While there is no shortage of excellent catering companies out there, ready, willing, and able to prepare fabulous fare for your event, the menu and food catered to your attendees dietary needs will not leave a lasting impression of a spectacular meeting or event if the service staff and experience of your caterer isn't there. If choosing the right caterer for your meeting has your stomach in knots, simply ask these fifteen questions to find the ideal caterer who will serve up a successful celebration that your guests will be raving about long after the meeting is over:
Know what you want before you start your search. Begin by speaking with at least three caterers prior to your meeting or event. Get a feel for pricing, capabilities, and experience, while outlining your needs and expectations. Does the caterer only prepare the food or do they have staff to set up, serve, and clean up? Do you need a full-service caterer or do you have other resources who can handle pre- and post-event tasks?
With whom will you be meeting at the catering company? The chef? The company owner? Who will be your point person if you have questions or issues? Know contact information and ensure the person with whom you’re dealing has the authority to answer questions and make decisions.
Is your caterer eager to make your event a success? Are they responsive to questions? Are they quick to return calls and emails? Are they engaged and displaying a genuine interest in your event? Enthusiasm demonstrates they’re as invested as you in the outcome.
Whether you’re planning a casual company picnic or a formal plated dinner, experience counts. Has the caterer previously catered a meeting or event like yours? Do they specialize in large scale events or smaller, more intimate gatherings? Do they have the equipment and the staff necessary to do the job?
Take some time to review the resume and experience of the chef and key staff to ensure they’re up to the challenge.
Is your caterer willing to work with you on a customized menu or do they offer set menus with no option for substitutions? The former might prove a better fit, especially if you have guests with special dietary needs.
Is it important to you that menu ingredients be locally sourced? Certified organic? Grass fed or cage free? Gluten options? Do you insist on fresh or is frozen okay? Find out what and where they’re getting ingredients.
Healthy food and cooking practices are critical to a successful catered affair. Check with the health department for any complaints or issues that may have arisen in the past from the vendor.
Try before you buy. See if a caterer is as good as they claim by asking for a tasting of what they’re offering.
Nothing predicts the future like past behavior. Ask for the names and contact information of past clients so you can explore the success (or missteps) of past events they’ve catered.
Connect with your network and ask for referrals. Your own referrals may have a more objective perspective than one of the caterer’s favorite clients.
Professional caterers should always carry liability insurance. Make sure they do and that you’re not left with a hefty price to pay for accidents or mistakes they make.
Make sure you know the full price of everything — food, preparation, set up, service, dish and linen rentals, clean up — right from the start. Be wary of last-minute surprises that could bust your budget.
Know exactly what you’re getting, when, where, and how it will be delivered and served, prices, and policies and sign a contract that covers all the details.
Find out a caterer’s policy on leftovers. If they don’t offer you surplus food, make sure ahead of time that you’re only paying for what your guests eat.
For a complete list of catering companies in your location visit our meetingpages Catering Companies Directory. Send a free request to one or multiple vendors that meet your criteria.
Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.
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