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History of the Catering Industry

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Catering Industry HighlitesCatering: A Short History

While you may associate chefs and the culinary world in general with restaurants, it's easy to forget that restaurants are a relatively new development. For a long time, the world of food preparation was centered around feasts and celebrations for kings and other noblemen. In fact, the first French restaurants didn't appear until after the French revolution when, lacking an aristocracy, catering guilds were forced to find a new way to sell their talents.

In America, the catering industry is still quite young. Catering started booming after the war when companies who had previously made food supplies for World War II needed something to do. As people became wealthier and the economy grew, caterers found demand for their services, which has previously been reserved for the very rich.

Some Milestones and Events in Catering

In fifty years, the catering industry has grown tremendously, along with food appreciation in general. The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) will celebrate its 50 anniversary next year. Thanks to them, you can now earn a certification called Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE). The NACE has also made much headway funding programs tailored at caterers-in-training in universities and culinary schools.

The catering industry now has its own trade shows and other major events. You can attend trade shows all over the world where the ins and outs of catering are discussed  and new products are displayed. You can hear talks about new food safety regulations or how new heating devices are changing the preparation process. If you're lucky, you may even get to taste something delicious!

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Culinary Arts Featured Schools

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The Art Institutes

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The Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts. We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills to match your ideas—helping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career. More Details...

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Arizona Culinary Institute

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Earn your culinary diploma in just 9 months. Train with professional chefs and receive hands-on experience at the school's premier student-run restaurant. Individual attention is paramount at ACI; our classes average 10-14 students per kitchen. More Details...

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Institute of Culinary Education

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The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City is the perfect place to launch your culinary career. Choose from programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary management. More Details...

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Bryant and Stratton College

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Give your career a boost with an education from Bryant and Stratton College. We offer certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs for careers in the business, criminal justice, design, finance, technology, health care, and legal fields. For more information about Bryant and Stratton’s graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. More Details...

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Pittsburgh Technical Institute

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Pittsburgh Technical Institute offers you a career-focused education shaped by industry insiders and employers. Get the skills that can get you the job in 24-month associate programs and 9 to 15 month certificate programs that include business, technology, medical and design degree opportunities. More Details...

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Culinary Institute of Virginia

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Love to cook? Turn your passion into a career at the Culinary Instituteof Virginia. Earn your Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary Science in less than 2 years. More Details...

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Culinary Institute of America

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The Culinary Institute of America gives you all the ingredients you need for a successful career in the world of foodservice. Bachelor's and associate degree programs available. More Details...

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Penn Foster Schools

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Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more. More Details...

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Stratford Career Institute

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Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods. More Details...

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Ashworth College

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Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you. More Details...

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