How to Choose a Caterer
To make your get-together a smokin’ success, you’ll need to hire a caterer who knows their stuff, will create delicious meals which fit your budget and treats you with respect.
Famous Dave’s Valley-Wide Catering for the Phoenix, Arizona area is the perfect choice for weddings, church picnics, banquets, parties, class reunions, family reunions, business lunches, graduation parties, holiday events, neighborhood gatherings and large corporate functions.
Whether your event is for 6 to 16,000, you need to find the perfect match for your needs - and, Famous Dave’s is a great place to start, serving Chandler, SanTan Village, Mesa Riverview and Peoria, Arizona.
Ask us questions like do the services include setup, cleanup, tables and chairs, linens, glassware, and tableware? Is the tip included into the total bill? Will the catering crew do the serving? And, will those services cost extra?
What are the possible timeframes and setup particulars? Will the event be a sit-down meal, a buffet, or make use of a food station? Are left-overs able to be donated to a charity?
How about the food. We invite you to sample menu choices when meeting with a Famous Dave’s catering expert to get a good idea of product quality.
What will be the bottom line in terms of cost? Are all items based on a per-person rate and ask us whether there are any discounts availble such as a reduced cost for meals you’re provided for a band, photographer or other non-guests.
In addition to providing services, we are organized, friendly, and flexible, licensed and able to provide a list of references.
Once the details have been laid out, we will provide a written contract which specifies the exact services provided, the total cost, the timeframe, and the cancellation policy. We require a deposit and all major credit cards accepted.
Selecting your caterer is not something to be taken lightly. Take the time needed to do your homework in order to rest assured the choice you eventually make will provide lasting memories. Famous Dave’s Valley-Wide Catering is an excellent choice for meeting your catering needs.
How to Choose a Caterer | Choosing a Location | Planning the Food
Beverages Choices | Back to the Top
Choosing a Location
 How many people will be attending you event? Check out a number of places you may be able to hold your get-together and see if you are able to stop by when another party is going on to see how well the location will suit your purposes.
Larger doesn’t always mean better, just make sure everyone attending will have room to move around comfortably. Check out your location before hand (preferably when a similar sized group is on hand).
What are the locations being researched best qualities. Depending on the time of day of your function, the lighting, both cooling and heating of the space, ability to hear (acoustics) and the privacy the site offers are very important considerations. Make sure you check out all aspects of your gathering place before committing to it.
Things such as parking must be considered as is the location (quantity) of electrical outlets, whether there are in-house A/V capabilities, wheelchair access, tables, chairs, bathrooms, etc. This is especially important when considering an outdoor location. Places such as botanical gardens and parks, bowling alleys, conference centers, mansions, galleries, and hotels all have their benefits and drawbacks. Ask your Famous Dave’s Valley-Wide Catering expert for suggestions on possible Phoenix area catering locations.
In addition, many meeting places have a coordinator available to provide you with answers to your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for their advice. While parks or a local beach may seem to be the ultimate spot for your event, remember those locations generally require a lot of leg work to insure your event goes off as planned.
Also, outdoor events need to have an alternative meeting place in case of foul weather not to mention they can add to the cost since everything has to be delivered on-site.
Hotels, banquet halls and restaurants are generally well equipped to host large events and again, have staff on hand to help you through the planning process. Just make sure to choose a location where you have the most flexibility to make changes to your plans if necessary.
How to Choose a Caterer | Choosing a Location | Planning the Food
Beverages Choices | Back to the Top
Planning the Food
Food is as important as the location for your get-together, maybe more so. In general, a great meal is remembered much more than the location in which it was served. Food can set the atmosphere of your event... backyard barbecue or formal sit-down. Each has its own needs - will your event be a buffet or table served.
 Depending on the time of day of your event and how long people will be expected to stay will affect what you serve. If your get-together will be two hours or less, you may want to serve hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. However, if the event will last several hours and go through a tradition mealtime a larger meal will be in order... a brunch, lunch or dinner should be planned. Or, another option is more of a buffet where guests serve themselves at long tables kept stocked by the staff and may have a station where carved meats, pasta, and kabobs are made to order. These meals provide a great choice of food choices and provides mingling atmosphere. We recommend you check out Famous Dave’s Lengendary BBQ Catering Menu.
 The more formal option will entail entrees prepared in a kitchen or tableside and be hand-delivered to guests. A family-style meal is usually served with dishes passed and served by guests. Guests somewhat make do for themselves and is a great way to intermingle with one another. We recommend you check out Famous Dave’s Dressed Up Catering Menu for more formal events.
Other options include appetizers or hors d’oeuvres and a main course served later. Then a dessert can be added to finish off the experience. A Famous Dave’s Catering expert will help you decide what food service option is best for you.
You should also consider dietary needs. Granted it makes things a bit more difficult, but the goal is to provide guests with a pleasant experience. Keep in mind red meat isn’t suitable for all and a reasonable alternative should be made available.
How to Choose a Caterer | Choosing a Location | Planning the Food
Beverages Choices | Back to the Top
Beverage Choices
Beverages are a must at any event and what is offered varies. From bottled water to mixed drinks, the choices need to be made well before hand. Not having enough to drink can put a damper on any party.
A full-meal affair can get a bit comlicated, but the basics include some of the following. A full bar with a range of liquors, wines, beers, and mixers. This option can get expensive very quickly unless the beverages limited and drinks are paid for by the guest.
Another option is to have bottles of wine at each table during the meal or maybe a punch bowl. Generally this can be a fairly reasonable option since wine can be purchased in bulk.
Nonalcoholic beverages is the least expensive option and must be available even when alcoholic beverages are served. No matter what the option you choose, figure on at least four drinks per person for a long event.
FOR VALLEY-WIDE CATERING CALL THE PHOENIX
AREA CATERING OFFICE 480-718-5331
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