What is a BEO in catering?
Venues and caterers write a BEO for every event they run. The client signs it, then it goes to the kitchen, the bar and the floor team. If something isn't on the BEO, the team usually won't plan for it, so changes go into a revised BEO rather than a side email.
What's on a BEO?
Most BEOs cover the same ground: the event name, date and room; start and end times; the guest count and the final guarantee; the menu and bar setup; the room layout, linens and equipment; and the staffing plan, from servers and bartenders to the captain in charge.
How staff use the BEO on shift
On the day, the banquet captain reads the BEO at the pre-shift meeting so everyone knows the timings and the menu. Servers check it for course order and dietary notes, and bartenders check it for the bar package and closing time. The run of show follows its timings.