Navigating the Nuances of Funeral Catering The Final Farewell:
I n an industry often focused on celebration, funeral catering offers a unique opportunity to blend culinary artistry with compassion. Although the intersection of food and mourning may not immediately be evident, funeral catering does in fact serve an essential purpose in the grieving process. As families gather to honor loved ones, food plays a crucial role in creating a comforting atmosphere. “Eating is important for both nourishment and as a way to bring people together during grief and loss,” said Beth Hiler (Partyman Catering*), “so we must recognize the human experience behind the event. Caterers need to bring their whole heart and empathy to what they offer.” Support through partnership Funeral planning presents a special kind of challenge for caterers. For starters, in many situations the client isn’t necessarily the grieving family; rather, caterers work directly with funeral homes to provide
catering services. This is where coordination and collaboration with funeral directors and funeral homes becomes so important. One approach is to create formal partnership agreements with local funeral homes, outlining services, pricing, and delivery options to ensure consistency and reliability. Additionally, caterers should
Eric Centeno (Exquisite Delites Catering Company). “By asking thoughtful questions, we can create a personalized menu that honors the deceased and comforts the living.” Where professionalism & empathy collide Close coordination with funeral directors helps ensure that food service aligns seamlessly with the funeral service. Providing promotional materials, such as brochures or flyers, to funeral homes can discreetly inform families of available services. Be aware of the words you use in your materials, however. “No detail is too small to consider when thinking of your client experience during this process,” says Hiler. “Are the words and information you provide appropriate for them to know, [but also] built with the tone and language for someone going through the grieving process? Names of offerings or automations that might be a point of fun or celebration for any other event may need to be altered
prioritize prompt service, as families often require
arrangements on short notice. This can often lead to challenges with securing rentals, which is why leveraging past relationships is key. “That’s the trickiest of everything,” said Fausto Pifferrer (Blue Elephant Events and Catering*), “the food is easy, but the rentals become a problem.” By fostering strong relationships and demonstrating understanding and support, caterers can become a valuable resource for funeral homes and grieving families. Another challenge that caterers should be aware of is that families often don’t know how many people to order food for (and whether there are any dietary restrictions) since people don’t always announce that they’re attending a funeral. “Building rapport with grieving families is essential,” says Chef
CATERSOURCE ■ WINTER 2024
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