How To Choose The Right San Diego Caterer For Your Event
Whether you’re planning a corporate event, charity gala, or wedding, choosing the right caterer makes a big difference. An experienced caterer will not only prepare, deliver, and serve delicious food, they will also take care of setup and tear down, allowing you to focus on the event itself. If you’ve never worked with a caterer before, here are a few tips to choosing the right one for your event.
1. Review their portfolio.
Begin by taking a look at their style and presentation. Decide how luxurious and artistic you’d like the food and displays to be and find one that aligns with your aesthetic. Take a look at the kinds of clients and events they’ve served in the past and find out if they have a solid reputation in the catering industry. Their portfolio will also reveal what kinds of appetizers, entrees, and drinks they serve (or whether they serve drinks at all).
The catering company should have a staff of experienced professionals who’ve undergone the right training to make a good impression on event attendees. Find out how long their employees stay with them and how they’re treated. If their employees don’t enjoy working for them, then you may not enjoy working with them either.
2. Ask about their experience.
Once you’ve found a few companies you like, schedule an appointment to talk about their offerings and experience. Find out how long they’ve been in business, what kinds of events they specialize in, and whether they’re able to accommodate your unique needs.
3. Take a look at the menu.
Some catering companies focus on one type of food, such as Mexican, Asian, or comfort food, while others focus on catering to a particular type of event. Review their menus in advance to see if their food will fit your event and if your guests will appreciate the flavors.
4. Schedule a tasting.
Once you’ve checked their background and menu, schedule a tasting to see if their food is worthy of the hype. Try a sample of different menu items and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request modifications, when possible.
5. Check the reviews.
Customer reviews can be a gold mine of information. However, don’t just take the word of anonymous reviewers, ask friends, family, and professionals within your network for recommendations.
6. Consider your budget.
Last but not least, check to see if they’re in your budget or if they have any flexibility with pricing. Caterers should be willing to offer suggestions for menu choices and other add-ons to stay within your budget.