Large Caterers
The largest catering companies have several divisions and specialize in several different types of catering. Brooklyn-based Smokin' Grill has a full-service division, an outdoor division, and a self-service division. Similar catering companies either have their own building or have contracts to operate out of certain locations.
Some large caterers do both on-premise catering and off-premise catering. Bill Hansen Catering, a large caterer in Southern Florida, has its own villa for on-premise catering in Coral Gables, Florida, and does off-premise catering at dozens of other venues in the area, from the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars to the Miami Metro Zoo.
xpertise
Fine Food by Abigail Kirsch has exclusive catering contracts for the New York Botanical Gardens, Stage 6 at Steiner Studios at the Brooklyn Navy Yards, the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, and other exclusive locations. The caterer even has her own yacht, the
On-Premise-Only Caterers
Some large caterers only serve food in their own catering halls. These firms do nothing but host large parties such as weddings, confirmations, bar and bat mitzvahs, and local award ceremonies. These are destination catering halls, which are designed to look good and to prepare and serve many people efficiently. On any given weekend day during the spring, summer, and fall, multiple weddings, bar mitzvahs, and anniversary parties may be happening on the same day. The kitchen might prepare food for three to five thousand people on a particular Saturday.
xpertise
Leonard's of Great Neck is a well-known destination catering hall on the North Shore of Long Island. It is known for its opulent European glamour. It boasts the finest in Italian cuisine and takes great care in presenting its food in elegant and impressive displays.
Catering halls are large buildings with spacious rooms for entertaining, commercial kitchens, special rooms for brides and bridal parties, bathroom facilities, and parking lots. They have no guest rooms for overnight guests.
