Embedded in our nature is a desire to acquire the best. This effect has rippled to the selection of caterers for various events. In recent history, we have seen royal weddings that boast of the top catering companies to tend to their guests. However, the average citizen may not be capable of hiring such expertise. It is imperative to consider that the best catering company is subjective to the client’s needs and budget. Consequently, the best catering company is one that addresses the essential requirements of the client. Additionally, the company shouldn’t put a strain on the available resources: mainly financial resources.
To hire the best company for your event, consider the following:
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The cost of hire
As earlier mentioned, cost is a key factor in hiring a catering company. Therefore, the client should look for a company that is within their budget. Moreover, the client can negotiate with the selected company for a lowered cost. To avoid any conflicts in making payments, the client should enquire on any hidden charges.
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Staff availability
Before signing a contract with the catering company, ensure that they have sufficient staff. This is necessary, as the success of your event almost entirely depends on the catering service provided. It is for this reason that the client should inform the caterer on the size and nature of the planned event. The staff should in-turn be able to cover all areas of catering promptly and professionally.
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Menu Options
As a client, you need to review your desired cuisines and base your selection criteria on this. The caterer should be able to deliver the quality desired with ease and meet your needs. For instance, a catering company that specializes in French cuisines might find it hard to provide Italian inspired buffets. Besides this, the catering company should be capable of accommodating the different dietary restrictions of the guests.
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Menu tastings and client input
The caterer should be capable of setting a tasting prior to the event. This is to allow the client to sample the quality of food and service and either approve or disapprove. As this is the client’s event, the catering company should incorporate the ideas presented. The company should be work hand in hand with the client at every stage of the event.
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The caterer’s premises
Before hiring the catering company, ensure that you as the client visit their facilities. Check on their cleanliness levels and examine the professionalism portrayed by the staff. If they have high standards of hygiene, consider hiring them. It goes without saying that those low standards shouldn’t be considered.
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Narrowing your options
For people selecting caterers for the first time, it may seem hard to choose the best. Since they are many available caterers, narrow your selection scope. One can do this by getting recommendations from friends or the management at the event’s venue. Additionally, one can seek Google’s advice through reviews and discard potentially unsatisfactory catering companies.
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The company’s familiarity with chosen venue
The caterer should have worked at the venue. This is not to mean that they should have exclusively worked at your chosen venue but worked within the same environment. For instance, if the event is at a museum, it would be wise to consider a company that has worked in a museum before. This is because some venues have restrictions.
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Insurance
Before making a decision on hiring a catering company, ensure they are covered by an insurance company. This is to prevent the client from incurring any costs in the event of accidents.
When considering these options, it’s guaranteed that one will not only find the most suitable caterer, but also the best. It’s also vital that during the selection you keep an open mind for any suggestion that may be presented to you. This provides an avenue in which your ideas may be enriched and subsequently exceed your personal expectations as well as your guests. However, always ensure that your needs are well addressed and achieved.
Ryan Davis is the owner of Argyle Catering the best company for catering Jefferson City, MO has to offer.