Celebrating 60 Years in 2023!
Hundreds of Thousands Served!
Catering Questions and Answers - FAQs
Wedding, Business/Corporate, Special Event Catering Questions Answered
HOW DO I RESERVE MY DATE?
We require a 25% deposit & signed contract on file to secure your event date. Alterations to guest attendance, menu & rental equipment can be performed up and until ten days prior to your event date (five days prior for Corporate Clients). Due to increasing costs & changing compliance regulations for processing credit cards. A nominal 3% surcharge will be assessed on all Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card & AMEX transactions. This fee is not greater than our cost of acceptance.
CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES?
Most definitely! It is totally understandable that one would like references before making such an important decision. Word of mouth is our best form of advertising.
WILL I BE PROVIDED WITH A WRITTEN PROPOSAL?
Yes, after you have the opportunity to review our catering menu options, please contact our office. A member of our sales staff will gather information required for our proposal and answer any questions you may have. You will receive a formal proposal outlining your food selections, any equipment rentals and any other charges associated with your event. This can be forwarded either by email, mail or fax.
DO YOU OFFER TASTE TESTING?
Taste testing appointments are complimentary and can be scheduled for events with a minimum event total value of $3500.00. If your event is below minimum / pricing level, References will be furnished upon request, or you can read what our clients say about our services on the Testimonials page. In addition, we invite you to do a search on the internet for reviews of Gary's Catering. We are very proud of our reputation and we want you to be completely comfortable securing our service for our special event.
With such an important decision as to which caterer you'll intrust with making your special event shine, it is a very reasonable request to sample the cuisine you are considering for your special event. During your taste testing appointment, you will meet our Catering Director, Chef Joseph Less, who will be pleased to answer any questions in addition to offering his expertise regarding menu options and venue logistics. We are confident that you'll not only love our food but also that you will feel completely comfortable with your decision to use Gary's Catering for your special day
*Tasting Appointments are scheduled directly with our Catering Director, Chef Joseph, and occur Monday thru Thursday from 9am – 12:30pm and on Sundays. Every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule and setup your appointment in an expedient fashion.
WHAT HAPPENS TO ANY LEFTOVER FOOD?
After buffet service is complete and upon clients request; our staff will package up any remaining cooked food requested by client. Please note: once our staff has left your premise/venue, Gary's Catering cannot be held liable for improper food safety handling including safe storage/consuming of food items at a later date.
By signing Catering Contract/Verification via Email when reserving your event with Gary's Catering, the Client acknowledges having read our terms & conditions and accepts all liability for safe food handling and its consumption thereafter after contracted event terms are completed.
CAN I PLACE ONE OF MY OWN SPECIAL DISHES ON BUFFET?
We understand that you, a family member or friend may have that special dish that you wish to incorporate in the presentation. This is alright with us, but you will be responsible for safe, proper storage/display. Please let your client serve representative know of any allergies or vegetarian meals you will require and we will be happy to accommodate your request.
WHAT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE ON MY CONTRACT/INVOICE FOR?
A 20% Administrative Fee applies to all events. This fee coverings everything from the labor to produce the food for your event to the wear & tear on catering equipment, delivery costs, insurance expenses, to the time we spend with you designing and revising your menu. We always give you every ounce of necessary energy to make your event an absolute success and are happy to assist you in any way possible to make your event planning easy and without the typical stress associated with orchestrating a large event.
IS GRATUITY/TIP PART OF ADMINISTRATIVE FEE?
Administrative Fee is not a gratuity that is shared among on-site catering staff. Clients should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, it is common practice to extend Gratuity to your on site staff in recognition of their exceptional service in making your event a grand success. If you have any questions, please speak to your Catering Coordinator.
ARE THE PRICES DISPLAYED ON THE WEBSITE GUARANTEED?
As cited on the Terms & Conditions page, "Prices listed on the website are subject to change at any time without notice. Gary's Catering will not be held liable for any website price changes or for price changes that have taken place but have not yet been reflected on the website. Website prices must be verified by Gary's Catering with the customer. The customer has the right to choose whether to agree to stated prices and sign a contract for catering services, or whether to decline to do business with Gary's Catering based on the prices quoted by Gary's Catering staff."