Buffets Post-covid

Our Carterer has yet to say anything about possibly having to change from buffet (which I really hope we don't have too) I think if the staff are the only ones serving than there shouldn't be any problem with it.


But of course we don't no what is in store next year this could not be much or a concern or if could be and we will listen and take the advice of our caterer as we want everyone staff and guest to be safe

View quoted message

Ahh, didn't realize you were on private property and not a business like banquet hall or restaurant. Good luck!

View quoted message

I am not concerned. This is a friends farm in Northern Ontario boonies and this is the safest way to get food to people

View quoted message

I read through the Framework for Reopening document from the Government of Ontario and there is nothing that specifies buffets are self-serve style. Not trying to dispute you. It just would suck if the venue changes your plans on you without you realizing it, or worse if you to get in trouble.

View quoted message

Buffet service as specified in Stage 3 is specifically self serve buffets. The way we are doing is to have dishes spaced out, people lined up with 6ft around them. Someone will place food on their plate, then they move onto the next station. Only one person touches any cutlery at each station.

View quoted message

Hey Ellen, where are you doing this? Because under Ontario's rules, buffet style services are strictly prohibited even under Stage 3.

We are planning a buffet esque dinner. We will have the wedding party serving food at the buffet, so only one person touches tongs etc. Use it as a way to say hi quickly to everyone, while gifting them food!

I changed to a food truck since it was possible at my venue. It helps with making sure that not everyone is taking from the same food container and keeps it at a lower price then plated services.

View quoted message

So I spoke to our venue and they are not committing to anything buffet style, even apps and desserts, until they get the okay from health regulations. So depending on how things play out in Stage 3 for restaurants when we're finally allowed inside again, I think that will determine how food service will move forward from now on.

Im not i feel like by next year we will be ok for buffet

We had planned for plated dinner service and passed apps and will be sticking with that. I’m rethinking my late night station a little. Assuming covid is still a going concern next year, I’ll probably opt for something that doesn’t entail tongs or other serving utensils (eg pre wrapped sliders or something - people can just grab one and go).


I think a buffet is still doable though. Incorporating servers is a great idea. Venues would be smart to offer this. Alternatively, a hand sanitizing station at the beginning of the line could do the trick. Especially at dinner - guests won’t be too tanked to disregard hygiene measures. I’m just a little hesitant about trusting guests to do the same at a self serve late night station. I think a sanitizing station is more likely to be overlooked at that stage in the evening haha.

We're still going ahead with our buffet dinner and so far our venue is still going ahead with their dinner options

You can definitely keep a buffet style and still be mindful. If you don’t mind paying extra for servers, they could spoon food onto plates that your guests hold without any cross-touching involved.