Tips for Bartenders and Caterers Servicing Contactless Events

Contactless gatherings, social distancing events, and virtual parties have certainly increased in popularity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But what does this look like exactly for vendors like bartenders and caterers? While we certainly don't have all of the answers, we are continually learning and highlighting what vendors are doing right now to adapt to events.

Here you'll find some ideas and ways for bartenders and caterers to safely provide services right now.

Prep For Your Upcoming Event

The health and safety of vendors and guests remain a priority as events start to take place again. Before an event, there are some small preventative measures that we are seeing vendors take. See the highlights below:

• Regulations are changing constantly and vary greatly by location. Make sure to double check your local and federal government regulations that apply at the time of the event, as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). 

• If you typically meet in person with the party host, try to make those meetings virtual through a phone call, Zoom meeting, or FaceTime call.

• Clearly communicate your safety protocol and requirements to the party host before the event date.

• Ask the party host for their safety plan for the event so your staff understands what safety measures guests will be required to take.

• Ensure your staff is fully trained and understands the safety measures they will need to take on the day of the event to keep themselves and guests safe.

  Ideas on How to Incorporate Safety 

  We have heard from a few bartenders and caterers on how they are ensuring safety and comfort during events. Here are a few ideas:

  • Install a plexiglass shield covering the bar area or catering station with a small opening to pass drinks/food through to make staff and guests feel more comfortable throughout the event. 

  • Add signage near your bar or catering station that clearly shows any rules for guests when approaching your staff/station (i.e., must wear a maks, must stand 6 feet away, etc.).

  • Put out sanitizer at stations for both guests and staff to use! Guests will greatly appreciate this added safety gesture. 

  • Provide a display of drinks/food at different stations or tables to cut down on the guest traffic in one area.

    Innovative Ways to Offer Virtual Services 

    Virtual events have increased in popularity since COVID-19 started as a way to continue celebrating special occasions safely. We've seen bartenders offer virtual cocktail classes, teaching guests how to make craft cocktails at the comfort of their home. We've even heard from some who are offering to go shopping for the ingredients and do a contact-free drop off to the party host! This idea could easily work for caterers and virtual cooking classes as well.

    It all comes down to thinking outside of the box and exploring innovative (and safe) ways that you can offer services right now. See some of our favorite ideas for virtual parties below:

    • A group cocktail party: Teaching guests how to make craft cocktails if you're a bartender or a delicious meal if you're a caterer is a great option for any celebration! You can share an ingredient list prior to the event to ensure everyone is prepared.

    • One-on-one session: Offering a one-one session with a party guest who is looking to make the perfect cocktail or appetizer for their upcoming gathering is another fun idea!

    • Happy hour package: Many companies are looking for ways to connect with their coworkers virtually right now, as many people are still working from home. Hosting a happy hour where you can walk through how to make a delicious cocktail or appetizer can be a great team building idea and way to package your services.