens( when employers Guest houses, Holiday camps

provide free or subsidised food to
employees)

Institutions – school and college Fast food joints/ Take away(quick service
hostels, working women’s hostels restaurants)
90

2021-22

Chapters.indd 90 3/2/2021 2:56:49 PM

 Special needs e.g. hospitals, Snack bars

Old age homes, nursing homes Coffee shops, speciality food services e.g.
ice cream parlours, pizza

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

Orphanages Food services in cinema halls, theatres,
malls

Prisons Wine Bars

And Technology
Dharmashalas Travel services on sea, land, air (Transport
catering) e.g. flight kitchens, buffet cars
in trains

Langar, Prasad including meals offered Catering for seminars, workshops,

to devotees at temples conferences, parties and weddings

Feeding programs undertaken by Catering for industries and institutions

religious orders e.g., Ramkrishna on contract basis ( in-house food service)
Mission, ISKCON

Creches Chain catering organisations

Supplementary feeding programmes of Clubs/gymkhanas

government/municipality e.g., Midday
meal programme, ICDS’ supplementary
Mobile Catering
feeding

Activity 1
In your area/ region find out the various catering services available
and identify whether they are commercial or welfare.

91

2021-22

Chapters.indd 91 3/2/2021 2:56:49 PM

 Styles and standards of functions in catering by the commercial sector
vary widely:
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

zz At internationally famous 7/5-star establishments, meal service is

elegant, luxurious, usually a large variety of cuisines are available,
and the banquet manager has at disposal all the resources of skill
and equipment needed. It requires highly skilled professionals and
is costly to provide and maintain. Prices at such establishments are
always extremely high.
zz Less expensive establishments such as 3 / 4 star hotels, restaurants,
etc. have a pleasant and cheerful ambience, the food and service is
of a high standard where costs and prices are less than at the very
top level.
zz Small restaurants using minimum number of equipment and food is
relatively cheaper. Menus may not vary much.
Having acquainted ourselves with types of food service establishments,
it is also important to have some knowledge about types of food service
systems and delivery of foods.

Types of Food Service Systems

There are basically four types of food service systems—conventional,

commissary, ready prepared and assembly/serve.
1. Conventional food service system: Food is prepared in a kitchen
on the premises where the food is to be served. Following food
preparation/ production, food is held hot or cold and served as soon
as possible. The food may be distributed for service directly to an
adjacent service area e.g., in cafeterias, restaurants, dining halls
of hostels. Alternatively it may be carried on trays e.g., served to
patients in hospitals. This system is more adaptable to individual
preferences. Seasonal ingredients can be used and there is greater
flexibility in menu planning. Also, distribution costs are minimal.
2. Commissary food service system: In this system, food is prepared
centrally at one place, but it is distributed to several remote areas
for final preparation and service, since the food production centre
and the service areas are located in separate facilities. Hence, a
food distributor is necessary to ensure that the food is supplied to
the various outlets. For example, there are chains of outlets like
Coffee Day, Barista, etc. where the basic food items like ice cream,
milk, cookies etc. are supplied from a centralised kitchen. When a
customer orders a milk shake, it is prepared as per the flavours and
other ingredients, toppings, etc. are added as per the customer’s
92

2021-22

Chapters.indd 92 3/23/2021 2:25:59 PM

 wishes. The advantages are that all ingredients can be purchased
in bulk (saves money), there is no need for separate equipment and
personnel to cook the food in each unit. Uniformity of quality of
products for all units can be assured and it is cost effective.

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

3. Ready-prepared food service systems: Food items are prepared well
in advance before the time of service and kept frozen until they are
to be used. In large cities, many such food items are available e.g.

And Technology
frozen parathas, samosas, cutlets, French fries etc. Mafco and Godrej
are examples of industries that have developed and are marketing
such products. One important aspect in this kind of operation is
the need for special equipment for freezing the food and separate
freezers for storing the food in frozen condition. Extreme care must
be taken in food handling procedures to prevent contamination and
spoilage.
4. Assembly–service system: In this, fully prepared foods are
purchased from manufacturers and only finishing processes such
as seasoning, thawing, reheating is done at the place of service.
These operations require minimal cooking at the point of service
e.g., sale of ‘gol gappas/pani puri or bhel puri’. The manufacturing
process is separated from the distribution process/service. One of
the limitations is that the number of items prepared may not be
large.
Irrespective of the type of establishment and food service system, the
overall goal is to ensure that the food supplied is of good quality. For
this, the food service manager/caterer should have (i) knowledge of menu
planning, food selection, preparation and service, equipment required, (ii)
have organisational and managerial skills, successful personnel direction,
(iii) ensure that sanitation and hygiene are optimal, (iv) have an adequate
system of cost control, (v) wisely utilise space for the physical layout of the
unit, (v) ensure appropriate waste management practices and procedures
are used, and (vi) the entire operation should be environment–friendly to
the extent possible.
In all food service establishments, planning of a menu (also called bill
of fare) is a vital component since all activities in a food service unit/
organisation are centred on the menu.

Menu Planning

The success of the organisation is determined by the menu and how well
the various items are prepared and served. Menu compiling is one of the
most important jobs in catering. All activities in the food service unit
are influenced by the menu. Some of the points to be considered while 93

2021-22

Chapters.indd 93 3/23/2021 2:26:00 PM

 planning a menu are: season and availability of ingredients, price range,
time of day— determines which meal and the type of items to be included
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

e.g., breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner, special function, types of beverages

to be served, sensory appeal and attractiveness of food, no repetition of
colours and flavours, nutritional considerations and food habits of inmates,
consumers, e.g., in industries, schools, colleges, etc., menu pattern and
sequence of courses, i.e., food items to be served (generally soup is served
first in western meals).
Functions of a menu: The menu essentially performs two functions: (a)
it informs the customer or consumer about what is available, and (b) the
catering staff about what is to be prepared. A well planned menu reflects
careful thought. It represents three points of view (a) the customer gets
value for money in terms of the quantity of food served, variety and the
palatability as well as the way the food is served, (b) the employees who
have to translate the written menu into the actual food products, and (c)
the management who get satisfaction in terms of profit, good reputation,
satisfied customers who will come back to the establishment. In profit
making establishments, the menu creates an image which also reflects
the overall style of the restaurant. Attractive, well designed menus help to
promote sales and can be a means of advertising. There are several kinds
of menus which are very interesting and challenging, particularly for those
who have keen interest in varied cuisines.
The advantage of menu planning is that it is labour-saving, time
saving and cost–effective. Nowadays, menu planning is being increasingly
computerised. Translating the written menu into production of high-
quality food is the responsibility of the manager. Whatever the type of
food service and establishment, running the establishment requires
management skills.

Management in Food Service

Management is a process of using resources to achieve goals through

various interacting elements. Essentially it involves taking decisions in
order to achieve goals. Thus we can also define management as a process of
decision-making and control over the action of human beings for the explicit
purpose of attaining predetermined goals. This includes management of
human and non-human or material resources. These resources in general
are known as 6 M’s – money, material, man (human resource), machines,
minutes (time) and markets.
Management includes several functions—planning, organising,
delegating, motivating, directing, reporting, budgeting and coordinating
the entire process. Let us briefly discuss each of these:
94

2021-22

Chapters.indd 94 3/23/2021 2:26:00 PM

 Planning: This is a basic and crucial function. All other functions are
dependent on planning. The objective of planning is to think in advance,
determine clear objectives and policies, and select an appropriate course
of action in order to accomplish the goals. Planning includes formulating

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

a plan of action in accordance with the objectives and policies, delegating
work to various staff members to ensure smooth functioning of the
organisation. It is short term and long term, and also requires day-to-
day planning of activities. Planning is the foundation based on which the

And Technology
participants (staff) at various hierarchal levels, are enabled to execute their
work effectively. In planning we ask questions such as: What to do? Where
to do? When to do? Who will do it? How to do it?
Organising: This involves identifying the tasks of the organisation and
dividing it into positions, and the jobs and tasks each position demands,
grouping together workers of one particular skill and ability together
in order to use human resource and other resources effectively and
efficiently. Organising serves as a link between various other functions
of management.
Staffing: This function involves employing and training human resource.
It is important to hire persons with the required knowledge and skills
so that the desired results are obtained in accordance with the goals
and objectives.
Directing and Delegation: This requires the skills and ability for making
decisions quickly, on an on-going basis. Delegation involves distribution
of workloads to appropriately qualified individuals at various levels within
the organisation.
Directing also involves looking after the interests of the staff and not just
the interests of the organisation.
Controlling: This aspect is important to ensure that the performance is
in accordance with the plans. This also includes cost control, which is
very essential for financial operations. All items of income and expenses
are to be monitored and controlled. Good cost control necessitates use of
a system of records that serve as a tool to operate within predetermined
financial limits.
Coordinating: This function helps in interlinking and interconnecting
various types of activities for smooth running of the organisation and
achieving its objectives.
Reporting: This requires, keeping the different authorities of a department,
e.g., managers, executives, informed about the various tasks through reports,
papers and records. This needs to be done to ensure smooth functioning.
95

2021-22

Chapters.indd 95 3/23/2021 2:26:00 PM

 Budgeting: This is important for all organisations including food service
and catering units. All activities are planned and undertaken keeping in
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

mind the finance available. Budgeting involves planning for allocation and
use of financial resources and accounting.

Preparing for a career

Persons involved in this industry also need to have knowledge about
planning and establishing the physical facility for food preparation and
service. Some of the personal skills essential to succeed in the food service
industry are:
„„ An interest in food and regular update of trends in national and
international cuisines.
„„ Ability to have a good focus on quality, production, sanitation and
food cost controls.
„„ Ability to establish, maintain and enforce consistently high
performance standards.
„„ Good communication and interaction skills (Ability to communicate
effectively, both verbally and in writing, to an array of diverse internal
and external clients).
„„ Good organising abilities with an eye for detail.
„„ Pleasant, cheerful and energetic personality.
„„ Good command over English, other preferred languages especially
foreign languages.
„„ Ability to be on your feet for long hours.

Scope
Within this one vast industry, there are different kinds of jobs requiring
different kinds of skills. Some who have the appropriate training may work
in a palatial ‘7’-star establishment, with a luxurious atmosphere and come
into contact with famous and important people of many nationalities. It
is an international industry, providing opportunities for trained persons
to be able to work abroad for some or throughout their careers. There is
demand for well-trained experienced professionals who can participate in
opening hotels and other catering establishments in different countries.
Other opportunities to work in this field are in the catering units providing
96 food to cruise ships, airlines and the railways. Large private hospitals

2021-22

Chapters.indd 96 3/2/2021 2:56:49 PM

 also have catering managers in their kitchens, cafeterias and hostels.
Most departments in the catering industry are complicated specialisations
requiring a great deal of work, dedication, practice and mastery. These are
basic qualities that must be possessed by any young person who wants to

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

embark on a career.

Careers in the Catering and Food Service Industry

And Technology
In this industry, a person can work in various positions such as Food
Service Supervisor, Cafetaria Manager, Catering Manager, Production
Manager, Purchase Manager and Food Service Director /Asst Food Service
Director. Placement can be obtained in independent restaurants, corporate
restaurants, franchised restaurants, managed services in educational
institutions, health care industry, e.g., hospitals, industrial canteens,
catering services in travel related transport systems such as air (flight
kitchens), trains, cruise lines (ship).
Persons who are interested in cooking, who have good culinary skills, with
additional and specialised training can work as Executive Chef, Sous Chef,
Chef Tournant, Station Chef. Besides this, there are vast opportunities to
take up catering independently. One can set up independent restaurants,
corporate restaurants, franchised restaurants.
Also, one can undertake managed services for education, healthcare,
business and industry (catering meals at work places), catering in
amusement parks, catering in national, state, and regional parks, catering
for adventure/eco–tourism, catering for theme parties, product launches,
banquets, official functions, etc., preparing and supplying special,
nutritionally modified meals/health foods that are low in Calories, fat, and
cholesterol, high in fiber and nutrition, breakfast foods that are healthier.
Media, particularly television, has stimulated interest in cooking and the
different food patterns of various cultures. In fact, the scope of the food
service industry is unlimited.

Activity 2
School to arrange a visit to two different types of food services e.g.,
(i) a hospital or mid day meal or industrial canteen or hostel and (ii)
a hotel or catering service that caters for marriages etc. Students
to interact, observe and make a report about the operations, menu,
organisation and management etc.

97

2021-22

Chapters.indd 97 3/26/2021 2:55:02 PM

 Activity 3
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

Large scale food production: Students to be divided into groups.

Each group to be in charge of different functions – menu planning,
procurement, purchase and storage, preparation, display, service
and sale, accounts, waste disposal and sanitation. The class
should decide on a theme, plan the menu, decide the number of
servings (suggested number 25-30). Each group will undertake the
tasks under the guidance of the teacher starting from bringing raw
materials, making the menu items, costing them and deciding the
sale price, advertising the menu and ensuring that the laboratory is
clean and garbage is disposed of. After the activity profit / loss is to
be calculated, teacher can guide discussion about mistakes made
that need to be corrected.

Career Avenues:
zz In catering industry as Food Service Supervisor, Cafetaria
Manager, Catering Manager, Production Manager, Purchase
Manager and Food Service Director /Asst Food Service Director
zz As chefs in hotels, speciality restaurants
zz In charge of school, industrial and hospital canteens
zz Catering in amusement parks, catering in national, state, and
regional parks, catering for adventure / eco–tourism, catering
for theme parties, product launches, banquets, official functions
zz In media shows
zz Own entrepreneurial ventures
zz Specialists in Cuisinology
zz Writing for magazines, newspapers, blogs and media shows
zz Consultancy

Key Terms
Food service, catering management, catering industry, food service
manager, menu planning

98

2021-22

Chapters.indd 98 3/2/2021 2:56:50 PM

 Review Questions
1. List the various types of Food Service establishments.
2. What is a menu? What are its functions?

Unit II - Nutrition, Food Science

3. Explain the factors influencing development of Food Service.
4. Distinguish between welfare and commercial catering.

And Technology
5. Describe the various functions involved in management of a food
service institution.
6. Describe the career avenues in the area of food service management.

Practical 1
Theme: Planning a menu for 4 days for a school canteen or one
week for a midday meal scheme
Tasks: 1. Identifying the type of foods that can be included in the menu
for a school canteen or what is generally recommended for a
midday meal scheme
2. Identifying foods that are relatively low cost, locally available
and nutritious
3. Planning the menu
Purpose: This practical is intended to give the students some experience in
planning a menu which will be varied and nutritious and liked by children.
They will also learn differences between menu items that can be given as
snacks and those that should be given in mid-day meal.

Conducting the Practical

Divide the students into four groups.

Groups A and B will be assigned planning of a menu for school canteen for
4 days and Groups C and D will be assigned planning of menu for midday
meal scheme for seven days.
1. Each group should make an attempt to ensure that the menu is
varied but not expensive.
2. A list of locally available cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables should
be made.
3. Each group should plan a menu, ensuring that different recipes/
foods are available on each day. 99

2021-22

Chapters.indd 99 3/26/2021 2:55:45 PM

 4. Teacher should guide students to plan recipes that will have
vegetables, sprouted pulses, fruits and, to the extent possible, are
Human Ecology and Family Sciences – Part 1

nutritious and not deep fried.

5. Menu items should provide proteins, vitamins and minerals, and
should not be rich in energy.
6. Each group should present their menus to the class.
7. If time permits, one day’s menu can be prepared in the laboratory
and evaluated.
8. Comments and suggestions for improvements should be recorded.

100

2021-22

Chapters.indd 100 3/2/2021 2:56:50 PM