Are you getting ready to hire an off-site caterer to serve your guests at an upcoming event? There are lots of service providers out there to choose from! Here are a few questions to ask prospective caterers that should help you decide which service provider to choose. 

Where Will the Food Be Prepared?

It is important to find out where the food your caterer is providing will be prepared before it is transported to your event venue. Any food that will be served to your event guests should be prepared in a kitchen that has been certified for commercial use by the county you live in. This will help ensure that the food you'll be serving your guests will be handled and prepared in a safe and health-conscious way.

Ask for the information of the kitchen facility that your caterer indicates they will be using so that you can check the facility out yourself and ensure that it is properly certified and legal to use for catering purposes. Some catering services will already have a designated kitchen that they use for these purposes, however, it's a good idea to check to help your own peace of mind. 

How Will the Food Be Served?

It is also a good idea to find out how the caterers you consider working with will be serving the food they prepare for you and your guests. Will they bring meals in separate dishes so that guests can just pick a meal up to enjoy, or will the food be delivered in large batches that will need to be dished out at the event?

Will the food be served on paper plates and plastic silverware or real dishes? How will the food or meals be labeled so that guests know what to choose when they're ready to eat? Make a list of specific questions you have about food service so that you can use it as a reference when consulting with prospective caterers.

Can An Itemized Fee List Be Provided?

You should request an itemized list of fees that will be associated with the services any prospective caterer would be providing to you. Some caterers charge fees for everything from dish management and drink pouring to cake cutting and even service equipment rentals. You should know every single thing you are paying for before agreeing to hire any caterer. Comparing itemized fee lists will help you determine which service provider will offer you the most bang for your buck.  

For more info, contact a catering company like Rogue Kitchens.