Types of Service

Question 1

Identify at least THREE types of food service systems.

Answer 1

1. Cafeteria Service
2. Free -Flow Service
3. Multi-Point Service
4. Fast Food
5. Vending Machines (Vended Service)
6. Seated Counter Service
7. Buffet Service
8. Carvery Service
9. Waiter/Waitress Service
10. Transported Meals System
11. Gueridon System

Question 2

What is the Gueridon System?

Answer 2

It is used for a la carte or table d’hote menus and the food is ‘finished’ at the table (or a trolley next to the customers table).

Question 3

Give an example of food that is served using the Gueridon System.

Answer 3

Steak Diane and Crepe Suzette. Usually the flambé technique is used or a sauce is made at the table for the customer.

Question 4

What is the transported meals system and how does it work?

Answer 4

Aeroplane food!

The airline will choose a selection of prepared foods and it is made in kitchens away from the airport. The meals are plated, covered and blast chilled. The meals are then delivered to the airport in trolleys covered with dry ice to keep them fresh. They are then delivered to each flight when they are required. The meals are then reheated before they are served (on the aeroplane) and kept in heated trolleys.

Question 5

What is a waiter/waitress service?

Answer 5

It is used for a more personal service usually in a restaurant or pub. A ‘server’ will serve guests their food either at the table or at a banquet.

Question 6

State at least THREE advantages of waiter/waitress service.

Answer 6

• Children and special diets are catered for.
• More personal service
• In banquet style service, many people can be catered for.
• Waiter/waitress will be familiar with the menu
• Waiter/waitress can make food/wine recommendations to the customer.

Question 7

State at least TWO disadvantages of waiter/waitress service.

Answer 7

• more expensive than buffet style.
• often a tip has to be left to thank the server for their service.
• service is slower than other types of service as food has to be cooked to order.

Question 8

Explain what a carvery service is.

Answer 8

Starters, drinks and sweets are served by serving staff but the customers collect their own dish from the hot holding counter where the serving staff will serve their food from. Customers help themselves often to the vegetables but the meat is normally served to them.

Question 9

What foods are often served during a carvery service?

Answer 9

A roasted meal e.g. Sunday dinner.

Question 10

Give TWO advantages of a carvery system.

Answer 10

• Cheaper as not as many servers are required.
• Customers can select their choice of food and quantity.
• Food items are visual before selection so this may help with their choice.
• Quicker as food cooked in large quantities.

Question 11

Give TWO disadvantages of carvery system.

Answer 11

• less selection of food
• sometimes customers have to queue for their food
• food quality can sometimes be lower because of hot holding.

Question 12

What is a buffet service?

Answer 12

Customers select their meal items from an open counter or buffet table. Sometimes servers will serve some food items too.

Question 13

What is a seated counter service?

Answer 13

Customers are seated at a counter, usually on stools and are served by the staff from behind the counter. Often used in train stations or airport terminals.

Question 14

What is a vended service?

Answer 14

Food items are kept chilled/warm in a food vending machine and are delivered to the customer when they pay for the item by putting a coin in the machine.

Question 15

List THREE food items that are commonly sold in vending machines.

Answer 15

• Sandwiches
• Chocolate
• Crisps
• Biscuits
• Soft drinks
• Tea and Coffee

Question 16

Describe Fast Food service.

Answer 16

The food is often displayed in photographs over the counter. The customer orders their food at the counter service. The server will collect the food from the food collection point, usually behind the counter which is often cooked in advance or in large quantities. They then serve it to the customer usually in a bag or takeaway container.

Question 17

List FIVE food items that are usually served at fast food outlets.

Answer 17

1. Burgers
2. Fries
3. Chicken wings
4. Pizza
5. Salads
6. Jacket Potatoes

Question 18

What is a cafeteria type system?

Answer 18

The menu is displayed at the entrance to the cafeteria. The customers flow past the display of food and select the food items that they want and place it on their tray. Payment is made at a terminal at the end of the cafeteria, before the customer eats. Customers clear their own trays away once the food is consumed. The school cafeteria is a cafeteria system.

Question 19

What is a free-flow system?

Answer 19

Similar to a cafeteria system but the customer goes to the food or drink counter that they want (e.g. pizza, jacket potatoes, sweets etc) and then they pay at the terminal. Ikea is a free-flow system.

Question 20

What is a multi-point system?

Answer 20

Similar the cafeteria system but has separate counters for different food items with separate tills (e.g. thai, Chinese, indian etc). The food court at Merry Hill is a multi-point system.