CAPT 1060: Floor Captain (Plated Dinner Captain)
Post-Event Breakdown

1. Post-Event Breakdown

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Post-Event Breakdown

Breakdown refers to the stage at the end of a service or an event in which service professionals ensure the venue is restored to its original state. Breakdown includes timing a soft breakdown, directing a hard breakdown sequence, ensuring organization, completing a walkthrough, and debriefing with staff.

1.Timing a Soft Breakdown

The floor captain directs wait staff to begin a discreet soft breakdown towards the end of the event. For a plated dinner service, this includes removing non-essential items. This includes any course-specific items that are no longer in use (e.g., salt and pepper shakers, unused tableware or glassware) and light debris.

2. Directing a Hard Breakdown Sequence

The floor captain directs a specific breakdown sequence once the client has approved a hard breakdown. This sequence is as follows:

  • Clear large equipment. Clear large items, such as substantial vessels or any family-style serving dishes. ****Organize and transport empty vessels to sanitation directly following food removal.

  • Clear flatware.

  • Clear glassware.

  • Clear dinner napkins.

  • Clear decorations.

  • Clear linens.

  • Remove and stack chairs. Remove chairs using the same protocol as previously defined (which relies on a placement group and a support line). Stack chairs up to 6’, recognizing taller stacks present a safety hazard. If chair covers were used, ensure they are replaced.

  • Breakdown tables. Break down tables carefully and remove from the floor ensuring there is no damage to the venue (perhaps by repurposing old linens to protect the venue). If stacking, stack up to 6’.

3. Ensuring Organization

The floor captain must ensure all equipment and inventory items are properly organized by owner (i.e., whether a rental or an in-house item), processed by sanitation, and stored.

4. Completing a walkthrough

Complete a final walkthrough of the area to check for any missing items and update any documentation.

5. Debriefing with Staff

The staff should participate in a short post-event debrief to discuss relevant information related to the setup, execution, and breakdown of the event. The floor captain directs this debrief and solicits feedback through facilitating an open dialogue with the team. The captain documents this feedback to include in the post-event review.