Asking the right questions and doing some research are key to finding a great BBQ catering business. Asking for referrals from family, friends or co-workers can be a good way to start. You should get at least three names. Compare quotes by checking their websites and reading reviews from past clients.
Call each caterer listed and speak to them. Watch how they interact with you. You should hire caterers that are easy to talk to. Ask them all the questions you need to before you choose one.
Before hiring a BBQ caterer, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
What is the expected number of guests at your event?
Decide how many people you would like to attend your event. You can decide whether to invite only certain people or to open the event to all your friends and relatives. Before you choose a caterer, consider the number of guests that will be attending.
For how long are you in the BBQ catering industry?
Not all events are the same. You should hire BBQ caterers who have experience in catering to the needs of guests. You should ask your caterer how long they’ve been in the business.
The number of years that a BBQ catering company has been operating may not reflect the level of service they provide, but it can give you an indication of the type of person you are dealing with and the kind of experience you should expect. Ask for the names and phone numbers of three previous customers to speak with.
How many guests have you catered for in the past?
The caterer should be able to tell you the highest number of people they’ve ever served. You can ask them about the maximum number of people they have catered for without telling them how many guests will be at your event. You can infer their experience from the answers they provide, regardless of any previous claims.
Caterers can give falsely high numbers. Ask them how they managed to feed such a large crowd. If they cannot convince you then they may not be an expert.
Request samples of previous work or photos for presentation
You should know what you can expect from any barbecue caterer. Ask for examples or photos of previous work before you decide to hire a BBQ caterer. You can tell the caliber of the service you will receive by looking at the presentation or samples.