What Are The Steps to Finding a Catering Service in Orlando, FL
As one of the top full-service catering companies in Orlando, FL, we understand that it can be difficult to find the right catering service for your event.
Whether you are hosting a corporate event, celebrating your wedding, or having a small birthday party, special occasions are made memorable with quality food.
When it comes to event catering, your guests deserve nothing but the best. There is no doubt that delicious offerings can act as a catalyst for a good time.
Of course, finding the right catering service is easier said than done. Luckily, we are here to help.
In this guide, we are going to provide you with the top 10 tips for choosing the best catering service in Orlando, FL.
Consider Your Event Size and Personal Needs
Ensure that whatever caterer you hire for your events can handle the number of people you plan on inviting. You should also consider your needs when hiring a caterer. You might only need food, though you may also require tableware end dining setups.
Give the catering service all the details upfront to gauge whether or not they can handle the size of your party.
Keep Your Event Location in Mind
Location is critical.
Consider your location and how far the caterers will have to drive to get to your event. Your best bet is to find a caterer that has experience with your chosen venue or a venue like it.
Some companies will build out entire kitchens on-site when there aren’t built-in kitchens available. If you find a caterer who can’t go the extra mile to meet your needs or expectations, they might not be the right choice for your event.
Determine the Amount of Flexibility You Need
When planning an event, you often have to prepare for anything that could happen. It makes it so much easier when every party is flexible, especially when it comes to the food.
Food preferences and allergies can make things complicated, so working with a chef that preps for those kinds of complications is imperative. When going through the catering interview process, ask questions about last-minute changes to see if they can work with the level of flexibility you may need.
Read Customer Reviews
Knowing that you’re chosen caterer will follow through with what they promised can bring peace of mind. To gauge a caterer’s reliability, check out reviews.
If reviews tell you that the caterer is a trusted source, you can double-check by asking colleagues or friends who have worked with them what their experiences were.
Review Costs
While it may seem quite obvious, cost is one of the most crucial factors to consider when hiring a caterer, especially because catering can get quite expensive very quickly.
Compare costs from different caterers to weigh your options and keep an eye out for hidden fees. Compromise is always something you’ll have to consider if you don’t want to pay too much. Figure out the kind of food you would like, the size of your event, and the types of expectations you have to get a better idea of what you can expect in return.
Ask to See Certifications
Make sure that the catering company you want to hire meets all of the basic requirements and has the necessary certifications to serve food. The certifications are provided by insurance agencies and health departments.
If a catering company can’t provide proof of certification, it’s probably a good idea to start looking at other candidates.
Get More Info on the Caterer’s Food Preparation Method
Ask your prospective caterer how they prepare the food both on-site and off-site. You have to consider this element in your overall event budget and the day-of-event timeline. Having your food cooked off-site is more affordable, though it won’t work for every kind of meal.
While there are limitations to off-site food preparation, the financial benefits can make it worth your while.
Here at JJ’s Fresh, we prepare off-site meals that work perfectly for all kinds of events. All of the ingredients we use are fresh, and all of our food is made from scratch. Any questions that customers might have about how we prepare our food are questions that we are more than happy to answer.
Decide How Many Staff Members You Need
Depending on the type of event you have, you’ll likely need to have staff on-site.
If this is unfamiliar territory to you, here are some estimates as to how many staff members you might need:
- Buffet-Style – Having around two servers for every 30 guests is a good rule of thumb. When dealing with large groups, you might factor in a few additional staff members that can act as runners, restocking chafing stations and clearing dishes.
- Full-Service – When it comes to sit-down meals, you should have a round one server for every two tables. You may also factor in additional servers to handle drinks.
- Bar Staff – For every 50 guests consider at least one bartender and one bar back. If you plan on having special drink stations for your event, you may need to consider additional bartenders.
Have a Taste Test
No matter how gorgeous the food photos are, and no matter how great the reviews read, you’ll want to make sure that the caterer in question provides tasting. This is especially true if you are dealing with a caterer that you have never worked with before.
Going in for a taste test is one of the best ways to get a true feel for the quality of the food they offer.
Working with JJ’s Fresh Here In Orlando, FL
JJ’s Fresh is one of the top catering services in Orlando, FL, for weddings, corporate events, and general special occasions. People choose JJ’s Fresh for our happy, healthy, and fresh ingredients, cooked from scratch and with love by our experienced chefs.
Whether your event is large or small, we can help.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our catering services.
