5 Questions To Ask When Interviewing An Upscale Caterer

If you’re hosting a corporate event, fundraiser, or another type of celebration, a luxury caterer can bring the event experience to the next level. But how do you find an upscale caterer who will exceed expectations and deliver a flawless service? Here are a few questions to ask.

1. Do you have experience catering to my type of event?

During a consultation with the caterer, ask if they have experience addressing the unique challenges of your type of event — whether that’s the space limitations of the venue, the high number of guests, or other special circumstances. Ask them to provide examples of past events similar to yours and explain how they developed solutions in urgent situations.

2. What is included in your catering packages?

You don’t want any surprises at the end of your event, and this includes the caterer’s bill. Before signing the contract, be sure to find out what exactly is included in the package they’re offering you. For example, some caterers hire outside vendors for add-ons like decorating, wait staff, equipment, and party favors. Be sure to find out the pricing for these add-ons beforehand and decide if you’d like the caterer to handle them or if you’ll hire someone else directly.

3. How do you address guests’ food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions?

You might love every item on the caterer’s menu, but your guests may have food allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions that could severely limit their options. Ask the caterer how they accommodate these guests and if there’s an extra charge. An upscale caterer should have a process in place for meeting the food limitations of all guests.

4. What is your cancellation policy?

Unfortunately, there are times when an event is canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Ask about the caterer’s cancellation policy so that you aren’t left in shock at the fee you’ll have to pay for a canceled event.

5. What makes you better than your competitors?

Last but not least, ask the caterer to tell you what makes them the best choice for your event. Do they have award-winning chefs? How long have they been in business? What are their clients saying about them? All of these questions could be used to gauge whether a caterer is qualified to meet the needs of your event.