EVENT TEAM GUIDE
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EVENT OVERVIEW

Know the flow. Find your place.

Check the job, review the files, arrive ready and know who is leading your team.

NOWSTA

Before each accepted shift

01
Before every shift:
  • Confirm call time
  • Check updates
  • Read announcements
  • Open event files
1
Nowsta home screen showing an upcoming confirmed job

Open your job

Tap the confirmed event from Home.

2
Nowsta event details screen showing call time, updates and announcements

Check the details

Use your call time, not the guest event start time. Check Updates and Announcements.

3
Nowsta event details showing attached event files

Review event files

CG uploads the worksheet by 48 hours before the event. Read it and any plans before your shift.

4
Nowsta team tab showing the event team and Captain

Find your Captain

Open Team, then select the Event Captain.

5
Nowsta Captain profile with the call option

Call from Nowsta

Use this for same-day questions or concerns about that event.

CLOCK INOn arrival, never before call time
CLOCK OUTWhen dismissed by the Captain

Nowsta uses geofencing at the venue. If you arrive early, wait until your call time to clock in. Having trouble? Tell your Captain right away. Clock out when the Captain dismisses you.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Arrive ready.

02

Read your job

Check the call time, location, worksheet, uniform notes, updates, and announcements in Nowsta.

Pack for service

Arrive in your setup uniform. Servers and bartenders bring the exact dress shirt, pressed and on a hanger. Servers also bring a clean apron.

Meet the team

We typically meet at the van and enter the venue together. Tell the Captain if it’s your first event; they’ll connect you with your trainer or a teammate.

A TYPICAL EVENT

From team call to loadout

03
Our standard is 2.5 hours of setup before the event begins.

Always follow your call time in Nowsta. Arrive with time to park and meet the team; clock in at the venue, never before call time.

Chef’s Garden teammates greeting their Captain beside the branded van01

MEET THE TEAM

Meet at the van

  • We typically gather at the van and enter the venue together.
  • At private home events, never knock on the door or enter the home without a Captain or Event Manager.
  • Clock in on arrival at the venue, never before your Nowsta call time.
  • Check in with the Captain; new workers will be connected with a trainer or teammate.
Glassware unloaded onto a furniture dolly02

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Unload together

  • Everyone helps unload.
  • The Captain directs where each item goes.
  • Distribute equipment to the assigned areas and keep access clear.
Catering equipment and covered food pans03

FIRST PRIORITY

Check it all in

  • Before setup, verify that the team has all food and equipment.
  • The Captain delegates equipment counts: buffet equipment, china, glassware, silverware, and other supplies.
  • The Chef or Lead Cook counts in all food items. Report missing items right away.
A freestanding rental event bar being set up04

BUILD THE EVENT

Set up your area

  • Set tables, stations, the bar, and food areas as assigned.
  • The Captain coordinates with the planner or client so everyone follows the same plan.
  • Help teammates once your own area is ready.
Catering staff gathered in a circle for the Captain’s lineup briefing05

THE TEAM BRIEFING

Lineup

  • Gather for the Captain’s pre-shift meeting, called lineup.
  • Listen for event details, menu, timeline, expectations, and staff assignments.
  • Ask questions and leave with a full understanding of the event flow, your responsibilities, and timing expectations.
Server in the service uniform06

AFTER LINEUP

Dress for service

  • Put on the rest of your uniform.
  • Be where you’re assigned, ready and on time for service.
Bartender ready to welcome guests07

WELCOME THE GUESTS

Service

  • Deliver genuine hospitality. Stay professional, attentive, and calm.
  • Follow your assignment, communicate with the Captain or Chef, and help the team.
  • After the main parts of service, the Captain may release some staff early. Leave only when dismissed.
The team working together during breakdown08

FINISH TOGETHER

Breakdown & loadout

  • Break down, pack equipment, load the van, and clean the space as directed.
  • Help the full team finish.
  • Clock out when the Captain dismisses you.

Tap a stage for what to expect and what to do.

MEET YOUR TEAM

The people who bring it all together.

04

Get to know a few of the people behind Chef’s Garden. These teammates represent roles you’ll see at our events; your assigned crew will vary. Explore each role below.

THE BIG PICTURE

Event Manager · Cassie

Connects the client’s vision with the event leaders and supports the overall experience. When present, the Event Manager holds final authority for the event.

Cartoon portrait of Cassie wearing a black blazer
Meet the Event Manager

Cassie is our Catering Manager and fills the role of Event Manager when on events.

  • Communicates the client’s vision and priorities to the Captain and Chef.
  • Not every event has an Event Manager. Their involvement may range from helping run the event or providing extra support to a brief visit with the client and team.
  • Focuses on the client experience and overall event, while the Captain directs the staff.

LEADING THE ENTIRE EVENT

Captain · Seg

Your onsite point person from unload to loadout. The Captain coordinates the whole team—service, bar and kitchen—to keep the event running smoothly.

Cartoon portrait of Seg wearing a black dress shirt and tie
Meet the Captain
  • Directs the team through setup, service, breakdown and loadout.
  • Ensures every detail of the event meets Chef’s Garden’s standards.
  • Assigns positions and connects new workers with a trainer or teammate.
  • Coordinates service timing with the Chef and handles same-day event questions.
  • Dismisses the team when the work is complete.

On the floor.

Servers and bartenders work together under the Captain’s direction.

Cartoon portrait of Ajla wearing a black server shirtServerAjlaExplore role

Ajla is our Social Media & Content Coordinator and also shines as one of Chef’s Garden’s Event Servers.

  • Sets up the room and welcomes guests.
  • Serves, clears and keeps service moving.
  • Helps the team through breakdown and loadout.
Cartoon portrait of Steve wearing a black shirt and black apronBartenderSteveExplore role

Steve is known for his warm hospitality and engaging guest interactions. He also helps train new Chef’s Garden bartenders to deliver exceptional service.

  • Prepares an organized bar and serves guests.
  • Takes the initiative to help with water service and clearing when bar volume permits.
  • Supports dinner service and breakdown as needed.

In the kitchen.

The Chef leads the culinary team and coordinates with the Captain.

Cartoon portrait of Kyle wearing a white chef coatChefKyleExplore role

Kyle is our Executive Sous Chef and leads the kitchen on events.

  • Directs the kitchen and assigns culinary tasks.
  • Counts in all food items and coordinates food timing with the Captain.
  • Oversees food safety, presentation and quality.
Cartoon portrait of Luisa wearing a white chef coat and black apronCookLuisaExplore role
  • Organizes the event kitchen and prepares food.
  • Follows the Chef’s direction for cooking and plating.
  • Keeps the workspace clean, organized and guest-ready.
Your event. Your crew.

Your assigned Event Manager (when present), Captain, Chef and teammates may be different from the people shown here. Check your event’s Team tab in Nowsta, and call your assigned Captain there for same-day event questions. Bring culinary questions to your assigned Chef.

These portraits introduce the team. Follow your role’s uniform guide for what to wear.