Frequently Asked Questions
Catering FAQs
Q: What are the payment terms?
A: Full amount due prior to event. No Deposit Required for order unless otherwise specified.
Accepted Payment Methods: 1.) Checks/Cash upon arrival at Event or prepaid at our West Columbia Office. 2.) Prepay with Credit Cards via website or phone call. (Credit Card Fee added when using this payment method)
Explanation of Fees: The “Catering Dept Service Charge” is part of the extra preparation from the Catering Dept and goes to the staff involved with your order. “Delivery Fee” assists in the travel and vehicle costs. “Full Service Fee” includes the delivery fee + equipment & added staffing. “Gratituty” (Tips) is not included by can be added or given directly to our staff.
Q: What are other fees should I expect?
A: For an average sized local Full Service catering (50-150ppl), we typically charge a standard $200 service charge. This covers the labor and time to set up, serve and monitor the food at your event and provide clean up afterwards. For a Delivery, we charge a delivery fees based on city/zip code. Distant Full Service or Delivery caterings may incur a travel fee, depending on location. Catering prices listed do not include sales tax. Gratuity is not included and at the customers discretion.
Q: What kind of events and groups do you cater for?
A: We’ve catered all ranges of meals from backyard barbeques to fancy wedding receptions, from graduation parties to fraternity get-togethers, from doctors’ offices to corporate meetings, from holiday parties to military banquets, from sales meetings to educational classes. We gladly cater for groups of 20 to 10,000+.
Q: Do you cater in my area?
A: We travel annually to Wisconsin for Corporate Picnics, so we’ve got crews all over. Primarily, we cater meals all over the Midlands, Columbia, South Carolina region including Lexington, Irmo, and Northeast Columbia, but we also often travel throughout the state for caterings. Events outside of the Midlands require a minimum of 50 people, at a minimum price of $12 per person. Travel & Catering Fees may apply.
Q: How is the food set up?
A: For small offices or home events, we usually serve the menu choices in disposable foil trays for easy serving and cleanup. For larger or longer events, we serve the food in sterno-powered heated pans.
Q: What is included in the Catering price? Besides the food, what else is included?
A: We gladly offer serving utensils (tongs & spoons) & BBQ Sauces. Ice & Bread may be available upon request. Other items are available, but may incurr additional charges.
Q: Do you provide table coverings?
A: We can provide disposable table coverings for the food area in a red and white checkered pattern or plain white OR linens for buffet full service events. Please discuss with our Catering Coordinator if these are available.
Q: Do you rent equipment like tables, table cloths, etc?
A: No, we have several local companies that we can recommend for rental equipment. We can provide Chocolate Fountains, Buffet Tables, Buffet Table Tablecloths / Linens, etc extra charges may apply.
Q: What barbecue sauces are offered?
A: We recognize consumer preferences when it comes to barbecue sauces, so for caterings we always ask the client if they would prefer our Pulled Pork already sauced and/or with sauce options only on the side. For many caterings, we’ll have our line of BBQ Sauces available next to the meat, including our Southern Gold® Original, Hickory Red, and Hot Vinegar Pepper sauces. A popular choice is to provide half the meat with our most popular mustard-based Southern Gold® sauce already tossed in, and half the meat plain for sauce to be added on the side. This makes the line go quickly while still providing choices for your guests.
Q: Do you offer children’s meals?
A: We do not have specific children’s meals on caterings, but we can be sure to include child-friendly meats and sides in your menu choices.
Q: Do you have any Vegetarian Options?
A: We offer a salad bar option, veggie wraps, veggie burgers as well as tons of vegetables. Please specify that you’d like the vegetables prepared in a vegetarian friendly fashion.
Q: How should I calculate the guest count?
A: We plan our food quantity based on your guest count, so we try to aim for an accurate count. First, start with the number of people you expect to come. Secondly, if you have any children coming to the event, calculate 2 children as 1 adult for more accurate food portions. It is also helpful for us to know the occasion and general idea of the appetite. (Example – 20 ladies at a bridal shower will eat differently than 20 workers at a construction site.)
Q: Is clean up included?
A: Yes, we always clean up our food station. Trash is typically handled by your event site, otherwise let us know and we will try to accommodate.
Q: If there is leftover food, will it be packaged for us to take? If so, will we need to provide containers?
A: The leftovers on the serving line are yours to keep. We can box them up when we clean up. We try to bring a few extra to-go boxes, but you are always welcome to bring your own containers.
Q: How long does it take to set up for the event?
A: We like to arrive 30-60 minutes before the event depending on the size and quantity of food we will be serving.
Q: Do you offer tastings?
A: We do not offer tastings, however you can always stop for lunch or dinner at any of our restaurants to purchase plates from our menu. Disclaimer: not all locations serve all of our catering items.
Q: How far in advance do I need to book a catering?
A: For large special occasions like a large holiday party or a wedding, we suggest contacting us as soon as possible to reserve your date. Weekends during wedding season fill up fast! We suggest at least 2 weeks’ notice for Full Service caterings, 2 days notice for Delivery caterings, and 1 day notice preferred for Pick Up catering orders.
