I haven't personally been involved in running one myself so I am certainly no expert but wanted to chime in. I read somewhere that a group had to cancel their event last minute because they were in violation of health codes.
I would recommend that if you are not going through the schools food services department and using the school cafeteria as the venue, that you add checking on the food prep rules for your county and district. I understand that a lot of times permits are needed to ensure that food is properly prepared and distributed.
Again, no expert here but starting with the state, county, district and health department rules may help solve many of your other concerns.
We are planning a spaghetti dinner as a fund raiser/community buidling event in Jan. I have not ever done one, have had a few ideas on how to handle but would love some input from more people!! So far, I am debating, do I have the people go through the line pick up plate and sit? Do I have people come in and sit and have 6th grade serve? How did you handle reservations and payment? Did you have people call in and reserve then send money (seems to be the easiest as to not over book time slot) then send in money? Did you give people tickets to turn in or not? Did you send home a res form for people to fill out and send in? Ugh!!! So many questions. I've worked in the restaurant business for many years but not in a while and I have a fear of chaos which I know will not be have as bad and I worry about. But any suggestions would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
