Every winter party is unique. That’s why it’s so important to hire a caterer that will create an amazing menu to match.
At the same time, how can you ensure you’re hiring the right San Diego catering company? What little things can you look for and which questions can you ask? Here are a few tips to understand how to hire a private chef and caterer for your holiday or winter event.
How to Hire a Private Chef or Caterer for Your Winter Event
By planning in advance, you can make sure you’re hiring the best catering company and private chef for your party.
1. Find Out How The Company Handles Special Requests
Special requests take on several shapes and forms.
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-sodium, Halal, Kosher, and other dietary restrictions
- Themed events and unorthodox venues
- Last-minute additions or updates
- On-site adjustments that need to happen day-of
An experienced caterer knows that changes are a natural part of the business and prepares to roll with any unexpected punches.
2. Review Sample Menus Before You Hire a Caterer
If you want a better sense of how the meal will be prepared, ask for a sample menu. This will show you the kinds of dishes that the catering company can prepare, along with specialties or most requested items. If you don’t see your personal favorites on there, be sure and ask!
Also, you may want to schedule a tasting once you have narrowed down your selection. Your catering company will have a specific approach to tastings, and will be able to walk you through the process. If you have a good experience with the tasting, chances are you will be happy with the full event menu.
3. Check References and Read Reviews
Private chefs and caterers should provide a list of references when requested. Ask the references how many times they’ve used the company, what they liked and didn’t, and what they would have changed.
Look for consistency in the reviews. See if others have hired this vendor for events similar to yours, such as at the same venue. As always, check reviews online as well.
4. Pay Special Attention During the Proposal Phase
When meeting with your catering company, make sure the office is clean and organized. Is your sales manager flexible, friendly, and respectful? If so, you can trust that event staff should treat your event with the same professionalism. If the proposal is late, and you’re having difficulty getting calls returned, this should set off some red flags. Look for professionalism in the overall business as a sign of how your event will be carried out.
5. Ask About Additional Services
When you hire a caterer, you’re also hiring a company to provide service to guests – whether you choose a buffet or table service. Make sure to ask about details like china, silverware, and napkin choices.
Many catering companies offer additional services as well. Find out if they can help with décor, equipment, chairs, entertainment, or other rental options. A full-service event catering company makes it easy to plan everything through one entity instead of organizing everything separately on your own.
6. Check with Your Venue about Preferred Vendors or Vice Versa
If you’ve already signed a contract with a venue, check if it requires you to hire a caterer from its preferred list of vendors.
If not, consider choosing a caterer first and asking about the company’s list of preferred venues. Experienced catering companies have special relationships with other organizations in the event planning business and you can reap the benefits when you plan your winter event.
7. Look for Photos Online Before You Hire a Caterer
A reputable catering company should openly supply photos from previous events on the website. You can learn a lot from these photos. Pay close attention to things like plating, serving, and finishing touches to get an idea of what your event could look like.
At the same time, your catering company should adjust depending on what your event requires.
Likewise, you could dig deeper by searching for your catering company on social media and looking at tagged photos from guests or hosts of earlier events before you hire a caterer.
8. Find Out Who You’ll Be Working with On-Site
Leading up to the event, the catering management team and sales staff will appoint a lead person to coordinate with you throughout your event.
You will want to sort out the details ahead of time, so you know who you will be interfacing with. Ask your sales manager who will run the catering at the event and ask to speak with them beforehand, if need be.
9. Review Your Agreement
Give your catering agreement a read-over and make sure it contains everything you need. You will also want to ensure you are covered if you have a change in requirements. For example, what happens if you have to add or remove guests leading up to the event? How does on-site staff handle tips? It may seem excessive to know the finer points of your agreement, but you’ll be glad you took the time. This way, you’ll be able to ask informed questions!
Hire a Caterer You Can Trust
Trust is key when working with a catering company or chef. Dining often makes up a significant part of an event budget and serves as a focal point of the night. With our creatively crafted menus, stellar reputation, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, we will ensure that your holiday party event exceeds expectations.
Browse our 2019 holiday menu and start planning your winter event with Personal Touch Dining today!
