Catering & Beverage Services
Whether the event you are planning for
your corporate group is formal or casual,
pairing up with the right caterer
makes all the difference in the flavor of your
occasion.
Predominately there are three food service
styles used by caterers in hosting a group dining
event: cocktail, buffet and seated meals.
Certainly each style invites a distinct pace,
accommodation and ambiance. So, it is essential
for you to consider what you hope to accomplish
with the group your caterer will be serving.
For example, a gala or fundraiser may
inspire you to add a dash of pizzazz to your
corporate catering event such as a majestic
ice sculpture of your company logo, succulent
fresh shrimp, mouthwatering roast beef
and decadent chocolate desserts. Or perhaps
your group prefers something more casual,
like an outdoor barbeque complete with
brown sugar red beans, smoking brisket and
apple pie. No matter what your preference,
your caterer can combine your food and beverage
options with an ambiance that suits any
appetite and budget, creating a wonderful
dining experience.
If you are unfamiliar with how to hire a
caterer or just need a refresher course, listed
below are 15 helpful hints to consider when
choosing a catering company to handle your
important corporate dining event.
1. Have you tasted the caterer’s food or
received recommendations?
2. What person from the catering company
will actually be available at your event?
3. Does the caterer have a permit?
4. Does the caterer have a commercial
kitchen?
5. Discuss timing issues with your caterer
such as set up and tear down.
6. If there is a speaker at your corporate
dinner, during what course will he speak?
7. Discuss different serving styles from
informal to formal, sit-down dinner or
buffet, food stations, etc.
8. When discussing the menu, consider
these issues: type of food, hot or cold,
variety of menu, number of courses,
theme-related foods and don’t forget
special dietary requirements available
for guests.
9. When reviewing beverages with your
caterer, decide on a host or no-host bar
or full, premium or well bar.
10. Be sure to also check on alcohol
beverage licensing/permits with your
caterer and any restrictions at the facility
where you are hosting your get-together.
11. Discuss the number of catering staff
to handle your event and their attire.
12. Consider location choices from dining
or meeting rooms to patios or foyers.
13. Talk about room/table arrangements
from round to rectangular tables, head
tables, accommodations for extra guests
and room traffic flow.
14. Discuss equipment considerations
such as linens, flowers, balloons, china,
crystal and utensils as well as special
equipment.
15. Finally, determine when a final head
count is due to the caterer and length
of service.
These 15 steps should get you off to a good
start and help to marshal exactly what you want
for your corporate dining affair. Guests will
savor cuisine that delights them with the steady
assurance of tradition, seasoned with the evolving
tastes of trendy accents.
Just remember that every catering affair
begins with an experienced consultant who tailors
a menu and coordinates the food, décor
and presentation to best meet your needs and
deliver a spectacular event.