1. How will the food be presented? A successful event encompasses much more than just good food. The presentation of the food is equally important, as is the quality and taste of each menu item.
2. May I come in for a tasting? Where is the food prepared? On this visit all good and reputable caterers will be happy to let you sample some of the food being produced, even if it is not the specific menu items you are interested in. This is the best way to get a true sense of the whole operation.
3. Do you provide a written contract? A written contract protects both the caterer and the success of your function. Read all contracts thoroughly before signing, have all your questions answered, and never give a deposit without a written receipt.
4. Are you licensed and insured? How long has you company been in business? Do you have a list of referrals? To guarantee your safety and that of your guests, make sure your caterer is licensed and insured. A caterer cannot be properly licensed and insured unless they work out of a commercial kitchen facility that is licensed by the State of Florida. This means that any caterer working out of their home kitchen, without a license, is doing business illegally. A caterer is required by law to have on their premises during all business hours at least one employee that is licensed by the State of Florida as a Certified Professional Food Manager. An established business is more likely to have a list of referrals (such as corporate clients) that would refuse to do business with an "illegal" caterer. Keep in mind that an unlicensed caterer cannot obtain liability insurance, and if something should go wrong at your event catered by an uninsured caterer, and you are ultimately financially liable should any of your guests become ill or injured.
5. Ask about the service staff, and dress code. Make sure your caterer employs a service staff for whom catering is a full time profession. The staff a caterer employs is a direct reflection of the quality of service and product they are selling. The personnel at your function must be clean, dressed to suit the occasion, articulate, and professionally mannered.
6. Should the caterer visit the location of the event? A good caterer will want to make a site inspection of the event location to insure they bring all the right equipment and check for any possible logistical problems could arise.
7. Can you accommodate any special dietary requests? Can you make any items that are not on your menu? If a catering company employs a talented chef there should be no reluctance to accommodate any culinary or dietary preferences.
8. What other available services do you provide other than the food and service staff? An experienced and qualified caterer will have many valuable contacts within the industry and will be able to coordinate any floral, rental, theme decor, or entertainment needs your event may require.
9. Will you listen to my concerns and input? A caterer who claims to know everything, or is not willing to work within your guidelines should not be considered.
10. What can I do to save money if I'm on a budget? There are ways every good caterer knows to create an event that can reflect the budget of the client and should be willing to provide cost reducing alternatives if an original quote comes in higher than expected.
