In order to successfully cater an event, many things need to be professionally completed. Caterers must manage cooks, cleaners, dishwashers, and servers. In addition, these separate teams have to all work on different tasks to ensure an event goes smoothly. Statistics show that there are over 300,000 men and women employed in the United States food service management industry. Considering that, it’s understandable to make sure that you find good caterers. With that in mind, here are six signs you’re working with professional catering services.
- Finding a Responsive Catering Company
One of the most important traits when looking for good caterers is their responsiveness. If a company is unreliable during the early communication stages, this will likely happen in later planning phases. Event planning and catering companies must be reliable and responsive to a client’s inquiries or concerns. If the company you’re speaking with seems flaky, choose another catering service. - Good Caterers Provide Clear Contracts
There are many things that go into ensuring an event is properly catered. As you would in many business situations, you’ll sign a contract while working with caterers. Considering that, it’s important to ensure that this contract covers any type of costs you’re paying. You’ll want this contract to fully explain all costs associated with catering your event. - Wide Range of Menu Options
Special event catering services should have more than one menu. In turn, this allows clients to choose the best option for their upcoming event. Good caterers rotate their menus as it allows them to utilize seasonal ingredients. In addition, flexible caterers should be able to offer foods for those with special dietary needs. - Catering Services Should Provide References
It’s certainly important to have references. Talking to these references help you to find out more about a business. Therefore, it’s important to ask if you can speak with past clients. While online reviews are helpful, it’s best to take these with a grain of salt. After all, one or two negative reviews could provide an inaccurate picture of a company. Therefore, it’s best to try and meet privately with a catering company’s references. In turn, you’ll be able to find out more than what a single online review offers. - Allowing You to Taste Test Items
It’s difficult to know how food will you taste when you’re unable to sample these items. Therefore, it’s always wise to ask about samples before partnering with a catering company. Good caterers should feel confident enough in their foods to offer a small sample. - Choosing a Safe Catering Service
Good catering companies are aware of and adhere to the latest food safety laws. Keeping track of this information helps to ensure this catering service values safety. Understandably, it’s often difficult to find out whether or not a company knows food safety laws. That being said, caterers meeting the previously mentioned criteria are likely to follow these guidelines.
To summarize, there are several signs you’re working with a great catering company. It’s true that it might take some time to find the right caterers. That being said, finding the right company will take a lot of stress off of you during an upcoming event. If you want to take the stress out of food planning, contact a catering service.