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.

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

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!

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!

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

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!

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

🎂 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.