Toronto catering companies come with a lengthy list of qualifications—extending far beyond the ability to plan an appetizing menu. When you know exactly what the caterer offers, you can guarantee you’re booking the right catering service for your function. See if they meet the requirements below.
1. Insurance
Toronto caterers should pass the mandatory health and safety regulations to serve food. If you expect caterers to provide a bar, you’re looking at another box to check. You want to verify you’re covered in case the worst happens.
Reputable Toronto catering services are certified by the health department and have insurance should anything go wrong. These are basic requirements for any catering service, and if they can’t provide the documentation, it’s best to consider another caterer.
2. Willingness to Accommodate
You’re likely feeding a variety of eaters. Some may be vegetarians or vegans, while others may be allergic to gluten or only eat kosher food. You want everybody to enjoy the meal. The catering company you choose should have no problem tailoring their menu to include tasty options everyone can enjoy. The willingness to work with a variety of needs is important and enables you to offer a meal all guests can enjoy.
Keep in mind that caterers who can accommodate might increase their costs, which could create a shift in the party budget.
3. Flexibility and Experience
It’s worthwhile to pick a catering company with an established history in the business. One who knows the ins and outs of the industry is truly equipped for anything because chances are they’ve seen it before. Some caterers might specialize in cocktail galas. A bigger event might require a team who’s used to handling large groups. Experienced caterers can handle any problems that sprout while ensuring every detail of the event is covered, leaving you worry-free.
Planning is stressful. Caterers provide a stress-free environment for your event. Work with a company you know can handle anything, with the creative problem-solving skills and the experience in the industry to really manage anything that comes up. A team that isn’t easily frazzled will be able to meet all your needs.
4. Multiple Services
Toronto catering services offer more than strictly catering: They help out with a number of other services to make event planning a breeze. Confirm if they outfit the event with amenities such as plates, cutlery, glassware, and napkins. Perhaps they provide their own wait staff, with a designated ratio to serve guests throughout the event. Find out if the caterer brings all this to the table. It could lower costs elsewhere, in addition to saving you the time and stress of researching third-party vendors to fill those ancillary roles.
Figure out your best option. Does the caterer go beyond preparing food to include setting up tables, serving guests, and managing the clean-up after the meal? Ask your caterer these questions to find out what you’re getting. Some caterers are solo acts while others provide a team. A clear outline of their job at the initial consultation will ensure you’re picking the right catering company for the event.
5. Reliable Customer Reviews
The layout of your event may require a company that specializes in cocktail receptions over seated dinners. Successful caterers have certain qualities. Speak to the catering company but don’t end your research there. Established Toronto catering companies will have no problem passing on references from previous clients, who will no doubt back them up. Be sure to vet the catering company before you sign a contract.
Third-party verification is necessary. Online reviews are a great place to look—particularly for critiques at both ends of the spectrum. No customer is perfect, and you’re likely to see a few bad apples, but too many is a bad sign. Weigh a catering company’s strengths and weaknesses to make the best decision for you.
