Special Requests
Special Requests refers to a catering professional's ability to handle customized food orders and dietary requirements that differ from standard menu items. This includes managing food allergies, religious dietary restrictions, vegetarian/vegan options, and specific cultural food preferences. In mobile catering, this skill is particularly important as staff need to plan ahead and be prepared to accommodate these requests while working from a mobile kitchen or food truck with limited space and resources.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Special Requests for events of up to 500 people, including dietary restrictions and cultural preferences
Created detailed documentation system for tracking Special Request orders and allergen information
Successfully handled over 100 Special Request modifications per week while maintaining food quality and timing standards
Typical job title: "Special Request Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Special Request Coordinators
Professional Networks
Industry Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle multiple conflicting special requests during a large event?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in prioritizing requests, delegation skills, and having backup plans. Should mention systems for tracking and organizing multiple modifications efficiently.
Q: Describe how you would train staff to handle special dietary requirements?
Expected Answer: Should explain creating clear procedures, allergen awareness training, communication systems between kitchen and service staff, and importance of double-checking orders.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure accuracy when handling multiple special dietary requests?
Expected Answer: Should mention using checklists, clear labeling systems, communication with kitchen staff, and verification processes with customers.
Q: What systems have you used to track and manage special requests?
Expected Answer: Should describe experience with order tracking systems, documentation methods, and communication tools between team members.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are common types of special requests you might encounter?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list major dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies.
Q: How would you handle a customer with a severe food allergy?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of cross-contamination, importance of checking ingredients, and communication with kitchen staff.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of common dietary restrictions
- Ability to follow special request procedures
- Knowledge of basic food safety
- Communication with kitchen staff
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing multiple special requests simultaneously
- Training others in handling modifications
- Creating documentation systems
- Problem-solving during events
Senior (5+ years)
- Developing special request procedures
- Managing large-scale dietary accommodation programs
- Training and supervising teams
- Budget management for special ingredients
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of common food allergens
- Poor attention to detail in order modification
- Inability to handle pressure during busy service
- Lack of proper food safety certification
- Poor communication skills with customers and kitchen staff
Related Terms
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