Catering for small parties is something that some companies are good at. They have carved a niche in this market. Others prefer to handle large parties. There are also some companies that are very adept at all aspects of the catering business. In all cases, they are establishing a practice that is only a few centuries old in the United States.
Catering for Small Parties and Large Ones: In the Beginning
While the term “catering” is said to go back to the Merchant Marines, it was also a skill applied by and drawn on by other cultures. China had caterers in 4th century BC as did Egypt and Greece. In Ancient Rome, the wealthy Matron of a Roman household did not cook. This was left up to the servants and slaves. If a Roman could not afford or did not have a cook as part of the staff, catering for small parties or banquets, and other events would require the hiring of a caterer-cook.
During the Middle Ages in Europe and England, many individuals were employed as cook-caterers or cuisiniers. They even formed a guild to regulate their craft. A small offshoot of this craft was the traiteurs. These caterers were often keepers of eating houses but were not to be confused with restaurants, a later evolution. This group sold off food at low prices in small, rather than large quantities. In today’s world, they would have provided catering for small parties. In fact statutes dating from the mid-16th century indicate they were the popular choice for weddings and banquets.
However, even before the French Revolution, catering guilds provided the food for the upper class parties and Royal banquets that took place in England on the Continent. In France, following the French Revolution of the 18th century, caterers were forced to find another trade. The result was the opening of many restaurants.
Early American Caterers
The catalyst of the first catered major event in America was that thrown in honor of the departure of the British General, William Howe (1729-1814). The caterer was Caesar Cranshell – one of many African-Americans who were to establish Philadelphia as the catering capital of the United States into the late 1800s. In fact, the catering for small parties and large events fell firmly into the hands of African-American caterers for years to come. Among those who established a sterling reputation were:
- Robert Bogle – “the originator of catering.”
- Peter Augustine – world famous for his terrapin which was sent as far as Paris, France
- Thomas J. Dorsey
- James Prosser –a pioneer caterer
Catering for Small Parties and Larger Events
While catering waxed and waned following the 19th century, with Philadelphia losing its title as the America center of catering, the end of World War II saw a boom. Improvements in transportation and modes of food preservation, and the rise in disposable income all saw an increase in the number of catering companies. Today is it easy to locate companies who provide catering for small parties and for larger events. The issue is making sure the company is reliable, reputable and provides the type of food and service that satisfies.
If you are interested in find a company that provides excellent Catering For Small Parties consider talking to the professionals at Chicken Salad Chick. Their talented and skilled staff are there to provide you with quality food on time for functions both big and small. To discover more why this company and its food are so popular, visit them online at Facebook or Twitter.
