How to Interview a Caterer

When you are searching for catering companies in Georgia, it is important to have your focus on reputation and capabilities. After all, ultimately you just want a caterer who is well-revered and retains the proper skills and resources to meet your catering needs. So, when calling around to the different catering businesses, focus your questions on experience, scope of service, pricing, dependability, and most importantly, food.

Experience

As you sit down with your first catering candidate, begin your conversation with questions about their experience. How much experience do they have the catering industry? How many years have they been in business as an official company? How many events similar to your own have they done in the past? These are important inquiries that will speak to their ability to meet your catering needs.

Pricing

Next, talk about money. What type of business model to the use? How much are their catering services? What additional fees might be charged? Is gratuity included? Catering costs will be a significant deciding factor when choosing a catering company in Peachtree City, Georgia. Keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Oppositely, watch out for inflated prices or price gouging. Catering costs should be fair, and seem reasonable for all materials, resources, and services provided to you.

Scope of Service

Is important to learn which types of catering services caterer officers. You want to be sure they offer catering services for your particular type of event. For instance, you don’t want to hire a catering company that specializes strictly in weddings for your nephew’s graduation. What type of catering services do they offer? Do they offer catering service for your particular event? These are important questions to know ahead of time before making a final decision on a Peachtree City catering company.

Dependability

Another important attribute to look for in a potential catering company is a good reputation. You want to know that they have a good client following and has demonstrated a high level of dependability among their clientele in the past. How many events do you have scheduled for the rest of the month? Do you have any customer reviews I can see? Can I view a company portfolio? How do you handle client disputes? What is your cancellation policy?

Food

Catering really offers a convenience of service, especially if you’re opting for white glove service, waitstaff, bartenders, off-premises venue, tables, chairs, cutlery, linens, flowers, lighting, entertainment, and more. But what catering is really about is the food. Be sure to ask your potential catering company candidate about their menus. Do you offer customized menus? Do you have a set menu? What types of food do you specialize in? Can you provide options for food allergies and dietary restrictions? Do you offer food tastings?

Are you looking for a professional and experienced catering company in Georgia you can trust? Contact Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for quality Peachtree City GA catering. We also help with décor, themes, vendors, and more! Request a consultation, today.

Where to Find Reliable Labor Day Catering in Georgia

Posted on August 29, 2019 by cateringfft17

If you are hosting a Labor Day event next month, why not opt for professional catering services to really make your occasion a memorable one? In fact, WOW your guests by choosing Food for Thought Catering in Georgia!

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510 — Labor Day Catering Services 678-340-0510

Labor Day Catering Services

Here at Food for Thought Catering, we offer a wide selection of menus and catering packages that will compliment any Labor Day event you have planned! From family get-togethers and game day celebrations, to large group catering and more, Food for Thought Catering has the simple and convenient solutions you need!

Food for Thought Catering is a locally and independently owned and operated catering company that has been serving the local communities with delicious and dependable catering services for many years. With so much experience and expertise, you can trust us to deliver prompt and professional catering services, regardless of your event’s size or scope. In fact, we specialize in catering large groups, social events, and corporate events, but also offer a wide spectrum of catering services for various other occasions, including Labor Day parties!

On top endless catering selections made from the freshest, local ingredients, we also maintain economy-based prices, and never inflate our rates or add in hidden fees on your final bill. Our catering managers are very clear and thorough with our clients from start to finish. We ensure to customize a catering plan that will satisfy your guests and your budget!

Whether you are having the whole family over to send summer off together with a fantastic meal and fun activities, or preparing a game day celebration to start off the beginning of the football season with all your friends, Food for Thought Catering are the skilled culinary specialists that have everything you need to pull off a memorable and hassle-free Labor Day event.

Corporate Labor Day Events

Do you have a company Labor Day party you must plan last minute? Let Food for Thought Catering prepare a large order of select party trays or box lunches that will please every palate! We also adhere to special dietary requests, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, food allergies, kosher diets, and much more.

Place Your Labor Day Order Today!

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 to request a free estimate for Labor Day catering services in Georgia. We provide private and corporate catering services for clients in and throughout Georgia and its surrounding areas, like Newnan and Peachtree City. Our professional culinary teams will work with you, side-by-side, to create a wonderful catering menu and service plan that will meet your needs without exceeding your budget. Place your order today before it is too late!

What to Look for in a Large Event Caterer

Posted on July 26, 2019 by cateringfft17

If you are catering an upcoming event, it is important to know that the food will be one of the most memorable portions of the evening. No one ever remembers what guests are wearing, and people hardly think twice about the music, china, and tablecloths. Food speaks the loudest among all other amenities at a catered event. This is why it is so crucial to hire a well-qualified and reputable catering company to get it right.

Continue below to learn some vital tips for hiring a caterer for your big event.

Experience

Experience is the most important requirement when choosing a catering company. It is very difficult to organize food and serving crowds of 100 people or more. Experience means the caterers have learned through years of practice how to handle any situation at any type of event. They come more prepared, organized, and ready for anything. They can keep their heads above water and fix a problem if something goes wrong at the last minute, as well as, come prepared with proper equipment and staff.

Reputation

Along with experience, reputation is a big deal breaker when choosing a catering company for your party. Any business with a great reputation and following advertises that aspect openly. If you cannot find any reviews or testimonials from previous customers, it is not a good sign. If a business cannot give you any testimonials or reviews about their services when you ask, then they are probably not a reputable business, or they are just too new in the industry to have any; which is also not desirable.

Product Samples and Reviews

Since food is such an important part of planning a great event, it is crucial that you sample the caterer’s food before choosing to hire them. Taste test the menu and samplings they provide and determine for yourself if the food is what you are looking for. You can never be sure what to expect when it comes to food, so taste testing is highly recommended. If the caterer does not offer sampling consultations, then you might want to move onto another company. Any professional caterer knows to let their clients sample food in order to make an educated and informed decision.

Entertain Your Options

It helps to interview or test multiple caterers to see who has the best food and amenities. Do not be tempted by low prices; these prices speak directly to the type of food you’ll be getting. It there is anything to go over budget on; it would be the food every time. Do not take short cuts when catering a party or event!

Trusted Event Catering in Georgia

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!

An Eco-Friendly Approach to Catering

Posted on July 9, 2019 by cateringfft17

“Going green” has become an influential and positive trend over the past decade, promoting healthier living and the conservation of our natural resources through every day practices. To “Go Green” implies the decision and commitment to using and practicing actions and inactions that support our eco-system, both locally and as a whole. One of the greatest elements of green practices is that it can be applied to almost everything you do in life. This includes catering and the methods used to cater an event!

If you plan to cater an upcoming occasion or event with an Eco-conscious agenda, continue reading to learn some of the best tips for green catering, including who to call for professional help!

Basics of Eco-Friendly Catering

? Eliminate Disposal Utensils

There are several easy ways to start out when choosing to cater with an Eco-friendly approach. One popular choice you can choose to incorporate is trading in plastic utensils for real cutlery. Plastic forks, knives, and spoons are a familiar site at family barbeques and graduation parties, but we tend to forget that they are also non bio-degradable, which negatively impacts the environment. By avoiding disposable utensils, you are one step closer to helping the Eco-system around us!

? Use Chemical-Free Cleaning Products

Another form of green catering is the use of chemical-free cleaning products. Household cleaning agents like glass cleaner, multi-surface cleaner, and dish soap are full of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and one’s health. Inhalation of these chemicals can cause respiratory complications and illness in children, adults, and animals. If these chemicals come in contact with the outdoor environment, it can kill plants, grass, animals, trees, and pollute water sources. By switching to chemical-free and all natural cleaning solutions, harm can be avoided.

⚡ Avoid Using Electricity

Using open fires rather than electric grills and stoves is an excellent way to “Go Green” when catering an event. Incorporating fire pits, outdoor rotisseries, and wood burning ovens can all reduce the amount of electricity consumed while preparing food. These are also great ways to add more originality and flavor to your catered food, thus rendering a more memorable event!

Overall, anything that promotes the conservation of our natural resources is an act of going green. So simply apply any of these ideas towards catering, or any other need, and you will quickly discover how simple it really is to make healthy and environmentally-conscience changes to everyday life!

Custom Catering Services in Georgia

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional custom 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! Request a free estimate, information, or advice, today!

How to Cater a Corporate Picnic

Posted on April 9, 2019 by cateringfft17

Spring time is just about here, which means that your company’s corporate picnics are soon to pick up the pace again! Corporate picnics are a great way for businesses to give back to their employees and show their gratitude for all their hard work. If you are in charge of planning your company’s annual picnic lunch this spring, be sure to review some helpful hints that can save time and money, and avoid common catering hassles, all at once! Continue reading to do just that!

Outdoor Pest Control

One of the first things to think about when it comes to planning a large-scale picnic is guest comfort. For example, be sure to consider an insect-proofing strategy to protect both guests and food. This may include mosquito net tents, food covers, citronella candles and repellent devices, bug spray, and more. Create a large enough perimeter around the estimated picnic area with these devices to prevent pest interference. A trick to prevent yellow jackets from hovering over your meat entrees, hand a few strips far from the picnic area and out of reach of pets and children. This will distract them, keeping them away from the food and guests.

Climate Control

Another aspect of guest comfort is climate. If it is predicted to be a sunny or hot day, it is wise to use tents, umbrellas, and blankets to protect from sunburn and overheating. Grass can get hot, hence the blankets, and umbrellas are perfect for shade-on-the-spot. Tents can protect food from spoiling in the sun. With this comes another quick picnic planning tip: never allow condiments and dairy-based foods to sit in hot sun, as this can cause food-borne illnesses and digestive discomfort.

Budgeting

If you are planning on a corporate budget, stick to chicken, beef, and pulled pork, and skip the hamburgers and hot dogs. After you add-up all the costs of condiments and ingredients needed to serve them, you will find that it is actually cheaper, contrary to popular belief. Accordingly, it is important to know who you are feeding. A group of hardened loggers might love a lunch of hearty meats and potatoes, while a company of mostly women might prefer a lighter lunch cuisine. In another example, a company that focuses on nutrition and healthy lifestyles probably wouldn’t want to eat a cuisine of heavy fried foods and sugar-filled desserts. So be sure to choose a menu that makes sense.

Corporate Catering Company

The best advice you can take when it comes to catering a corporate event is to hire a pro. A professional catering company can handle all the aspects of your event, whether formal or information. Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for corporate 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.

How Much Food is Enough Food for Your Event?

Posted on June 7, 2018 by cateringfft17

When planning to feed a large crowd, whether a family reunion or a wedding, one of the most common mistakes people make is misreading the amount of food required for all attending guests. Sometimes people order too much food, while others not enough; and both situations are a disaster for any event host. Ordering too much food blows your budget, and wastes money that could have been spent on other event-planning needs, like music, linens, flowers, and china. Ordering too little food can leave your guests hungry, agitated, and eager to leave. Furthermore, it can make your event appear poorly-planned.

So how does one know the appropriate amount of food to order for their event? Fortunately, there are many methods you can use to ensure your event has just the right amount of food for your guests. Continue reading to learn some tips for your next catered event!

Georgia Catering Services 678-340-0510

In order to plan the right amount of food for your party, you need to start by consulting with your Georgia catering company. Their professional catering coordinators will sit down with you to fully define your event in detail and ensure they are well-versed in your vision.

To plan for the right amount of food, together you will take 3 important factors into consideration:

❶ Number of Guests
❷ Length of Event
❸ Type of Event

These factors will guide you and your catering director in the right direction to figure out just how much food your guests will need. For example, if you are hosting a casual cocktail party that is meant to last a few hours, you will not need much food. In contrast, if you are planning a family reunion, you will likely need to prepare to feed a lot of people for several hours. In another example, if you are hosting a late-night cocktail party, you likely will not need more than a series of Hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, while a work picnic may require a full course of food and beverage items.

Your caterer will have all the information and knowledge needed to prepare the perfect amount of food for your event. If you are planning to cook all the food yourself, just be sure that each person receives enough food to keep them satiated for the duration of your event. Here is a quick reference guide you can refer to:

Mid-Day Lunch Events:

2 to 4 Appetizers per Person
5 oz. Main Entree per Person
2 to 3 Sides per Person (at least one starch and one vegetable)
1 to 2 beverages per Person

Dinner Events:

3 to 5 Appetizers/Hors D’oeuvres per Person
1 Soup or Salad per Person
7 oz. Main Entree per Person
3 Sides per Person (at least one starch and one vegetable)
2 to 3 Beverages per Person (alcohol, tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, etc.)
2 Servings of Dessert per Person

Georgia Event Catering

Food for Thought Catering 678-340-0510

Call Food for Thought Catering at 678-340-0510 for professional event catering 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 a wide range of catering services for all industries, occasions, and events. 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! Request a free estimate, 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.

Graduation Party Catering # 678-340-0510

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!