Caterer – Rockville, MD

Key Questions Before Hiring a Rockville, MD Caterer

If feeding the guest is your only concern, you don’t need a professional to do that. You can just order takeout or have your local restaurant deliver to your location and your problem is solved. The default setting for most people when hiring somebody is always going to be Google. If the caterer is any good, your problem is already half-solved. Before doing anything else, choosing a caterer should be at the top of your to-do-list. You know how when you have so many choices of catering services—and each choice seems to be better than the last—that it’s very hard to decide? It’s the same with the unfiltered search engine like Google. The tricky part is finding the right supplier for your needs. Going online to search for caterers is quite tricky. Also below is a handy guide on some essential factors to consider before hiring your service provider. Catering Authority, which is an online directory that compiles a list of caterers in multiple cities in the U.S., is giving some tips to make sure you choose the right caterers so you not only get delicious food but also get the most value for your money.  

1. Set a budget according to your guests in Rockville, MD, but be prepared to break

The guest list is the main building platform for the catering company. Make sure that you will never have to order takeout quickly in order to salvage a situation. Also, each vendor has different capabilities. A boutique caterer specializes in intimate events or around 30-50 people. Of course, you don’t hire them if the birthday or wedding event expects more than 100 participants and guests. Some birthday parties and wedding events are not fluid. That means even if you specifically tell your uncle from your mother’s side that you only reserved two seats for them, chances are they’re bringing along another one Do not just to come up with the budget; a firmed up guest list ensures that nobody goes home hungry.  

2. Too many chefs will spoil the broth

So whether you are planning a corporate event or a simple family party, make sure the contractor will appoint one point person with the authority to make last-minute decisions. Assigning a point person just makes sense because the supplier is not expected to talk to just about anybody from the company or family. They think that the vendor will just show up and everything will be alright, but remember Murphy’s Law? If something is bound to go wrong, it will. Having a point person is advantageous in some ways because you are only dealing with one person so it’s easier to assign blame if something goes wrong. All concerns should be addressed with constant communication between the organizer and the catering company. You can help ensure catering services to go smoothly by helping avoid too many chefs from spoiling the broth, so to speak.  

3. Make sure you know your Rockville, MD guests’ preferred menu and drinks

Coming up with a menu that makes everyone happy is the job of the caterings. Your job, therefore, is to ensure that you get all bases covered. One way around this is to create a special page on your website where attendees can fill out a form, selecting their desired cuisine or menu choices. An event may be more intimate, which allows family members and guests to give their food and beverage preferences to the catering team. An organization that will hardly get back to you if you call or email is not the right service provider for you.  

4. Just like real estate, location also matters in Rockville, MD

Convention and banquet halls are easier to serve because they have running water and electrical source. But there are times when the event is held outdoors, which can pose a challenge to the caterer. What do caterers need? They need a source of electrical power or running water, they need a lot of elbow room for the servers and possibly kitchen space. Now, you really have to be prepared to go over your budget because the service provider will pass on to you the additional costs in bringing the tools and equipment to the location. When that happens, it’s only understandable that caterers will ask for additional costs to cover the extra expenses. For example, caterers may hire additional servers or even a generator when there’s no electric outlet in the location. The important thing is to communicate your vision to caterers during the initial interview so there would be no surprises later on. Nevertheless, all the companies that made the list of Catering Authority have a track record.  

5. What other special orders do you need in Rockville, MD?

If the catering service is any good, they should be able to provide you with a list of past customers whom you can call. For the most part, independent contractors are professional and competent enough to see both parties without a hitch. But then again, why take unnecessary risks? You will immediately see this experience when the service provider is grace under pressure personified. Do you need special additions like a chocolate fountain, for instance, for the kids? Are any of your guests on a special diet? Do you need to order a special food or cake from out of town, and how will that affect the price? Once you have a list of the caterers you like, you can then choose from your own short list, and ask each of the companies to make a bid. The best price wins. As an added bonus, you make it easier for everybody.

Choosing a Caterer in Rockville, MD is as Easy as 1 2 3

You don’t have to waste so much energy just to find the right caterer for you.  The more direct way is to go to online directories like Catering Authority. If you have to go over your budget for a little bit once you find the perfect caterer for your needs, you should always jump at the opportunity. This is especially true when you have built a rapport with the chef or the company. You will encounter words like “best service,” “cheapest price,” or “premier caterer in town.” The photos of the food are absolutely delectable, but this does not serve as a guarantee of the quality of their services. It’s easier to choose because you can read up on the reviews and recommendations from the other customers.