How to Hire More Catering Staff Without Breaking the Bank

Hiring extra help for major events can be affordable with the right plan

Many caterers face the challenge of handling sudden spikes in demand during corporate galas. The key is to plan strategically without sacrificing quality or service. One of the most cost effective methods is to build a reliable network of freelance staff. Instead of hiring full time employees who sit idle between events, maintain a list of proven cooks, servers, and runners who you’ve worked with before. These individuals already know your standards and can step in quickly when needed.

Another smart approach is to cross train your existing team. Train your line cooks to assist with serving when necessary, or have your baristas help with centerpiece setup during peak hours. This flexibility reduces the need to bring in additional people for every task. It also improves team morale because staff feel valued and capable of handling multiple roles.

Partnering with local cooking academies is another excellent option. Many students are looking for practical training and are willing to work for even volunteer in exchange for portfolio boosts. You can assign them to support roles like food prep under the supervision of your experienced staff. This gives you extra hands without the overhead of full benefits or long term commitments.

Timing your hiring is equally important. Avoid last minute staffing scrambles by starting to recruit at least three to four weeks before the event. This gives you time to screen candidates and schedule a short orientation. Rushed hires often lead to slow response times.

Consider using catering-specific marketplaces that specialize in event services. These platforms often connect you with professionals who specialize in hourly event staffing and can be hired by the hour. Many of these workers already have serving equipment and experience with multi-station catering, which cuts down on training time and costs.

Don’t forget to leverage your regular clients. Ask satisfied customers if they know anyone looking for part-time hospitality roles. Word of mouth referrals often lead to more hardworking hires than cold applications. Plus, you’re more likely to find people who share your standards.

Finally, always plan for a small buffer. Expected turnout can change, weather can impact setup, and last minute requests happen. Having a backup team on standby, even if they’re paid only for the hours they work, can prevent chaos.

By combining trusted freelancers, multiskilled team members, program participants, and advance planning, you can scale your catering recruitment agencies team effectively without overspending. The goal isn’t just to get more bodies—it’s to get the perfect fits, at the right time, doing the correct task.