Catering

What to look for when selecting an ethical Caterer:

  1. Make sure they are licensed and insured for off-site catering. If the food service is not at a restaurant, the caterer is required to have a separate, off-premise catering license. Caterers with these licenses have equipment and training to safely transport and serve food outside of their kitchens. Most states do not allow catering to be produced in a home kitchen.

  2. Look for a caterer that carries liquor liability insurance if your event will serve alcohol. We recommend limiting alcohol consumption to four hours maximum. This could help prevent a tragedy.

  3. It is a must to visit their kitchen. If a caterer will not let you visit their kitchen be weary. A professional caterer should be proud to show you their kitchen and introduce you to their staff. Notice if the kitchen is clean and well organized. Seeing the kitchen will tell you a great deal about the caterer.

  4. Find out if the caterer will allow change to the menu. Remember, it's your event and the caterer may think their dishes are perfect, but do you?

  5. Make sure the caterer will provide a sample tasting of some of the food that is going to be served.

  6. Always sign a detailed contract, don't sign it until you are completely satisfied and they can answer all of your questions to your satisfaction.

  7. Does caterer have familiarity with local venues?

  8. Is caterer the "Preferred Vendor" at any particular venues?

  9. Are there previous clients you could speak to?

  10. Does the caterer have any specialties (food, cuisine, etc...)

  11. How long has the caterer been in business?

  12. Does the caterer have any industry affiliations?

Questions to ask when selecting a company in this industry:

  1. What attire the servers will wear and how many will be at my event?

  2. How long does it usually take to serve a meal from start to finish?

  3. Will they stop clearing tables during the important events of the evening; for example, speeches?

  4. Who sets up the event?

  5. How will the premises be left after the event?

  6. What is the payment policy?

  7. Is a deposit required? Is it refundable if you cancel for any reason?

  8. When is the balance due?

  9. What method of payment is accepted?

  10. Will they provide samples of the food and table settings?

  11. Are there children's portions or special meals (including vegetarian alternatives) and what is the price?

  12. What allowances will they make for food allergies?

  13. Will they provide you with a contract? Does it clearly indicate what is and is not included? Are items such as taxes and gratuities included in the price?

  14. Do they provide bartenders? Also, can you provide your own alcohol?

  15. Do they provide things like renting of china and linens?

What to avoid when selecting a company in this industry:

  1. Avoid a company that can't show you examples of their work, they should be able to show you everything, down to the outfits the staff will be wearing.

  2. A company that doesn't show interest in what you want.

  3. A fixed menu with no options. You should have some say with the food being served.

  4. A company that will not work within you budget.

     

After interviewing and running an extensive background check the National Association Against Consumer Fraud has awarded the following business a listing in The Business A-List:

Big City Catering, Inc.

9500 Satellite Blvd. #210
Orlando, FL 32837
Phone (407) 438-3488

www.bigcitycatering.com

Big City Catering is a unique, distinctive, upscale gourmet caterer serving all of Central Florida. Whether your event is an intimate gathering or an extravagant gala, the professional staff and chefs will create a personalized menu matching both the theme and flavor of your event. As Metro Orlando has expanded in size and diversity, so has the demand for artistic epicurean tastes. Recognizing this niche market, owner Tom Pokorny established Big City Catering in April 2004. Drawing upon his years of catering experience to create a new business capturing the upper echelon of clients and their specific needs.

The name 'Big City Catering' came to fruition after noticing that Central Floridians were unable to get 'Big City' cuisine in the Metro Orlando area. Pokorny prides himself on providing Central Florida with cuisine and presentation never seen before. Pokorny began his career in the restaurant industry then transitioned into catering - staging exciting, high profile events at Universal Orlando before launching Big City Catering. As Big City Catering continues to grow and expand, Pokorny focuses on maintaining the vision of Big City Catering by continuing to offer unique, upscale events with both confidence and class.

Big City Catering has assembled a topnotch team of catering professionals to assist in this endeavor. Approximately seventy hard-working team members contribute to the overall success of the company. Chef Roy Daniel, former executive chef for the Knickerbocker Club in New York City, brings his award-winning talents to Big City's culinary team. "At 77 years of age, he is one of our hardest working team members,'' Pokorny says of Chef Daniel. "His ability to mentor and share his vast knowledge has been beneficial to everyone at Big City." Big City's management team has more than one hundred years of hospitality experience and is capable of providing catering services to groups from two to 20,000 guests. Director of Sales and Service Molly Crouch, previously with Levy Restaurants at the Orange County Convention Center, offers the ability to conduct sales efforts in areas previously "off limits" to off-premise caterers. Director of Operations Larry Morris has large-event experience through his management positions at both Universal Orlando and NASCAR. Lastly, Big City's sales team is anchored by Senior Catering Sales Manager James Isom, who has more than thirty-five years of catering experience in the Central Florida region. From the front-of-the-house team to the back-of-the house team, Big City Catering prides itself on creating unique food and beverage experiences for all their guests. The culinary and operations teams coordinate menus and logistics making sure nothing is left to chance. The chefs value the commitment to use only the fi nest and freshest ingredients. It is the essence of their passion for greatness. A Big City event begins with an open and honest dialog with all prospective clients. Establishing rapport and ensuring a 'right fit' for all parties is essential to any successful event. From inception to execution, Big City Catering ensures a memorable event. "Our goal is to exceed our clients' expectations, always being mindful of their budget."

"Total client satisfaction is our primary concern," Pokorny says. "Let us show you what it means to be a part of a Big City Event." At Big City Catering, it's all in the details. Chef Interactive Stations with personalized menus are a signature characteristic of Big City Catering events. From sauté to sizzle, these action stations allow guests the ability to custom order their meal while watching professional chefs assemble and prepare their dish. Big City's corporate and social events range from grand openings to holiday parties to weddings. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable sales professionals are eager to assist clients in all aspects of planning their events.

Let Big Catering help create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

 

 
 

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