Outline: 

Summary: One of the biggest challenges in planning and hosting an event is finding a good catering company that will make you and your guests happy. There are many companies to choose from, but not all are created equal. So, perform due diligence. To help you out, we have rounded up below some of the questions to ask a catering company before hiring them. 

Which Types of Foods Do You Specialize in?

This is a crucial question to ask a catering company, especially if the event has a specific theme with particular foods in mind. If the one you are planning to hire has specialties or favorites, consider planning the menu around those feature items to ensure you are getting the best. 

Do You Have Any to Recommend?

Nothing beats recommendations and referrals. Your caterer may have some fantastic ideas based on your available budget, the number of guests, and the event style you desire. For instance, the food they recommend for a birthday event may differ from what they would suggest for a golf outing. 

Some of My Guests Have Allergies and Dietary Restrictions. What Can You Do About This?

Special diets like kosher, gluten-free, and vegan are a primary concern for some visitors. So, ensure your birthday or wedding caterer is ready to handle food requests. It is always wise to ask how exactly the caterer deals with challenges, particularly last-minute requests. 

Do You Have a License, Liability Insurance, and Health Permits?

Don’t get abstracted by the taste and look of the food offered by the catering company during the sampling session.  Ensure to look into their health and safety protocols. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask questions and do a background check. 

What are Your Electrical and Water Needs?

This seems to be a nonsense question, but knowing the answer is vital to the event’s success. Since a catering company can’t prepare food without enough water and electrical provisions, you need to have an insight into how they will handle an outdoor or raw space venue. 

Which Rentals Does Your Proposal Comprise?

If you are planning to hire catering for a specific event, make sure to ask this question ahead of time. Keep in mind that rental exclusions or inclusions can make a big difference to your budget. Inquire about extra expenses that are not included in the existing proposal. 

How is your food presented?

Whether a plated meal or buffet, it may be useful to see examples of what this caterer has done in the past. Food presentation is a vital factor for the overall success of your event. 

What is the Expected Cost?

Keeping track of your budget is imperative, so be aware of what is included in the cost. For breakfast, lunch, or dinner catering, it is a per-guest rate. However, go further with this to keep away from any unnecessary expenses down the road. Follow up by asking if setup, chef wages, and take-down or gratuity are included in the per-guest rate. 

Tip: It is always vital to set a budget for catering. It is a good starting point, as this will determine the kind of service you can pay for the event. Champagne for every table, elegant dessert stations, and a five-course meal may not be in the cards if the budget is tight. Having a logical budget in place will assist your wedding catering company in finding the ideal options for you. 

Do You Offer Food Sampling?

The opportunity to sample the food before the main event can help you narrow down the dishes for the occasion. This will also give you an insight into how the caterer will present them. So, this is a key area to consider. 

Are there Any Additional Costs?

Ensure you know all the possible add-on expenses related to the service that could arise before the event. Knowing them will make it easier for you to adjust and be flexible. 

What is the Extent of Food Choices?

Sometimes, pleasing guests when it comes to food can be a lot of work. So, if you are hosting a big event, having more selection is ideal. Consider different meal choices, such as vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other options. It does not mean you must break the bank with a variety of selections. A good catering company will be able to give you the perfect balance of diversity and cost efficiency. 

Are You Able to Handle Recurring Business?

This question must be asked by someone seeking a catering company for a corporate or business event. It is wise to settle for one catering service provider, as you could work with them throughout the year for your business events. For instance, you have an event every month. That is a lot of work to plan each time. With a reliable caterer, however, planning the second event onwards will be a breeze. That’s because they already know about your events, company, preference, and theme. 

What Do You Do with Leftovers?

Make sure to ask this question to know if they have a procedure in place for food waste after the event.  If you prefer sending qualified, uneaten food to a non-profit for people in need, this is a vital concern of communication between the caterer and the planner. 

Conclusion

Taking the time to look for the best catering company is a vital part of planning an event and knowing the right questions to ask can save you stress and time. While there are no specific wrong or correct answers to the questions above, you and your catering company must agree to the answers prior to signing an agreement. 

Be it for a birthday, wedding, or corporate event catering in Weatherford, TX, Flavor on 51 is your number one choice. Call us now to find out how we can help you!