Catering & Beverage Services
Randomly selecting a caterer is not a wise
business move. Keeping everyone focused on
the agenda and not on an empty stomach obviously
is an important factor when planning a
business meeting or event.
If you have never used a caterer before, ask
associates for recommendations based on their
previous experience. Also, most caterers will
gladly provide references that you can contact,
and some caterers post references on their Web
sites. Be sure to do a little research before you
begin the search.
Many caterers can provide different types of
food for meetings or events. Options include
breakfasts, picnics, box lunches, party platters,
executive luncheons, formal and informal buffets,
cocktail and hors d’oeuvre receptions, and even
seven-course seated dinners.
In addition to companies that specialize only
in catering or beverage services, other catering
options include area delicatessens and restaurants.
If your favorite restaurant provides exceptional
food, service and catering, then it would
be a logical choice for that important meeting
you are planning. Also, for meeting planners who are looking for a specific cuisine, many
restaurants provide expertise in a certain cuisine
that is difficult to match.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Once you have checked the references of several
caterers and made your choice, the focus
goes back to details. Make sure you understand
exactly which services the caterer will provide
and get it in writing. Questions to ask include:
Will that caterer allow you to maintain control
of your event? Caterers provide a service, and
are there to offer advice, but never to make
demands.
Does the fee include setup and cleanup?
How will the food be presented?
How many catering staff will serve at the event?
Will there be waiters supervising the buffet
and food tables? (This is always a good
way to limit over-consumption by meeting
attendees.)
Will there be adequate supervision of trash,
during and after coffee breaks—as well as
consolidation of coffee and tea to limit waste?
Do you have a choice of linens and tableware?
Will the caterer provide decorations for the
table?
Do you need to sign a contract? Is there a
cancellation fee?
Can the caterer incorporate the theme of your
meeting with the presentation of the food?
Does the caterer have the necessary license or
permit for serving alcoholic beverages? Will it
be a full bar or wine and beer service only?
When do you need to provide a final head
count for the function?
MORE TIPS
Consider limiting drink tickets to two or three,
especially in crowds larger than 50. This
helps cut down on costs.
When making order estimates, keep in
mind that consumption is always a little less
than head count. For instance, if 100 people
RSVP, order coffee for 80.
Remember to select a caterer who will suit
your needs, while letting you control what is necessary
and unnecessary for your function. The following
section provides a listing of many of the
area’s best caterers in various price ranges.