Had a walk-in order for 75 identical plated desserts on a Tuesday afternoon with two cooks out sick.

It was for a local tech company's surprise party. The order came in at 2:15 PM for a 6 PM pickup. My pastry person was already swamped with prep for the next day's service, and my sous was home with a stomach bug. We had to pivot the entire line. I had to pull my grill guy to help with chocolate work, which meant simplifying the main dinner special. We got it done by 5:50, but the stress level was unreal. How do you guys handle massive last-minute catering requests during a regular dinner service? Do you just say no?

3 comments

3 Comments

ivanp7826d ago

Ever feel like a circus clown trying to juggle while the tent's on fire?

blairm7725d ago

Totally get that feeling, it's like trying to fix a flat tire while the car is still moving. We got a last minute catering request for fifty boxed lunches at 11 AM yesterday. The whole line just froze for twenty minutes trying to figure it out.

averyc9426d ago

Honestly, why would you ever say yes to that? That's a huge ask that puts your whole team and regular service at risk. I have a firm policy of no walk-in orders over a certain size, especially during a dinner rush. The money from one big order isn't worth the chaos it causes for your staff and your other guests. You gotta protect your crew and your kitchen's flow.