Designing Chaferless Buffets: Hot Designs for Hot Food

1. David Sandler
March 24th, 2014
Designing Chaferless Buffets:
Hot Designs for Hot Food

2. Session Agenda
• Reasons
• Types of Heat
• Types of Serving Pieces

3. • Have been with the
company for 30 years
• Currently Oversee Day to
Day Operations
• Strong Emphasis on
Culinary and Operations
My Story

4. • Founded in 1980 as an off
shoot to a restaurant
• Catering spun off into
separate company in 1991
• Peak revenue of $17 Million
• 90 FT & 130 PT Employees
• 45% Full Service / 35% On
Premise / 20% Delivery
CBM 101

5. • Largest event $1.3 million
• Focused on food quality
above all else
• Poor facility design
challenges efficiency
• Non Chicago address is a
marketing struggle
CBM 101

6. Reasons for Chaferless Buffets
Because you can do better than this!

7. Reasons for Chaferless Buffets
• Clients hate the dated look of chafers
• More Functional
• Buffets are OUT – Stations are IN
• Versatility of sizes and configurations
• Less formal
• Flexible – Can be rustic, trendy, modern….
• Profit Center

8. Adapting Your Menu
• Consider the products you are serving
• Does it burn easily
• Does it have a sauce or liquid
• Are you preparing ‘to order’
• Server Assist or Self Serve
• How much grease does it produce

9. Types of Heat Sources
-Direct-

10. Types of Heat Sources
-Direct-

11. Types of Heat Sources
-Direct-

12. Types of Heat Sources
-Indirect-

13. Types of Heat Sources
-Canned Fuel-

14. Types of Heat Sources
-Steam-

15. Types of Heat Sources
-Butane-

16. Types of Heat Sources
-Torch-

17. Types of Heat Sources
-Electric/Induction-

18. Chaferless Options
-Marble-

19. Chaferless Options
-Modern Buffet Systems-

20. Chaferless Options
-Grill Pardner-

21. Chaferless Options
-Surround-

22. Chaferless Options
-Black Wire Griddle-

23. Chaferless Options
-Panini Press-

24. Chaferless Options
-Soup Kettles-

25. Chaferless Options
-Sauté/Wok Pans-

26. Chaferless Options
-Skillets/Cast Iron-

27. Chaferless Options
-Ceramic Bakeware-

28. Chaferless Options
-Professional Cookware-

29. Chaferless Options
-Manufacture Your Own-

30. To download a copy of this presentation, go to:
slideshare.net/CateringChicago
David Sandler
dsandler@CateringByMichaels.com | (847) 966-6555
Questions?