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?

16. Do they have the businesses licenses needed to serve food and/or liquor and wine?

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 does not have a licensed kitchen facility. 

5. A company that will not work within your budget.

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