CAPT 1050: Buffet Captain
Pre-Event Preparation and Setup

4. Conduct a Buffet Walkthrough

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Conduct a Buffet Walkthrough

Pre-event preparation and setup involves conducting a walkthrough. A walkthrough is a viewing or physical tour of a given site or facility. A service professional team conducts a walkthrough prior to an event. The buffet captain performs a walkthrough to determine and/or assess the location of buffets and stations.

Best Practices for Conducting a Pre-Event Buffet Walkthrough

1.Before the Walkthrough

Bring all necessary documentation (e.g., BEOs, floor plans).

2.During the Walkthrough

Walk through the relevant area, visualizing the event flow (through different service types, service areas, and the transitions between them). Also consider the flow of guests between buffets and stations. In this, attend to:

  • The location of the BOH and FOH facilities and equipment

  • The location of BOH and FOH entry points and exit points

  • Potential location(s) for buffets and stations

  • Potential location(s) of bars in the vicinity of the buffets and food stations

In finalizing the location of the buffets and stations ensure:

  • All safety regulations and protocols are in place

  • There is clear access to pathways, walkways, and stairways

  • There are clear paths between the BOH, FOH, and other areas

  • There is clear access to BOH and FOH facilities and equipment for the culinary team and the service professional team

  • The buffet station is positioned correctly based on floor plans and the client’s desired layout

  • The buffet and stations will be accessible and navigable to guests (including guests in lines)

  • The buffet and station setup has designated areas for inventory, equipment, and sanitation

  • The buffet and station setup allows easy access to electrical outlets (if necessary)

If necessary, communicate with stakeholders. The buffet captain should become familiar with communicating with stakeholders to gain proper knowledge of the buffet and station offerings. These often include clients, event coordinators, the chef and/or brand ambassadors who may hand-select offerings for a particular purpose and expect these offerings to displayed in a specific way. During the walkthrough, the buffet captain should ensure they have a clear sense of the expectations of stakeholders in terms of knowledge of offerings and inventory, messaging and promotional goals, design and display expectations, and/or special activities.

3.After the Walkthrough

After completing the walkthrough, update any necessary documentation (if applicable) and use the rental list to begin to review, organize, and verify equipment and inventory.