1. All caterers are not created equally -
Caterers have different skills. Some are highly experienced chefs who prepare delicious recipes from scratch with the freshest ingredients. Some use hourly cooks that heat canned food and precooked frozen entrées.

2. Prices compare very closely to restaurant prices –
Caterers pay approximately the same for food as restaurants. Ribeye steaks cost more than a roast beef dinner which cost more than hamburger. 

3. Caterers charge very differently –
Many restaurants advertise cheap catering prices but require you to pick up the food. That’s just overrated take out.

Beware of what is included in the price and what is added on. Watch out for “percentage” service charges added to the total.

4. Food Quantities –
This is what separates the pricing. If one caterer is higher priced, but provides extra food so you will not run out or run low on food, is it worth the price?

5. Experience –
Catering events is very difficult. There are uncontrollable factors which can cause your event to be a disaster. The more experienced the caterer, the better they are prepared to eliminate and avoid these disasters.

6. LEGAL or ILLEGAL?
If you hire a caterer who does not have a food service permit from the local health department, you are putting your guests at risk. You are placing yourself at risk for a lawsuit.

Catering from home is not allowed. Catering from an unlicensed church kitchen is also risky. Churches are not required to have permits to feed their members. Caterers serving food away from the church must be licensed and inspected at random by the health inspectors. Your event can be shut down without warning.

Insurance companies do not pay claims for unlicensed catering. Call the health department to check on your caterer. If they are legal, the health department will have them on file.

7. A Little Extra –
Many times, the difference between ordinary and EXTRA-ordinary is only a few dollars!

If your event is important to you and your guests, always choose the experienced caterer.