Banquet Terminology
Three-letter document tells us what an event needs, including start/end times, menu, special notes (allergies) and other details.
What is a BEO? (Banquet Event Order)
True or False: In banquet service, the best time to notice and address a guest need is after the guest asks for help.
False. Banquet service should be proactive and anticipate needs whenever possible.
What piece of equipment keeps hot buffet food warm using a heat source underneath? (Over 30 guests)
What is a chafer?
What does BEO stand for?
Banquet Event Order
A daily meeting between all departments @12pm, where you receive important information such as hotel occupancy, upcoming events, and birthday/anniversaries.
What is Affirmation?
This is the term for the area immediately outside a ballroom where bars, registration tables, receptions, or breaks may be set up.
What is Prefunction?
During plated service, you're responsible for your assigned tables from setup through the end of the meal. What is this group of tables called?
What is your section?
You're the buffet spotter and notice a chafer is getting low. What should happen before it runs out?
Communicate with the runner/kitchen and call for replacement.
When you arrive for your shift, where should you look to see what events are happening and review their BEOs?
BEO board/Smallwares
First thing you should grab and the last thing you return everyday. (Hint: a physcial item)
What is a Relay Radio?
A BEO says an item is provided “on consumption.” What does that mean?
The client is charged based on the amount actually consumed/used, requiring accurate tracking.
You're servicing a meeting and nobody has asked you for anything. Name two things you should periodically check anyway.
Any two of: ice/water, coffee levels, creamers, stir sticks, sugar caddies, snacks, or other supplies.
Name three things you should continuously monitor while responsible for a buffet.
EX: Food levels, cleanliness, serving utensils, sternos/heat, labels/signage, plate levels, guest flow, spills, presentation, and communicating replacements.
You notice the physical room setup doesn't match what is listed on the BEO. What should you do?
Bring the discrepancy to the Banquet Captain/manager rather than assuming one or the other is correct.
How many Opening & Closing Checklist sheets should the associates working a shift collectively complete?
One sheet per shift
This person takes replacement food from the kitchen to the buffet and returns empty chafers or serving pieces.
What is a Runner?
You're clearing a plated dinner. Two guests at a table have finished eating, but most of the table is still eating. What should you do?
Wait. Do not begin clearing the course until the majority of the table has finished, unless directed otherwise by the Captain.
A Spotter notices a buffet item is getting low. What two people should they radio when a replacement is needed on a large buffet?
The Runner and Oracle.
Which colors notate breakfast, lunch, and dinner (respectively) on the highlighted BEO Board?
Orange, Green, and Blue
You just clocked in for your banquet shift. Name the FIRST three things you should do upon arrival.
1. Check BEO Board
2. Pick up a Radio
3. Find banquet Captain for assignment
During buffet service, this person stays near the buffet, monitors what is getting low, and communicates needed replacements to the runner.
What is the spotter?
Service vs. Hospitality, what is the difference?
Service is what we provide. This is how we make people feel.
As buffet traffic slows, what might happen to Runners who are no longer needed at the buffet?
They may be reassigned to bussing, trash detail, beverage stations, or other duties.
During pre-shift, your Captain tells you something about the event has changed from what's written on the BEO. Which instructions should you follow?
The updated instructions communicated by your Captain
Name the three things highlighted at the very beginning of today's meeting as especially important habits for the banquet team.
Affirmation, Pre-shift, and Radios