- Ancient Egyptian tombs were filled with food and depicted scenes of food preparation and dining customs according to social hierarchy. Greeks focused on food consumption rather than nutrition and dined lying down. Romans hosted extravagant banquets to impress guests with fine food, decor, and entertainment.
- Through the Middle Ages, guilds controlled food production but an innkeeper challenged rules by offering choices to customers. The French Revolution abolished guilds. Modern catering involves both on-site and off-site food service for corporate events, weddings, and other private functions. Trends include interactive stations and global, seasonal, and vegetarian/vegan options.