Questions for Caterers
Billy Costa at The Taste of North Central.
Choosing a caterer can make or break any event. The right caterer can make even the most ordinary business or social affair extraordinary.
Food is one of the most important parts of any event. Everyone remembers good food and good service. For great food you need a professional catering service like Good Eats 2 U. We are so confident in our food, service, and style we encourage you to compare. Here are some questions you should ask any caterer before you sign them up for your party or event to make sure you are getting the best:
Questions to Ask Caterers
- Does the caterer specialize in specific types of food or service? Ask for sample menus so you can look at different options?
- Will the caterer let you do a taste test prior to hiring? Make sure they do. You want to like the food you are getting?
- What is the average price for a party of your size and all of your special needs? Does this price include tax, linens, silverware, service charges etc.?
- How is the caterer involved? Are they also a party coordinator? It is fine if they are just a caterer but you may want to find and event coordinator as well for large parties?
- Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, and salt & pepper shakers? Make sure you see all of these things to deem them acceptable?
- Who is the main contact? Will the same person you work with while planning also oversee meal service on the day of the party?
- Is the caterer working any other events or parties that same weekend or day? You want to be sure that you are given their full attention.
- Does the caterer handle all table settings?
- Will the caterer provide wait staff? What will the wait staff wear? Is it different for themed parties? Having the caterer provide the wait staff usually means that the process will be smoother because the staff will know how your caterer does business.
- Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you provide? These can include special family dishes, vegetarian, kosher, and halal meals.
- Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site facilities or do the caterer and the site manager need to make additional arrangements. If the caterer needs to bring their own equipment is it more expensive?
- Does the caterer work with fresh food?
- Can the caterer provide alcohol service? Is there a corkage fee? How and when do you get the alcohol to the caterer? Can you make special requests from the caterer? How is the liquor priced?
- How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? Ask to see pictures.
- Does the caterer have a license? Make sure this includes a liquor license if you need a bar at your event.
- Does the caterer also do cakes? Can you use an outside baker if you desire? Is there a cake-cutting fee?
