How to choose a caterer

How to choose a caterer!

There has been an explosion in the number of companies offering catering services in recent years. From personal chef services, off-site restaurant catering to full-scale commercial catering kitchens. It can be confusing and difficult to compare one catering company with another, and to know what to look for in a good caterer.
Here is a list of things to look for when hiring a caterer:

1. Caterer's Services

Great food is an integral part of any party or function but a successful event is the combination of good planning, excellent service and great food. Ask the caterer the following questions:

• Have you catered for this type of event before? You don't want your special event to be the guinea pig!
• Are you capable of catering for the group size? Is the kitchen clean and appropriate to handle the function?
• How do you staff your business? Do you have sufficient kitchen and service staff or do you use agency staff?
• Do you provide tableware and equipment?
• Are you able to provide bar service?
• Do you offer other event planning services such as decorations, event coordination, etc?

2. Licences

The caterer should have experience preparing and serving food and hold the appropriate business licences. Staff should have knowledge of food safety and be trained in the responsible service of alcohol (if there is bar service). The Caterer's Gold Licence is issued by the Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia. Companies with a gold licence must have a commercial kitchen, have appropriate insurance and training and experience in food preparation and catering management. Caterers can also hold a Liquor Caterers licence issued by the state in which the business operates.

3. Food preparation and handling

Ask to get a tour of the caterer's kitchens. Ask your caterer where they shop. Do they use fresh or frozen foods? Do they prepare the foods themselves or are they simply food brokers? Will they prepare food in advance? How will they store and transport the food to the venue? The health act required that food be transported at below 5 degrees or above 60 degrees. Do they have refrigerated trucks for transportation?

4. Check credentials

Get resumes of the catering company and the chefs that will be preparing the food. Ask for current references and call them for referrals. Make sure that the company has up-to-date insurance. Find out if they are members of any of the industry associations such as the Restaurant and Catering Association of Australia and the Catering Institute of Australia. Also check with consumer affairs in your state to make sure that the catering company is in good standing and no complaints have been filed against them.

5. Catering proposal

Make sure that your catering company has prepared a catering proposal that meets your budget and has fully understood the goals for your event. After the interview ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with this company? You should have full confidence in their abilities. Do they seem excited about your event? Have they listened to you? Have they offered alternative suggestions and ideas? Your meeting should be positive and if you have any doubts then you should keep looking.
For a hassle-free way to find a caterer why not try our catering referral service?

It's free. Simply complete the short registration form and up to three prescreened caterers will call you to compete for your business.