It’s about more than the food. Hiring a caterer for an event means finding someone who can keep their cool under pressure, talk straight with you and their team, roll with the punches, and spot trouble before it even shows up.
At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we’ve spent over 47 years perfecting the art of smoking, grilling, and frying for some of Houston’s finest events. Whether you’re hosting at one of our private event spaces—like the Armadillo Palace or need full-service catering and catering delivery service to our Airstream portable bar, we can be found on Discovery Green, the McGovern Centennial Gardens, or the Lone Star Flight Museum, all across the great Space City.
So, when hiring a caterer, ask the right questions and consider all the details that will make your event run smoother than a fresh jar of honey.
Consider The Guest Count and Needs
Planning for a corporate event or even a social one takes some doin’ y’all. Hiring a caterer won’t do you any good if you don’t have the basics nailed down first-such as the date, the number of people who’ll attend, and how fancy you wanna get. Maybe you need cocktail hour appetizers like Goode Co. Catering & Events’ mini smoked taquitos, shrimp tamales, and others for a three-course sit-down dinner and a wait service. Then, there will be other times when a few action stations or a traditional buffet will suffice.
First, make sure the caterer you’re talking to is free on your date, can handle the number of people you’ve invited, and knows how to provide the service you need.
The following are the different catering styles:
- Plated Dinner Service: A sophisticated sit-down dinner with multiple courses, perfect for making an impression.
- Buffet Tables: A casual, self-serve style that’s light on staff but heavy on food options.
- Action Stations: These are like buffets with live meal prep that adds a little showmanship to the event, such as Goode Co. Catering & Events’ Guacamole or Campechana stations.
- Food Stations: Also like buffet-style, each table is a “station” featuring either soups, salad, or a specific entree.
- Cocktail-Style: Available in either self-serve hors d’oeuvres or serving platter- a great option for mingling.
- Catering with a Food Truck: A fun, laid-back option with one or more trucks servin’ up unique dishes.
- Family Style: Big old platters are on the table so folks can help themselves.
Questions to ask a caterer about the event size and needs:
- Are you available on X date?
- How many guests can you handle?
- Do you specialize in any specific style of service?
- How many events have you scheduled that day?
- What’s the typical size of events you cater?
Location: Nail Down The Spot Where It’ll All Go Down
Y’all know the saying, “location, location, location, ain’t just for real estate-it’s a big deal when planning, for example, a holiday corporate event too. Picking the right venue is as important as choosing the right caterer. Your venue sets the tone for the whole shindig, and it’s gotta work with your caterer’s needs.
Before hiring a caterer, consider the venue. If your caterer is unfamiliar with the spot, talk to them about it. Better yet, look for a caterer who’s worked at your venue or has worked on similar set-ups. For example, you don’t want to hire a caterer who needs a fully equipped kitchen only to discover that your venue doesn’t have one. That’s a wrinkle you don’t need.
Questions to ask:
- Have you worked at this venue before?
- How long will it take you to set up and tear down?
- When do you need venue access?
- What equipment do you provide (i.e., silverware, linens, table decor)?
- Will you have enough access to water, electricity, and refrigeration space?
By picking the right venue and pairing it with a caterer who knows their stuff, you’ll set yourself up for an occasion that folks will discuss for years to come!
Stay Flexible, Especially Concerning The Food
When planning your event, don’t forget that the food can make or break the entire event. Dietary restrictions, food allergies, and picky eaters can often upset the best-laid plans, so knowing how to choose a caterer who can easily handle those curveballs without missing a beat.
When talking to caterers, ask how they’ve handled last-minute surprises in the past. Are they able to think on their feet and go with the flow?
What will they do if certain menu items don’t work? For example, what if oysters cost shoots up and your food budget doubles? Or have you laid out winter catering ideas, including roasting marshmallows, but you’ve learned the morning of the event that open fires are not allowed at the venue? Flexibility is crucial, but don’t push it—don’t think a taco caterer will be able to whip up a fancy-plated dinner on the fly. Keep it realistic.
Questions to ask about the food prep:
- Do you offer sample menus?
- Do you have a specialty type of cuisine?
- Can you make substitutions or customize the menu?
- At what point in the planning do you have to finalize the menu?
Choosing the right flexible caterer will make an event as warm and welcoming as a Texas sunset.
Read Up on Their Food Prep Methods
When planning your event, don’t skimp on asking about how and where the food’s gonna be prepped, as well as the delivery logistics, mainly if there’s no kitchen at the venue. Get professional catering advice to ensure everything also lines up with your budget and event timeline, whether speaking with someone in the industry or the professionals you’ve hired for the occasion; this step goes beyond just choosing the perfect menu – it’s about making sure the logistics are seamless.
Keep in mind that off-site food prep has pros and cons. On the downside, there’s the risk of late deliveries and limited menu options, as not all dishes travel well. But on the plus side, it can help keep catering costs lower!
Questions to ask about food preparation and delivery:
- Where do you prep and cook the food?
- How is the food transported to the venue?
- Do you handle buffet table set-up and provide chafing dishes?
- Can I take a tour of your kitchens?
By covering all your bases and leaning on good, solid professional catering advice, you’ll ensure the food’s served hot, fresh, and right on time—Texas-style!
Take a Good Look at References and Reviews
You may be the trusting type of cowboy who believes a caterer when they promise to deliver certain things. But in the real world, that ain’t always the best approach. If you’re hunting for the best caterer in Houston, you’ve gotta do your homework. Take the time to check out a caterer’s reviews and referrals. If a dear friend suggested this caterer, don’t just take their word for it; ask other friends if they’ve worked with them and have the same high praise for them.
Additionally, check online for social media reviews on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Yelp.
Questions to ask for referrals and references:
- How responsive would you say the catering company is?
- Was the waitstaff effective and good at their job?
- Did the total cost compare to the caterer’s initial estimate?
- What’s your overall take on this catering company?
By asking the right questions and researching, you’ll sit pretty with the best caterer in Houston for your event!
Read The Numbers
Pricing is one of the most important things to review when planning your event. If you’re not careful, catering costs can climb faster than a Houston thermometer in August. Watch out for extra charges that might sneak into your budget. It’s all about balancing your expectations with the event’s size, the food flavor you’re craving, and what you can realistically expect.
For example, starting early is crucial for planning a holiday bash! This is a critical event catering tip, especially in a city the size of Houston. The earlier you start, the less costly it will be, giving you options and ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Questions to ask about the cost:
- Should I be aware of overtime fees?
- Do I need to factor in any additional costs?
- What services are and are not included in the final cost?
Certifications, Licenses, and Insurance Coverage
When you’re wrangling up a caterer for your big event, especially if you’re looking for corporate catering in Houston for large events, make sure they’ve got all their ducks or papers in a row. That means insurance and certifications need to be squared away. If they can’t hand over those papers to you quickly, it’s best to mosey on to your next option before you find yourself in a sticky situation. Knowing what their insurance covers (and doesn’t) is just good sense. It’ll keep you from shelling out extra cash after the event because something’s gone sideways.
Licenses and certifications questions to ask:
- What certifications and licenses do you have?
- What type of insurance do you have?
- Can I please see your insurance policy?
- Would I need additional permits you don’t have for my catered event?
By asking the right questions and leaning on a caterer with experience and the right credentials, you’ll be set up for a smooth and successful event, Houston-style!
A Successful Event = Goode Co. Catering & Events
After 47 years in business, we understand that hiring a caterer for an event isn’t just about serving good food. It’s more than that. It’s about finding a team that knows how to handle the heat, roll with the punches, and make your event unforgettable. From choosing the right venue to having the proper licenses and permits to food prep and pricing, there’s a lot to consider.
At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we bring decades of experience to some of Houston’s most memorable events. Whether you need the stress-free approach of full-service catering, a portable bar, or signature action stations like our Campechana station, we’ve got you covered!
Ready to get started? Contact Goode Co. Catering & Events today to book the best caterer in Houston for your next corporate event, holiday bash, or social gathering. It’s time to make your event the talk of the town—and that’s a Goode thing!