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Gino Spano

If you’re looking for corporate catering in Toronto, you’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve outlined the details of your corporate event, including the time, venue location, and budget, it’s easy to find a caterer you’ll love. 

Download our free guide on everything you need to know about planning a  corporate event.

Keep these details in mind when hunting for your next catering company.

Think about Your Event

What kind of function do you need catered: Is it an office party, a luncheon, a team celebration, a full-blown gala? The type of corporate event impacts the venue, the serving style, and the menu itself. Menu design is about more than what you serve your guests, it even comes down to how you serve them—whether it’s a cocktail reception with passed apps or a three-course, sit-down dinner.

Some caterers are jack-of-all-trades types, while others have built their niches in a particular menu format. The company you pick should have the experience and familiarity to handle your event format. Once you’ve decided on the kind of event you’re having, you’ll be able to pick a caterer who fits that style.

There’s no reason to continue selecting the same caterer you’ve worked with before—it’s about picking the right caterer for the particular occasion. Each catering company brings its own experience to the table, and this plays a crucial part in ensuring a smooth-running and delicious time. There are many helpful tips to find the best office catering in Toronto.

Create a Detailed Budget and Ask for a Detailed Quote

It’s hard to find great corporate catering in Toronto when you have no budget to draw from. Catering quotes include an assortment of charges, both big and small, and these fees can quickly add up.

Quotes from catering services include main fees, things such as the total head count, facilities, linen ware, cutlery, and even furniture. But they also include small costs—fees such as tax, services, gratuities, and corkage. These figures can accumulate fast, so always ask for a detailed quote. You want to ensure the services you expect to be provided appear upfront and don’t show up as hidden costs later.

Approaching caterers with a budget is beneficial for both of you. It keeps expectations in check: You know what you have to spend and they know what they have to work with. Some might be willing to cater their fees to your requests or they’ll be willing to negotiate lowering the price of certain services.

Your budget and their quote should spell out the food, beverages, and other services provided. Confirm the terms in the catering contract, from cancellation plans to handling set-up and tear down. Don’t presume the caterer will or won’t do something. An organized budget alongside a comprehensive quote helps ensure each part of the day is met.

Do Your Research

You wouldn’t buy a car without researching several models beforehand, and the same goes for choosing corporate catering in Toronto. Dig in and read up on potential catering companies to form a succinct list of potential options. Look to review sites for a well-rounded spectrum of comments, and see whether they maintain social media accounts. Get an angle on the catering service by reading the third-party testimonials and additional comments. These outlets will help you make an informed decision.

Caterers are selling themselves to get your business. Everyone has a bad day, but an overwhelming number of bad reviews is a red flag. Ask the company if you can contact any former clients. Speaking to clients over the phone might leave them more forthcoming than an online account, and you’ll get a wider perspective and additional knowledge on the company.

Commentary from multiple people helps you understand the food quality, service, and management style. Good caterers won’t pad their reviews because they have enough solid reviews that speak to their reputation.

Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Corporate Event

Gino Spano

Starting with roots in a kitchen at 14 years old, he worked his way up the ranks and by the young age of 17 was responsible for daily events of 50 to 600 people. Gino continued to use his talents to work in catering, banquet and restaurant kitchens across the GTA. His love for Italian, French and Asian cuisine paired with his wide variety of knowledge brought him success in his new venture at Seventh Heaven in 2001. Over the past 12 years, he has cooked many meals for social events, corporate events and government officials. His love for new challenges brought him into corporate sales where he and the Seventh Heaven team won Best Catered Event for Canadian Linen’s “The Great White North” – Facility Grand Opening in 2009.
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