In general, catering involves providing food and drinks to people at a designated venue such as a hotel, public or private space, beach, or even at home. In most cases, the company offering these services provides precooked food. Nevertheless, a caterer can still cook and serve food on site. Below you will learn some of the services offered by a typical catering company as well as some vital tips to help you choose the right catering company.
Services offered by A Typical catering Company
Corporate Event Catering
Businesses organize and hold events such as shareholder and investor meetings regularly. It is important to provide corporate event guests with refreshments and drinks after the hard work of discussing business matters. A catering company can easily take care of these refreshments according to your specifications.
Drop Off Service
This service involves delivering the food that you have requested to a location of your choice. In addition, the caterer will set up the food at a spot where guests can easily access it. If you opt for this service, take note that your caterer will not provide attendants to serve you and your guests. However, you can still get bartenders and food servers at an extra fee. A drop off service comes in handy if you would like to provide food and refreshments to close friends at a casual event such as a weekend party.
Full Service
Unlike the drop off service described above, full service is ideal for formal events such as company galas or corporate hospitality events. Your caterer will provide all the standard equipment such as silverware, plates, table pieces, and plate warmers. This is in addition to kitchen personnel and attendants to serve your guests. Take note that your caterer may add local tax charges to your bill. It is wise to talk to the catering company you choose to find out more about the services they offer as part of the full service package. Assuming that they will provide table linens is not a good idea because they may just turn up with food and attendants.
Themed Event Service
This type of service is ideal for people who want to hold themed events such as Halloween day luncheons. A professional catering company can easily provide delicacies that meet specifications for such an event. The cost varies depending on the number of people you will be hosting, delicacies served, as well as additional services you and your guests may request.
Tips To Help You Choose The Right Caterer
Equipment
Hiring a caterer who does not have the right equipment can make your event a disaster. A professional caterer should have equipment such as tables, chairs, chafing dishes, glassware, crockery and cutlery, tents, and delivery trucks.
Fresh Food
Choose a catering company that provides fresh food. Remember serving corporate guests stale food can sour important business relations. The rule of thumb is to go for a company that offers personalized tasting sessions. Taste every food, beverage, and liquor on offer to ensure that your guests will tuck into fresh and quality food. At the same time, a catering company should offer a wide range of menu selections. For example, your caterer should have the capacity to accommodate special dietary requests.
Professionalism
Hire a caterer who takes professionalism seriously. This includes hiring well-trained staff as well as following regulations and standards set by reputable bodies in the catering industry. Service delivery is also a good indicator of a catering company’s professionalism. If you cannot get prompt replies to your queries via email, phone, or instant messaging, take your business elsewhere. Visit the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website to find out if the company you are planning to hire has a good rating.
All in all, caterers perform an important duty of providing food to guests at wedding, corporate, or other special events. With this in mind, consider factors such as professionalism, equipment, and quality of food when choosing a catering company. Take note that some caterers have a minimum fee that all clients must pay regardless of the services requested.