Caterers
With the popularity of cake show on TV these days it seems everyone is getting into the decorating biz.
I've always run into a few places here and there that would not allow outside cakes. But the trend is growing. Now I'm not only having problems with venues allowing cakes brought in but other caterers who want to do the cakes so tell the customer they have to get it from them.
I remember long ago when I was still a newish pastry chef and got a job as the pastry chef for a small country club. They did not allow outside cakes brought in. I was still somewhat a novice when it came to wedding cakes. I felt bad for couples who were forced to choose my limited skills at the time. It seemed unfair. Now that I am one of the best in town its frustrating that all these places are forcing one of their pastry cooks to take some wilton class and customers that want ME to do the cake are forced to choose between the venue or caterer they like and having me do their cake. I also have done free cakes for family and a few friends as a wedding gift. More than once they have had to forgo having their wedding at their dream location because they couldnt justify passing up on a free cake. Or they just wanted me to do it because of the relationship or they became aware the place could not do the things I could or at least hadn't yet. Or if they could it was priced off the charts. It seems unfair.
Like I said this has always been a problem but it seems to becoming more widespread. Next week I'm doing a cake for a friend. Her caterer forced her to buy dessert from them, I just learned it's going to be cake. So I had to have a talk with the bride and her mother explaining that I would not permit them to pass off someone elses cake as mine. Now they have to make an announcement at the reception saying that the cake they are serving was done by so and so and that I did the one for pictures and stuff. I hate to be hard-nosed but reputation is everything in this business. I can't risk someone eating cake that is inferior and thinking it was me.
Is anyone else running into this problem??
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dawn Becker on
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I agree, it's stupid. And I am a caterer! I actually don't like doing the cake when I'm catering. I am a hands on caterer - it's very hard to do the cake and prepare all the food at the same time. So, I offer, but I hold my breath and hope that they have other plans. LOL...
You can tell the "caterers" who don't actually cook - they have time to do everything! Not me, that's my rep out there - it's going to be MY food. Doesn't mean I don't have help. But I am the one overseeing every bite that leave the kitchen.
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Permalink Reply by Pam Carlisle on
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Hi Misty, The economy has made our industry think out of the box to keep in business. Times are hard in our area. Brides are wanting to spend less but still having big weddings. I don't cater only do cakes but I know several caterers who will make their cakes less per slice as an enticement to get their whole order and are advertsing it as the one stop shopping convience. It makes it hard to compete but quality comes at a price and praise God some are willing to spend it. Some shops also offer a come on at less per slice but upcharge for most everything including a heafty delivery fee making it just as expensive or more as other shops who chose not to use those tactics.
As far as venue's they are just trying to protect themselves from lawsuits resulting from unlicensed and uninsured vendors and at same time increase their sales. I haven't had a problem with our venues here, have never had to show my license or insurance cert, brides can bring their own cake in for the most part, but do notice that venues give out a list of their favorites to prospective brides and you have to prove yourself before you get on that list.
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