Difference Type of Catering 

1. Introduction to Catering Establishments

Catering establishments refer to businesses that provide food and beverage services to customers in various settings. These services can be offered in restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, outdoor events, hospitals, and even at home.

Catering is broadly classified into Commercial Catering (profit-making) and Non-Commercial Catering (welfare-based).

2. Types of Catering Establishments

A. Commercial Catering

Commercial catering establishments are operated for profit. They provide food and beverage services in exchange for money.

✔ Hotels & Restaurants – Provide dining services, fine dining, casual dining, buffets, and room service.
✔ Fast Food Outlets – Quick service restaurants (QSR) like McDonald's, KFC, Domino’s, serving ready-to-eat meals.
✔ Cafés & Coffee Shops – Serve light meals, snacks, and beverages (e.g., Starbucks, Café Coffee Day).
✔ Food Courts & Kiosks – Located in malls, airports, and railway stations, offering multiple food choices.
✔ Banquet Halls & Event Catering – Large-scale catering for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.
✔ Outdoor Catering (Off-Premises Catering) – Providing food services at events, corporate functions, and private parties.
✔ Industrial & Corporate Catering – Food services provided in offices and factories for employees.
✔ Transport Catering – Food services on trains, flights, ships, and buses. (e.g., Railway catering, airline catering).

B. Non-Commercial Catering (Welfare Catering)

These establishments provide food services without focusing on profit. They serve food for welfare and convenience.

✔ Hospital Catering – Special dietary meals for patients and hospital staff.
✔ Educational Institution Catering – Meals served in schools, colleges, and universities (e.g., canteens, hostel mess).
✔ Military & Defense Catering – Catering services for army personnel, naval bases, and air force units.
✔ Prison Catering – Food services provided to inmates in correctional facilities.
✔ Charity & NGO Catering – Free food provided to underprivileged people (e.g., langars in Gurudwaras, community kitchens).