Frequently Asked Questions
What type of events do you cater?
“From Home Fries to Black Ties” we can do everything from a continental breakfast and boxed lunches, to hors d’oeuvres and upscale corporate dinners to weddings. With a cooker that can be pulled onsite, we are even able to prepare made-to-order cuisine for any event. The Catering Place provides full service catering, delivery only, or pre-ordered pick-up.
What will my wedding cost?
Our average wedding price is $30-$40 per person for food. Some menus are more than that, some are less than that. It completely depends on your choice of menu. Prices are plus tax, gratuity, and kitchen equipment (depending on venue). Delivery only can be arranged and will not cost as much.
Why aren’t the prices on your website menus?
Menus on our website provide a starting point for planning your event. The Catering Place menus are customized to the tastes and needs of each individual client and prices will vary accordingly.
Do you provide linens?
Whatever you need for the perfect event, whether its tables, chairs, linens, or special place settings, The Catering Place can handle the request. To save you time and stress and ensure you enjoy your event as much as your guests, we work closely with a local rental company to provide these services. We pay the rental company directly and drop off and pickup can be coordinated by us as well.
Do you provide servers?
Yes, The Catering Place provides service staff. The number of servers needed will depend on the type and size of your event.
What kind of attire does your staff wear during events?
Our staff is professionally dressed in black slacks and short sleeved button up logo shirts. Have a special request? We will do our best to accommodate. We have done Beach party with Hawaiian-type shirts, Halloween Costumes, Specific Colors for Fundraisers or a specific team.
Do you provide bartenders?
Yes, our bartenders are required, unless the venue has their own. We recommend 1 bartender per 75 people. This number can be adjusted depending on capacity and purpose of your bar. Simple beer and wine bars require fewer bartenders per guest than a full service bar providing several liquors and mixers.
Do you provide alcohol?
No. Depending on your venue, you may need a mixed beverage special event ABC license. A one day permit can be purchased online at www.abc.state.va.us.
Where do you cater to?
Anywhere! The Catering Place serves all of Hampton Roads, Emporia, Williamsburg, and the Northern Neck of Southeastern Virginia as well as the Outer Banks and Northeastern North Carolina. Catering at private residences, venue-based locations, corporate sites and military installations are all familiar territory for us. Basically, any place you can dream of. Additional fees may be incurred based on location.
My venue doesn’t have a kitchen. Is that a problem?
Not at all! The Catering Place can prepare your food offsite and transport the food to your location of choice or build a kitchen at the location.
Do you do tastings?
Yes, we provide tasting for large, full-service events. We also offer a paid tasting prior to your contract and deposit, if requested. If event is confirmed at the time of the tasting, the fee is waived. For other events, please discuss options of a tasting with us. Tastings are typically done Monday-Wednesday, by appointment only.
What type of payment schedule and deposit do I need to do?
A 20% deposit and a signed contract with The Catering Place will secure your date. We are happy to work with you in scheduling a payment plan that is easiest for you; full payment is required no later than ten days prior to your event. The Catering Place accepts cash, checks, money orders, Visa, Discover, American Express and Mastercard. Card charges may incur.
Buffet vs. Plated?
The Catering Place is happy to provide either service for your event – a buffet or plated dinner. Please keep in mind, plated meals require additional servers, additional kitchen equipment, and additional steps for the host if more than one menu choice is requested.
Hors d’ oeuvres
This is a great way to offer plenty of variety and create a visual effect for your guests as well. Everyone will still leave happy and satisfied. Hors d’ oeuvres menus often become a showcase during an event.
What if we run out of food?
The Catering Place has NEVER run short on food at any event. Remember, however, it is the guest count which dictates the amount of food we prepare. The guest count must be accurate whether you choose a buffet dinner or a plated dinner.
What happens to any leftover food after my event?
Any remaining food from your event is packaged and available for you to take with you. If you decide not to take leftover foods, it is typically donated to a local shelter.
I don’t want anything too fancy. Do you do smaller scale events?
Absolutely. Let us do your breakfast, lunch, rehearsal, baby shower….any event!
How much would it cost per person for my event?
This depends on the menu that you choose. We have handled events for as little as $13.00 per person and as much as $75.00 per person. It truly depends on the choice of food. Tax, gratuity, delivery, & service fees may be added too.
What are your delivery charges?
This will depend on the type and location of your event.
Do you provide setup and cleanup?
Yes. Please discuss all setup and cleanup needs with us prior to the date of your event. We may be able to provide this service for you at no additional charge. Extensive setup and cleanup may incur a small fee.
What do you need from me to help me plan my event?
We will need the date, time, location, estimated number of guests and menu ideas/preferences; an approximate budget is also helpful. We can plan a menu within your budget but we cannot always provide the exact menu you may have anticipated at your budgeted price. We will do what we can to work within your price guidelines. If you complete the “Contact Us” form, that will give us everything needed to start a proposal for you.
Can I incorporate my own food in addition to the catered food?
Absolutely! Feel free to add family dishes to the menu. This has become quite popular with wedding rehearsals and receptions as a means of blending the couple’s cultures into one amazing event.