How to Choose the Right Caterer
Good catering can rescue an event, but bad catering will almost always spoil the fun for all. Catering in Albuquerque can be a tough nut to crack. With these ten useful tips, however, you can find choose the right caterer easily.
1 – Responsiveness And Personal Interest in Your Needs
The responsiveness and interest a caterer shows during your initial conversations is often indicative of how they will perform during the tenure of your event and even thereafter. While these factors may seem insignificant when compared with taste and cost-effectiveness, they convey whether the caterer is concerned about the customers’ needs. When looking up catering in Albuquerque, make sure that the caterer you finalize is interested in learning about your event and is asking the right questions.
2 – Ability to Handle Your Event
Not every caterer can manage every type of event. Ask enough questions to determine if the caterer you are looking at has the right kind of experience, fitting your event. For instance, some caterers specialize in catering for smaller, more intimate social events. Others specialize in serving large corporate clients. When interviewing a caterer, explicitly mention the type of event you are planning and the type of food you are expecting.
3 – Flexibility Regarding Menu Options
Typically, caterers have a standard menu. While many do provide some level of flexibility, many do not accept changes to their menu. However, the best caterers offering catering in Albuquerque will go beyond standardized menu options. If a caterer is not willing to adapt, take it as a red flag. During your interview with the caterer, do ask these important questions to see how far they are willing to accommodate you.
4 – Willingness To Provide Tastings
Sampling their goods is the most important step in deciding on caterers. Some people shy away from this step, however, it would be a grave mistake to skip this crucial step. Attend at least three tastings with separate caterers before zeroing in on any service provider. If the need is, one should be prepared to pay for these tastings as well.
5 – Familiarity With The Venue
You would not want to hire a BBQ take-out joint to cater a formal ballroom fundraiser. Why? Because these caterers may not be accustomed to preparing and serving food in such a setting. This is especially applicable if you are hosting your event in traditional venues, which are typically teeming with restrictions.
6 – Thorough Go-Through of Services/Goods Promised in the Contract
The caterer’s contract should clearly spell out exactly what food, beverages, and services the caterer will be providing on the designated day(s). An important thing to inquire about is what comes standard in their contracts and what counts as an upgrade.
7 – A Well-Defined Cancellation Plan
Get detailed information on how the caterer manages cancellations, both from your and their end. Additionally, make sure that the cancellation terms are clearly stated in the contract.
8 – References You Can Call and Talk To
Before finalizing the caterer, check for reviews about their services. Social media platforms will prove greatly helpful here. However, do not stop there. If possible, track down past clients of the caterers and reach out to them.
9 – Insurance
Now, you certainly do not want to legally be on the hook for oversight or an accident that was the fault of your caterer. If the caterer does not have liability insurance, this is yet another red flag.
10 – An Experienced Chef and Kitchen Staff
When looking for catering in Albuquerque, do not be impressed by the number of years a caterer has been in business. The chef’s background and experience are more important than that of the owner of the company. The chef, sous chef, and kitchen staff should play a bigger role in finalizing the deal. Make sure to ask about the chef’s CV.
With these amazing tips in hand, your next event is sure to be phenomenal. Use this wholesome guide before setting on finding catering in Albuquerque.