The pressure is on you once you host an event, whether for family, friends, or company events. Every detail can be a make-or-break moment; however, you must remember that good food leaves a mark no matter what occasion.
As one of the top catering restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, we’ve got you! Look at these time and money-saving tips on hiring the best event caterer for your upcoming events.
Catering Needs and Event size
Being transparent with your catering needs and event size will impact the quality of service you receive and the event’s success. It will also help your caterer with the menu selection, the number of staff to deploy, equipment, logistics, serving stations and buffet tables, and cost.
The Location of the Event
A caterer must know the location of your event for necessary preparations. They must consider parking, loading and unloading zones, and obstacles that may impede the venue. It will also help them plan what utensils to bring for the food service, such as when the venue needs a kitchen. Some locations also require permits or licenses for food service.
The Flexibility You Need From an Event Caterer
Clients have different dietary needs, cultural preferences, and personal tastes. A flexible caterer can customize the menu to meet the client’s specific requirements, whether offering vegetarian options or incorporating a favorite dish. There can also be last-minute event changes and venue limitations, to which your catering in Fort Lauderdale should adapt.
Caterer’s Customer Reviews
Online reviews provide valuable feedback from previous customers, which may help your decision to hire a catering company. Online reviews offer social proof of the caterer’s overall reputation and allow company comparisons.
Review the Event Caterer’s Costs
Understanding the cost of a caterer’s service is crucial to your budget plan for the menu, ensuring each item fits within your budget while meeting your event’s culinary needs. Transparency with the cost will help eliminate hidden fees and allow you to set expectations on the quality of food and service.
The Caterer’s Certification
Once you have settled on the caterer you will work with, ensure they meet the minimum requirements mandated by health departments and insurance agencies; if they cannot present one, it’s time for the next catering company.
Find Out About the Caterer’s Food Preparation Method
If the food is cooked off-site, make sure to ask how the food is prepared and transported. This may also impact your budget, as food cooked off-site is more cost-effective. Make sure you have a clear grasp of how everything will be done before saying yes.
Decide the Number of Catering Staff Needed
The number of staff required for catering depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the event, the type of service needed, and the level of service expected.
- Buffet: Assign two servers for every 30 guests and two or three additional runners to clear dishes and restock chafing stations.
- Sit-down Dinners: Assume one server per every two tables, with additional servers for drinks service.
- Bar Staff: Deploy at least one bartender and one bar-back for every fifty guests.
Willingness to Provide Tastings
Make sure that you sample the food before making your final decision. There needs to be more than pictures and written descriptions. Ensure the food is presented to you in a well-lit and quiet room.
Ready to Hire!
Are you planning an event in Fort Lauderdale? Tower Deli offers exquisite catering in Fort Lauderdale. We love making great food with quality ingredients. For reservations and catering services, call us at 954.452.8202
