As owner of Caterboss, and a seasoned caterer, I have seen the term “pax” come up a multitude of times. Originally, when I first heard this term, I had no idea what it was. But after working in bars and restaurants, I began to understand the meaning. Since supplying catering equipment, I have witnessed how powerful this word is and how it plays a crucial role in the catering industry. Let’s dive into the meaning and impact of this word and unravel its significance in catering.
Have you heard of the term “pax” and are confused when catering professionals bring it up? Do you stay awake at night, desperate for an answer as to what is “pax”? Is it going round and round in your mind? Can you not accomplish anything else because you’re so desperate to know what it means?
No? But you still want to know what it is? You’re not alone! Many people outside the hospitality industry (and some within it) don’t quite understand the term and don’t understand why it's so important.
You can rest easy as I am here to demystify this term for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore:
After reading this article, you will understand the meaning of pax and its impact in the catering world. I will also share some insider tips on how to use this information to your advantage when planning your next event.
“Pax” is an extremely common term in the catering industry - as common as tableware and napkins! So what does the term actually mean?
In short, it is a term that means the total count of individuals for whom catering is being provided. For instance, if a catering company is providing 54 people with food and beverages, they might take note in their paperwork as a client needing “54 pax”.
I first started in the industry by working in a bar in Dublin. The bar manager would often say “we’ve got a booking for 15 pax tonight”. I was stumped of course - never having heard that term before - but quickly learned he was just using the term to describe 15 people.
Now as the owner of Caterboss, I use this term often. If a client asks for equipment for a certain amount of people (for example they ask for equipment to serve 150 people) I immediately think 150 pax and start calculating the items. I don’t even need to think about it anymore, it has become so second nature.
Let me share some real-world examples of how we use pax in the catering world:
The use of the word pax helps communication run smoothly and although it is a simple term, it carries a lot of weight in our industry.
It is important to understand the term pax to be successful in event planning:
So where did this unusual word originate? Why it comes from latin - as so many words do. In fact, the origin of this word is actually quite interesting.
It is the latin word for peace. So how did the word peace end up being used to such an extent in the catering industry?
In the early days of commercial aviation, pax was used as a quick way to describe passengers. It then spread to other parts of the travel industry.
As someone with a lot of experience in the catering world, I’ve seen how closely related travel and catering can be. Many hotels offer an all inclusive rate that pays not just for the accommodation but also includes dining. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the term from one sector would bleed into another.
Eventually, the term pax started cropping up into restaurants, catering companies and event planning businesses. It has stood the test of time because of its simplicity and versatility.
The term pax in the hospitality sector stands as a testament to the need for clear communication within the industry. At the start of my catering days, working in a takeaway in Cork, I remember how chaotic it could get when it was busy. It is what’s known as “in the weeds”.
However, having a quick way to communicate the number of customers was crucial.
The term evolved and began to represent guests themselves. So that if we said 25 pax - this is not just a number but individuals that need to be watered and fed.
In my journey from bars to Caterboss, I have seen pax used consistently across the different sectors of the hospitality industry. Its a term that bridges the gap between restaurants, catering companies and event planners.
The use of pax is actually used differently depending on the part of world you’re in:
In Ireland, where i’ve spent the majority of my career, pax is universally understood in the catering and hospitality world. However, some small, family run establishments might use more colloquial terms.
Despite it being used widely in the hospitality industry, there are some common misconceptions about the term.
In my years running Caterboss, I've encountered many clients who were initially confused by the term. That's why I always make a point to explain it clearly. Clear communication is key in our business, after all!
Here is some frequently asked questions about pax:
Q: What does pax stand for in catering?
A: Pax is a term meaning people or guests. It does not stand for anything else.
Q: Is pax used outside of the hospitality industry?
A. It is used in the travel industry and you may (though not as commonly) hear it in customer service oriented industries.
Q: Why is pax important in event planning?
A: It is essential to event planning because it quickly communicates how many guests which is important for food quantities, staffing needs etc.
Q: How do you calculate pax for an event?
A.It is calculated by conveying the number of confirmed attendees.
Q: Can pax change during an event?
A.The answer to this is yes, it can differ. The pax count can be different than the expected amount. As a caterer you should always prepare for a slight deviation of pax numbers.
Q: How does pax affect pricing in catering?
A. A lot of catering services, base their prices on per pax basis. This is the per-person rate multiplied by number of pax.
It is essential to understand pax in the hospitality and catering sectors. If you are starting a catering business, you should familiarize yourself with the term as it will definitely come in useful. As someone who has been on both sides of the counter, I can tell you it’s incredibly important to get your pax count right.
As the catering industry evolves, so too does our terminology. While pax has been a staple for decades, we're seeing some interesting trends:
1. Digital Integration: Software that is used in event planning, is starting to include pax as a standard field.
2. Customer Education: Pax is a term that is becoming more commonly used and is entering the general vocabulary of event planning.
3. Precision Planning: Accurate pax counts are so important these days for optimizing operations and reducing waste.
4. Sustainability Concerns: Pax counts can help with sustainability as it reduces food waste and it is becoming an increasingly important consideration in an environmentally conscious world.
5. Personalization: Personalization is being seen widely in events these days and pax is being used in conjunction with specific dietary requirements (such as: vegetarian pax)
You will see the term pax becoming increasingly important as you plan everything from a small family gathering to a large corporate event. Knowing what it means will help guests communicate with catering professionals. Although it is a small detail, it can have a huge impact on how successful your event is.
Remember, in the catering industry, every pax counts! So the next time if you are discussing your event with a caterer, you won’t be surprised if they ask you about your pax count, because thanks to this article, you will know and understand exactly what they mean!
As we wrap up, my hope is that this guide has given you somewhat of an understanding of what pax means and why it is so important. From its origins in latin to its current usage in modern event planning, pax is a very simple term with a large impact and your understanding of it will serve you well.
Remember at Caterboss, we’re always here to help you navigate the world of catering, one pax at a time. Happy planning!
Ciaran Kilbride is the CEO and Founder of Caterboss, Ireland's leading supplier of catering equipment. With years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, Ciaran established Caterboss in 2017 to provide high-quality, reliable equipment tailored to the needs of professional caterers. His commitment to innovation and customer service has helped Caterboss grow into a trusted name, known for anticipating industry trends and consistently meeting the needs of its clients.
