Catering

At present, there is no single definition of the term “catering.” Internationally, the term is used to refer to food service in hospitals for large institutions, on board ships, and accommodating travelers. In the United States the term includes banquets organized by catering departments operating within hotels, resorts, private clubs, restaurants, corporations, and hospitals; special events created in catering halls, private spaces, in parks, under tents, and at the beach; contract feeding in corporations, arts facilities, and theme parks; independent service businesses that customize parties and service in homes; and the platters prepared and dropped off by specialty food stores, supermarkets, and delis: all are called “catering.”