64 Part Two Th e Foodservice Industry
and almost everything is prepared to order. (In a
quick-service restaurant, the food is made ahead
of time.) Home cooking is popular in family res-
taurants. Home cooking refers to comfort foods
and traditional American dishes such as meatloaf,
mashed potatoes, and apple pie. Many family
restaurants are independent family-owned busi-
nesses, but many chains also have a family-dining
concept.
Hotel and Club Foodservice
Hotels provide a wide array of food and bev-
erage services. For example, a hotel may have a
bar in the lobby, a family-style restaurant, an el-
egant fi ne-dining restaurant, a soft-serve ice cream
shop, sandwich service by the swimming pool,
room service, catering services, and vending ma-
chines near guest rooms.
There are more than 12,000 private clubs in
the United States. Private clubs were developed
to meet the social and leisure needs of their mem-
bers. Families and individuals join clubs to enjoy
the companionship of friends in a comfortable en-
vironment. The many types of clubs in operation
include country clubs, city clubs, yacht clubs,
health clubs, military clubs, tennis clubs, beach
clubs, faculty clubs, and hunt clubs. Membership
is often by invitation and membership dues are
required. Most clubs operate at least one dining
room, 4-6. They usually have extensive catering
facilities. Members commonly hold weddings, re-
unions, and other social events in these facilities.
Catering
Catering is the provision of food and service
for a special event. Catering usually involves feed-
ing a large number of people at one time. Guests
either all eat the same menu items or have a lim-
ited selection.
Special events can be either business events or
social events. Catered business events include con-
ventions, business meetings, receptions, awards
dinners, and company holiday parties. Catered
social events include birthday parties, weddings,
proms, anniversaries, holiday celebrations, gradu-
ations, reunions, festivals, and charity events. Ca-
tering can also include civic functions, such as a
city summer festival or an art fair. Some caterers
4-6
Most clubs have a dining room and catering facilities.
The Downtown Club at Plaza, Houston, Texas. A ClubCorp Property The Downtown Club at Plaza, Houston, Texas. A ClubCorp Property