10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Catering Service in Orange County
Choosing the best catering option is a sweet challenge in Orange County due to increased competition among several catering services, each offering diverse culinary options on attractive budgets. This blog will help you understand the factors to keep in mind while choosing your right caterer in Orange County. Let’s walk you through the 10 factors to consider when choosing a catering service in Orange County.
Budget & Pricing
The catering budget in Orange County is dependent on the following-
Pricing Models: The catering budget comprises pricing models dependent on price per plate, or price per person. The buffet style, decoration, and services have different charges. Even the kind of cuisine, number of dishes, and so on affect the budget. The more elaborate the catering, the greater the prices.
Hidden Costs: The costs that are not openly displayed or are latent such as the delivery charges, service charges, and the included taxes should be discussed beforehand choosing a caterer. Delivery charges are dependent on the distance of the venue and the delivery speeds. Service charges include several services that the caterers provide such as serving the guests, bartending, live counters, and so on.
Budget Range: The approximate quotes can be requested from different caterers for comparison. Generally, it ranges from $20 - $199 depending on the events. Private events can charge up to $120 per person whereas a buffet ranges between $30 to $70 per person. Drop-off deliveries range from $10 to $28 for casual events. Hence, depending on your event and preferences, choose accordingly.
Cuisine & Menu Options
Orange County is known for its diverse catering menu options. Consider the following while choosing your caterer.
Variety of Cuisines: Catering services that offer a variety of cuisines are considered to be versatile. Acquiring such expertise is tough. Caterers who understand the diverse culinary scene of Orange County and offer different cuisines such as Asian, BBQ, Italian, Mexican, etc. are reliable enough to pull off the entire event let alone a particular cuisine.
Menu Customization: Versatile caterers know how to customize their menu and cuisine based on dietary preferences and restrictions. People who prefer vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets, need a lot of substitute ingredients instead of traditional ones. Caterers know what to offer so that no one gets left out.
Experience & Reputation
Catering companies in Orange County are mostly experienced and reputed due to the multiple catered events they have held.
Years of Experience: It is obvious that the more catering a caterer has done, the more experience they have and the expertise too. A first-time caterer will find it more difficult to handle crises promptly than the experienced ones. Therefore, emphasize the value of experience and expertise in the catering industry.
Client Reviews & Testimonials: The catering industry thrives on client reviews and testimonials online and word of mouth. The more people talk about a caterer, the better their promotion and the more likely to end up on your list of potential caterers for your event. So, it is important to research client reviews and testimonials on platforms like Google, Yelp, and social media. Top-rated services are most likely to be authentic enough and suitable to be wishlisted.
Industry Awards & Recognition: While searching for top-rated caterers, coming across a few award-winning ones is not a coincidence but fate. Award winners are featured more because they are recognized more. Above All Catering & Events has been awarded “Best Of Orange County” by Readers Of Modern Luxury Magazine and “Best Wedding Caterer” by The Oc Hot List. Therefore, they are preferred widely for weddings and other events.
We at Sessions West Coast Deli offer catering services in Orange County, the best of the West Coast cuisine. Our menu comprises sub sandwiches and salads that cater to all people with every dietary preference. Our curated combos with customizable options are best suited for any kind of event you are planning.
Service & Staff
Catering services in Orange County are well equipped with professionally trained staff and services, which are essential for caterers to manage and serve in any event.
Professionalism & Etiquette: two things that are important in the hospitality business are professionalism and etiquette. Behavior, body language, and professional etiquette are everything for a caterer. The importance of professional and courteous staff who are well-trained, attentive, and efficient is indispensable. Make sure that the staff are well-behaved and professional before confirming.
Level of Service: While deciding upon a caterer, understand what kind of services you want to opt for. Only waitstaff, bartenders, event coordinators, or all of them. Not only does it decide the budget but also it helps you to shortlist caterers accordingly. These people help a lot to manage the food scene at an event so that the host can be stress-free about the event and attend to other guests.
Staffing Ratios: This means that for every group of guests, the ratio of staff should be enough to attend to each of the guests per group efficiently. Ideally, it should be 1 waiter per 10 guests and 1 bartender per 50-75 guests. Experienced catering services tend to have their staff-to-guest ratios to operate smoothly. Have a good discussion with your caterer before confirming them.
Equipment & Presentation
Good and efficient caterers take care of the quality of their equipment and work on the visual appeal of their food.
Quality of Equipment: Equipment and their quality determine the enhancement of the visual appeal. Beautiful and designed cutleries, dishes, and tableware elevate the overall attractiveness of the food kept on them or served on them. Make sure to go through some designs or their catalog to understand their style of presentation.
Visual Appeal: The importance of attractive food presentation is reflected when the guests catch a glance at the food and feel hungry. It enhances the overall dining experience because the visual attractiveness induces hunger and that’s when food tastes amazing, just like it should. If the food is visually attractive, it attracts people and ensures a merry time.
Location & Accessibility
Catering delivery in Orange County is one of the factors that plays a determining role in deciding which catering service to consider.
Service Area: Ensuring that the caterer delivers to your venue is important. For that, the caterer needs to have multiple outlets and closer proximity to the venue. For us at Sessions West Coast Deli, we have multiple outlets across the West Coast. Fashion Island, Balboa Peninsula, South Coast Plaza, etc are some of the places where we operate. Walk in for consultations regarding event catering.
Accessibility & Logistics: After ensuring minimal proximity to the venue, the next thing should be to consider factors like parking, loading zones, and the caterer's ability to navigate the event venue. These are essential for successful event catering otherwise it may cause a lot of discrepancies.
Delivery & Setup: Discuss delivery and setup options, including on-site preparation and buffet setup with your potential caterers to understand whether they fit your event and the venue. Otherwise, discuss the negotiations. The setup and on-site preparations are everything for buffets and food presentations.
Insurance & Licensing & Licensing
Knowing about the catering licenses in Orange County is an important factor that decides which caterer to go for.
Insurance Coverage: Verify that the caterer has the necessary liability insurance to protect both the client and the catering company, in case such a situation arises.
Food Safety & Hygiene: Ensure that the caterer adheres to strict food safety and hygiene standards and has the required licenses and permits. Food safety and hygiene are of utmost importance, that should not be messed with, at all.
Compliance with Regulations: Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people about chemicals that are known to cause cancer or birth defects. Permits from other California counties are not valid in Orange County. A permit is required to sell food to the public, including at festivals, farmers' markets, and school fundraisers. Food trucks and carts need an Orange County permit. These are some of the permits that the caterers should have. Look up the other permits in detail and discuss with the caterers whether they are permitted to cater in your area.
Communication & Planning
Catering Planning in Orange County requires a couple of things to be taken care of.
Responsiveness & Communication: The importance of clear and consistent communication with the caterer throughout the planning process is beyond words. Clear communication and proper comprehension are required from both ends to avoid any problems on the event day. Professional caterers are always communicative regarding the littlest of details for a successful event.
Contract & Agreement: Discuss the importance of a detailed contract outlining all services, pricing, and terms. A contract ensures little to no chance of any foul play from either side and a fair share of responsibilities and accountability.
Conclusion
To conclude, always remember to plan your budget and shortlist the caterers you wish to give your event contract. Then have detailed discussions about the versatility of their menu, the availability of alternatives for different dietary preferences and restrictions, and their reputation. Decide the kind of services you want, and the presentations that you require for your event and move on to the permits and licenses. Once the location, logistics, and accessibilities are confirmed, make sure to establish proper communication with your caterer to avoid any kind of confusion and crisis. Remember to consider these factors accordingly for your next caterer booking and event planning.
To make things easier, Sessions West Coast Deli offers you a large catering menu with several rich options that are customizable. We offer buffet services, sandwich and beverage bars, and much more. Hosting an event in Orange County? Sessions West Coast Deli is the caterer to contact!