Although catering is said to have existed in China in 4000 BC and in Egypt between 2650-1450 BC, the first formalized catering was found in the "hotels" of Ancient Greece. They were little more than hostels where travelers could stop for rest and food. Catering businesses were actually places along military routes where soldiers stopped in their travels through the Roman Empire. In Europe during the early Middle Ages, monasteries served pilgrims and soldiers going to the Holy Land. Late in the Middle Ages, trade routes had expanded, and catering places were in demand.

The newly established upper class in Europe traveled and required food and lodging. About 1530, the beer in taverns was approved for a nominal fee by regulators. Rules for inns and hostels were changed to standardize the quality of food and drink and even the size of beer mugs. Guild houses and hostels flourished as trade expanded and roadways developed. The drop-off box lunches produced by current caterers were preceded by crude sandwiches wrapped in cloth years ago.

Today's caterers run the gamut from delivered lunches and pizzas to informal buffets. Caterers may set up events that are self-serve or served buffets to finger foods that are passed by wait staff, and ultimately to sit down multiple course dinners. Catering is a huge industry. There are many big name restaurants that cater events. There are medium-sized companies that cater primarily to large events or wedding receptions. Then there are smaller businesses that began as a person baking cakes for friends until they decided to make a business of it. You can see how catering has come full circle from crude hostels to suppliers of tasty tidbits and sumptuous feasts.