Delicious Lemonade Recipes for Spring and Summer

Posted on May 14, 2018 by cateringfft17

When life throws you lemons, make lemonade! A classic saying that rings true for anyone who loves a crisp and refreshing glass of this common citrus and sugar-based beverage. Although traditionally made using lemons, sugar, and water, lemonade makes the perfect base for creating new tasty drinks. You can jazz up a glass of your own lemonade with a few nifty tricks, or an entire pitcher with great recipe ideas.

If you enjoy drinking lemonade, continue reading to learn how to make some delicious renditions that are perfect for warmer weather!

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When it comes to making anything, using premium-quality ingredients is the secret to making it great. As for lemonade, you can start from scratch using lemons, white sugar, and water, or you can work from a premade lemonade drink. This can be the lemonade you ordered with your lunch, a powdered lemonade mix, or a lemonade can. If you are interested in a lower-calorie beverage, try swapping white sugar for your favorite sugar-substitute, such as Stevia® or Splenda®.

Standard Lemonade Recipe From Scratch:

🍋 9 Lemons
🍋 1 ¾ Cup White Sugar
🍋 8 Cups Cold Water
🍋 1 Gallon Pitcher

❶ Combine 1 cup of water and 1 ¾ cups sugar in a small sauce pan and bring it to a boil. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves and a syrup is formed.

❷ Transfer the syrup mixture into a plastic container and store in the refrigerator until it has cooled down completely.

❸ Juice all of the lemons to make 1 ½ cups of juice. Remove any seeds but keep any bits of pulp.

❹ Trick of the Trade: Firmly roll the lemons between your hand and counter top before cutting them in half to juice.

❺ In your pitcher, combine your syrup, lemon juice, and the remaining 7 cups of water. Stir thoroughly and adjust water to taste.

❻ Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Serve over ice.

Recipes for Enhancing your Lemonade:

Bars and Restaurants

If you are out on the town, there are plenty of ways you can upgrade your standard glass of lemonade. One popular trick is to request an orange slice with your lemonade to add to citrusy profile. If you really love the flavor, you can enhance it further by squeezing two orange slices into your drink, or requesting a slash of OJ in your lemonade.

Another great restaurant trick that can make your lemonade taste even better is to request cherries. Maraschino cherry juice is a wonderful additive to lemonade, making is sweet and colorful. Kids really enjoy this trick, and best of all, it’s free!

Pitcher Recipes

After you have prepared a pitcher of classic lemonade, you can add ingredients to create a unique and delightful new lemon drink. For instance, adding fresh herbs like rosemary, mint, cinnamon sticks, or bergamot, can instantly add flavor to lemonade. Just be sure to strain before serving, especially if using rosemary.

If you are after something sweeter, one of the most beloved lemonade recipes is strawberry lemonade. Just muddle fresh cut strawberries with sugar and store in the refrigerator. Then the next day, you can add a scoop to your glass, or the whole thing to your pitcher. You can do this with other fruits too, such as raspberries, blueberries, watermelon, cherries, and oranges.

Newnan Event Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality event catering in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding areas like Peachtree City. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more!

Tips For Tipping Your Caterer

Posted on May 4, 2018 by cateringfft17

In our country, it is customary to tip your server. However, in the catering industry, the obligation to tip is somewhat different from the standard restaurant and bar service industry. The rule of thumb in the service industry is 10% to 20% of your total bill, but when it comes to catering, there is no universally-accepted industry guideline about how much or when to tip.

This does not mean that you should not tip your caterers; in fact, although tips are not mandatory, they are always greatly appreciated in any hourly-paid, service-oriented position. On the other hand, the rules of tipping in the catering industry vary depending on certain factors, including how well they provided their service, what you have already paid for, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some important advice about tipping your caterers.

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What’s in a Tip?

Tipping is a customary act that is meant to tell a person or company “thank you.” They are most commonly given in the food and hospitality industries because many people who work for restaurants and bars are paid a lower-than-average hourly rate (around $3 or so). This means they rely mostly on tips to supplement their income.

In contrast, most caterers are not paid the same as restaurant servers and bartenders. Instead, they are usually paid a reasonable hourly wage, so they are not dependent on tips. So although many caterers are making the state-minimum wage, it is perfectly acceptable (and kind) to tip them if you feel they went above and beyond your expectations.

Gratuity Included

When it comes to tipping caterers, first be sure you have not already been charged for tips. Some catering companies include gratuity on the bill. Whether or not gratuity is automatically added into a catering bills depends on many factors, primarily guest count and the particular business model the company uses. Inclusive gratuity is usually a standard for large events with numerous guests.

It is also important to know that many catering companies also add in a fee called a “service charge” or “production fee”, which is intended to cover any incidental costs. However, these types of fees do not go toward paying servers, bartenders, or caterers. So do not mistake a service charge fee for added gratuity.

Deciding to Tip

When asking yourself whether or not you should tip your caterers, it is important to think about the service they provided. If they did a good job, showed up on time, arrived neatly dressed and ready to work, and met all of your expectations, it is nice to offer a tip. How much to tip is a different consideration, but the standard amounts range between $40 and $150, depending on how many caterers worked your event and the cost of your total bill.

When in Doubt…

If you ever find yourself in doubt about tipping your caterers, just consult your point of contact at your catering company of choice. They will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, including what the charges are on your bill and how many employees will be working your event. After that, it is all up to you and how you feel about their service.

Newnan Event Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We provide a wide range of private and business catering selections, from party trays and boxes lunches, to buffets, dinner service, and much more. You can count on us to make your corporate event exactly what you intend for it to be because we customize our catering services around your specific needs. Call 678-340-0510 to request a consultation, today!

3 Graduation Party Catering Tips to Get You Started

Posted on April 10, 2018 by cateringfft17

Your loved one’s graduation is a significant and memorable life achievement that is best honored with supporting friends and family. And what better way to celebrate your loved one’s success while also thanking those who have supported them along the way than to plan a fabulous catering spread?

You are in luck because it’s not too late to coordinate the perfect catering menu and service for your alumna’s graduation party. In fact, right now is the time to begin planning! Continue reading to learn some helpful graduation party catering tips to get you started.

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❶ Choose Reputable Catering Services for Your Graduate’s Party

Catering services will simply make your life easier. Regardless of theme or occasion, having your event catered allows you to relax and enjoy the moment while it’s happening. Without catering services, you are left to supervise and micromanage every aspect of food, beverage, bar, and service throughout the entire party planning process, start to finish. When an occasion is something as important as a life achievement like graduation, you don’t want to miss a single minute. By hiring a professional Georgia catering company to assist you with these party catering factors, you can truly indulge in the celebration and make a lasting memory to cherish forever.

❷ Consider the Type of Menu You Want

It is encouraged to work alongside your caterer to develop a menu that meets your party’s needs in terms of location (inside or outside, etc.), guest count, food tolerances, budget, theme (if one), and personal preferences or requests. Your caterer will make the selection and menu development process simple by offer house packages, advice, industry information, and more. You can also just ask your graduate of honor what they prefer. Perhaps they love Cajun cuisine or lobster boils, or maybe they are a big fan of tacos. Use their favorite foods as a foundation for your catering menu. As for desserts, you can get very creative. You can do a whole customized sheet cake, specialty cake, individual cake pops, cupcakes, donut towers, and more.

❸ Place Your Catering Order a Few Weeks in Advance

Not all schools and education programs hold their graduations at the same time. So try to plan your party’s theme, décor, guest list, and entertainment ahead of time. Then once you have all these details in place and ready to go, place your catering order around three to four weeks out. This gives your caterers plenty of time to coordinate a menu and make all the necessary preparations and arrangements. Having all the other details arranged can actually help or inspire your catering menu, so always keep this in mind when party planning.

Georgia Party Caterers

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Newnan party catering that won’t disappoint! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service party catering. You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, and more. Request a free consultation, today!

Cost-Saving Advice for Catering a Party

Posted on March 9, 2018 by cateringfft17

Planning a memorable and exciting event with limited cash flow is not an impossible feat. If you need to cater a party on a small budget, set your worries aside and rely on these terrific money-saving tips!

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Catering costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, this means they can also be strategically whittled down to fit your desired budget. There are many cuts and adjustments you can make to your catering program in order to meet your needs and remain within a particular spending limit.

Here are some helpful tips to do just that!

➀ Rethink the Style of Your Party

If you are working with a very limited budget, you may want to consider rejecting the idea of catering a 3 course meal at your party, and instead, planning a more casual event, such as appetizers, hors d’oueuvres, and cocktails. This can still add value and elegance to your party, but without breaking the bank. For an enhanced version, consider small plates, canapes, and self-serve food stations. To better encourage networking and nibbling, couple this style of catering with pedestal tables and tall chairs.

➁ Cut Out Labor

An easy way to cut your catering costs is to cut as much labor as you can. This means you would have to opt for things like customer pick-up, delivery and drop-off service, and pass up selections like set-up, wait staff, bar service, breakdown, and cleanup. By choosing a self-service route, such as buffet-style or boxed meals, you can reduce the total cost of your catering program by as much as 50 percent.

➂ Limit Appetizers and Hors D’oueuvres

It is common to have a large selection of appetizers trays passed around or set up at a party. However, if you really want to cut some extra costs, you should consider limiting the amount of hors d’oueuvres and apps at your particular event, and instead, turn your focus to the primary meal, or perhaps a bar station. Although you cut out introductory snacks and nibblers, you are not taking away from the quality of your party since there will be additional courses, and possibly dessert, served later on.

➃ Forgo the Venue

To save money without restricting your desired catering program, you can make cost cuts in other places. Forgoing an expensive venue for one that is much cheaper, or free, is a great way to do this. You can save hundreds of dollars by choosing to hold your event at a more humble location, such as a park, a restaurant, or a friend’s house. You can cut costs further by cutting back on your table linens, china, cutlery, and more, especially if you choose a free venue that provides these amenities at no extra cost, like a bar or restaurant.

Georgia Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Georgia catering services that won’t disappoint! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service catering. You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, and more. Call 678-340-0510 to request a free consultation, today!

Types of Occasions Perfect for Professional Catering Service

Posted on February 9, 2018 by cateringfft17

There are several parties, events, and celebrations that are made better with professional catering services. Basically, if you have an occasion coming up that involves entertaining more than 6 guests, you have the perfect opportunity to cater the event with professional food and service!

Think it’s out of the budget?

The truth is, professional catering services are not just affordable, they are more cost-effective compared to purchasing groceries, products, and similar provisions yourself. Think about it; you can have all the labor, service, food, and cleanup all taken care of by one team of catering experts!

Need some more inspiration on which parties to cater?

Continue reading for a list of events and occasions that call for professional catering!

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🎂 Birthdays

Birthdays are simply a given when it comes to a perfect party to cater. Most people will have at least 6 to 10 guests at a birthday party, which is a perfect catering occasion. For parties that have dozens of guests, catering is almost a must if you want to enjoy yourself. This is especially true for large birthday parties with 50 to 100 guests or more.

🎉 Celebrations

When you want to celebrate something important in life, a party is the way to go. As for catering celebratory parties, occasions like national holidays, religious holidays, weddings, civil unions, reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, engagement parties, wedding showers, baby showers, school dances, block parties, welcome home parties, and even family movie nights, are the perfect match.

📚 Initiatives

When you are holding an event to accomplish a goal, it is better done with delicious food! Events like educational panels, conventions, charity balls, fundraisers, office conferences, and even auctions, are a great match for professional catering.

🎖 Achievements

Achieving anything positive in life is worthy of praise and acknowledgement. Parties are a great way to convey praise for someone’s accomplishments, and professional catering can really up the ante. Common examples of such occasions include retirement, graduations, promotions, awards, grants, scholarships, housewarming parties, and more.

🕆 Rites of Passage

Many people eventually earn a rite of passage or have a coming of age moment in life. These rites of passage and coming of age moments are often celebrated with a large group of friends and family, making them the perfect occasion to cater professionally! These include communions, baptisms, confirmations, religious inductions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneras, Sweet Sixteens, and more.

Georgia Catering Services

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional caterers in Newnan, Georgia and its surrounding areas, including Peach Tree City, Raymond, Sharpsburg, Woodsmoke, Wood Valley Estates, Arnco Mills, Fayetteville, Whitesburg, Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and more. We offer full-service catering, along with a wide selection of authentic, custom-made menus and packages, for all corporate and private events. Request a free estimate, today.

Recommended Venues for Catering Events

Posted on January 5, 2018 by cateringfft17

Newnan Catering Services 678-340-0510

No matter which kind of event you are planning to cater, the location and venue will be one of the most important aspects to consider. Choosing the right venue is not a difficult decision, but it is one that requires some ample forethought and research. The main factors to consider when researching venues for a catered event include the number of guests expected, the location, budget, and weather.

Although there are several other factors to consider depending on the type of event you’re planning, for example wedding ceremonies versus graduation parties, in terms of choosing a venue, numbers and convenience are the factors to start with. Talk to your local Catering Company for tips on choosing the proper location for your event. In the meantime, continue reading for great venue ideas and suggestions!

Churches

Churches are unique, beautiful, and peaceful venues to consider because they are apposite settings for several types of events. Baby showers, baptisms, wedding ceremonies, birthday parties, and almost any other small to medium-sized events can be held in churches. Many churches have additional recreation areas and rooms, aside from worshiping areas, which serve as the perfect alternative to renting rooms at other locations. One great advantage of using a church to host your catered event is budget. Most often, churches are very inexpensive to rent, and in some cases, even free depending on the time and day. It is in your best interest to start with local churches for your next party or event.

Stadiums

It may sound far-fetched, but it can actually be reasonable renting out areas of a stadium for your special event. This may not include the most professional stadium in your city, but there are several soccer, baseball, and football stadiums to choose from that are within budget. They are great locations for large-scale events that are not black tie, or for activity-based outdoor events. Many even have rooms, suites, and conference centers that can be rented hourly. If you need to house a large number of guests, stadiums provide the perfect amount of space, not to mentioned fun ambience too! Look to your local schools and campuses, and even the city’s baseball stadium for affordable stadium rentals for catered events.

Hotels

Although it sounds like it’s been done too many times before, hotels are the perfect venue to rent for your special event. And there are plenty of reasons why! Not only are hotels affordable and flexible, many of them provide additional amenities that are convenient for guests, such as powder rooms, restrooms, drinking fountains, parking, and more. Also, they are generally decorated modestly, leaving a perfect canvas to decorate according to your party’s theme. Generally, hotels have several conference rooms or recreational centers with ample space that they rent to the public on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis. And there is always room to negotiate price at hotels!

Parks

Public parks are a serene and enjoyable location for a catered event, but unfortunately, they are not always the best fit year-round. Once the cold season arrives, parks are not ideal since they hardly offer enclosed or heated spaces. Outdoor events in spring and summer are perfect for parks. They offer all the space you need, as well as, beautifully-landscaped scenery. And most often, it is free of charge to cater an event in a public park, however, keep in mind that when it’s free, it’s also first-come-first-serve. There are parks that offer rentable spaces that can be reserved for an affordable fee, making park events budget-friendly no matter what.

Newnan Event Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We offer a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, events, and more. Choose from our popular catering menu, or work with our catering coordinators to customize a menu according to your particular needs and interests. We can also provide assistance with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Call 678-340-0510 to learn more about our Newnan catering services, or to request a free estimate, today!

Always Ask a Wedding Caterer These 5 Questions

Posted on December 7, 2017 by cateringfft17

The process of planning a wedding can be quite stressful, especially the reception. After all, there are endless aspects to consider, from venues and invites, to flowers, to linens, china, music, lighting, tents, tables, parking, and more. With all of this on your plate, it is quite normal to feel overwhelmed. But when it comes to catering your special day, finding the right wedding caterer for the job doesn’t have to add to this stress. With these 5 questions in mind, you can separate the quality caterers from the rest.

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❶ Experience

Always ask a caterer how much experience they have. This includes where they did their culinary studies, where they have worked in the past, and how long they have been in business as a local caterer in your area. Accordingly, you will also want to ask about their experience with weddings in particular. Ask them how many weddings they have catered, if they cater them regularly, and if they prefer to catering weddings. Some catering companies do not like to do weddings, but they will sometimes take on the job. You want to avoid companies like these. If they are not enthusiastic about wedding catering, they are not the right caterers for you! A quality caterer has a passion for catering weddings. They are one of the most beautiful and memorable events of a person’s life!

❷ Cost

Your budget is usually at the top of your priority list, so be sure to start off with the topic of pricing right away when interviewing potential caterers. Ask them what level of pricing they maintain. This will also speak to the quality of the food, which is the next item of discussion. Cafeteria-style catering costs much less than fine dining catering. Know which type of food and service you are looking for, and then set a realistic budget to reflect your catering needs. Doing some research will give you an idea of how much wedding catering costs on average, in the style that you want.

❸ Food

There are many questions to ask your wedding caterer about food. Food is the most important aspect of their service. You will want to know about their chefs, their menus, how they prepare their foods, their options for diet restrictions, alcoholic options, whether or not they offer customized menus and taste tests, and much more. Ask them what sets their food apart from other caterers too. What makes their company unique?

❹ Service

With catering comes a certain level of service. You get to choose how much or how little service you want with your wedding catering. Ask companies what they offer, what comes with certain packages, what is free and what is not free, how much additional services or full-service catering will cost you, and so forth. You have the option of full-service catering, which generally includes delivery, setup, wait service, breakdown, and cleanup. It can also include onsite chef cooking. You may also opt for less service, such as delivery, drop off, and pickup. It should all be customizable to your needs. Some companies even offer comprehensive catering selections, including china, linens, cutlery, table settings, and more.

❺ References

One of the best innovations of the decade is customer reviews. We can now review businesses and their services, and give feedback on how they serve us. Reading past customer reviews, or asking for references and client testimonials, is an excellent way to get to know your potential wedding catering company. If they do not have any client reviews or testimonials, ask them if they can provide a free preview of some of their menus and services. Otherwise, just move onto another company who does have reviews; just be sure they are good ones!

Georgia Wedding Caterers

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for Newnan wedding catering that won’t disappoint! We are skilled culinary professionals who specialize in full-service wedding catering. You can customize everything down to the very last detail, from menus and service, to themes, décor, and more. Call 678-340-0510 to request a free consultation, today!

3 Easy Solutions for Catering a Corporate Lunch

Posted on November 27, 2017 by cateringfft17

Corporate lunches are more casual than other business settings, so catering them can be easier and more cost-effective. The type of catering you choose is important for properly stimulating these functions since there are often excellent networking and brainstorming opportunities present. You want to provide something delicious, yet simple and convenient, all while satisfying various palates. Continue reading to learn the top 3 options for catering a large, corporate lunch with this level of convenience and cost-effectiveness in mind.

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❶ Party Trays

For the last minute business meeting or corporate think tank, the use of party trays are always a fitting choice. There are endless options for choosing and customizing party trays. Popular choices range from subs and sandwiches, to wraps, flatbreads, fruits, vegetables, hummus platters, kababs, and even sushi. These are great options since they are customizable, self-serve, and come in a variety of sizes and combinations. They also satisfy a wider range of palates. There is also no need for intensive setup or breakdown, so they are often cheaper to order and easier to cleanup.

❷ Boxed Lunches

For casual business gatherings, such as training assemblies and staff appreciation lunches, boxed meals are a great way to go. Not only are they easy to serve and clean up, they come in a wide variety of options. Sandwiches and wraps of all kinds can be customized, and various side items can be chosen to accompany them. Common box lunch options include a main course, such as a sandwich or wrap. It can also be a casserole or stir-fry, such as chicken and rice, or quinoa and vegetables. They also commonly include fruit like oranges, apples, or bananas, as well as, a small desert, like a cookie. They also include everything you need for the meal, such as condiments, napkins, cutlery, and sometimes even a wet wipe. You can order box lunches with vegetarian or vegan options, gluten free options, dietary restrictions like food allergies, and more.

❸ Buffets

For the larger and slightly more formal business lunches, such as seminars, mergers, and assemblies, a lunch buffet is the perfect choice. Buffet-style serving is simple and convenient. The company you order from will provide all the necessary equipment, as well as, setup, refills, breakdown, and cleanup. And the best part is, the guests serve themselves! You also get to personally choose the buffet selections, which are virtually endless. Buffets can serve both hot and cold items, including soups and salads. Beverage stations can also be selected and set up.

Newnan Corporate Event Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality corporate event catering in Newnan, Georgia. We provide a wide range of corporate and business catering selections, from party trays and boxes lunches, to buffets, dinner service, and much more. You can count on us to make your corporate event exactly what you intend for it to be because we customize our catering services around your specific needs. Call 678-340-0510 to request a consultation, today!

Food for Thought Catering Has Officially Launched Our Brand New Website!

Posted on November 15, 2017 by cateringfft17

Welcome to Food for Thought Catering, where you will find the food you love, for your peace of mind, with thought put into every detail.

Newnan Catering Company 678-340-0510

Food for Thought Catering invites you to their brand new website! Now clients can enjoy a delightful experience getting to know our company and the services we offer, all before enjoying a delightful meal provided by our expert culinary coordinators!

Easy to Navigate and Full of the Information You Need!

Newnan Georgia Catering 678-340-0510

On our new website, you will discover that finding the information you need is easy and hassle-free. Everything you want to know about our company can be found with a simple click of a button! Start on our HOME page, where you will find a collective summary of our company creed, our standards of quality, and the various catering menus and services we provide. Next, move onto the EVENTS WE CATER page and choose your event type from the selection provided. Here you can read detailed information about the events and occasions we cater, and what to expect as a valued client. For a preview of the famous, home-style meal selections we offer, go to our MENUS page and peruse through our made-from-scratch entrees, platters, pastas, sides, and more!

If you want to get to know us better, you can visit our ABOUT US page to MEET THE TEAM and learn about our company HISTORY. You can also look through our GALLERY of pictures showcasing our work. For more information, you can check out our FAQS page to get instant answers to some of the most common questions asked in the catering and food service industry. And for more interesting culinary topics and entertainment, don’t forget to check back here on our blog page once a month!

A Full Service Catering Company With a Focus on Value

Here at Food for Thought Catering, we are an experienced team combined of culinary experts, executive chefs, catering managers, and caterers whose focus is strictly on quality and value. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we work hard to exceed your expectations, regardless of your events size or scope. We offer full-service, home-style catering, along with a wide selection of authentic, custom-made menus and packages, for all corporate and private events.

Catering for Newnan Georgia 678-340-0510

Whether you are planning a simple office luncheon or a grand fundraising gala, we are the catering professionals to trust for unparalleled quality and convenience. We serve all of Central Georgia, including Newnan, Peach Tree City, Fayetteville, and Douglasville. Call our office at 678-340-0510 to speak directly with a friendly and knowledgeable catering manager about your special occasion. You may also submit a free online request form on our CONTACT US page, anytime. We look forward to hearing about your upcoming event!