The Great Escape Catering - Frequently Asked Questions
What will be the estimated per-head cost and are taxes and gratuities included?
Head cost cannot be established until the menu is determined. Since all menus are event specific, the price may change. I do not charge tax and gratuity is not automatically added. I prefer to leave that up to the client’s discretion.
Does that total include setup, tear down and cleanup?
The total includes setup, breakdown and clean up. If garbage removal is requested, there is an extra charge.
How much time will you require to set up?
It takes approximately one hour to set up. However, that can change depending on location and type of event.
What deposit do you require and when is it due?
A $100.00, non-refundable deposit must be paid and a contract will be signed in order to hold a date. This deposit will be deducted from the balance upon completion of the event. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required within two weeks of the event. The remaining balance is due on the day of event.
What will the balance be and when is it due?
The balance is the total minus the deposit and hold date charge. Gratuity is in addition to balance. The balance is due at the close of the event.
Do you have a cancellation policy and what are its terms?
If the event is cancelled more than seven day prior to the event, the 50% deposit will be refunded. There is no refund for events cancelled within less than seven days from the event.
What kind of flatware, glassware and place settings will be provided?
I provide all disposable service ware (paper plates, napkins, flatware etc….). The client can upgrade to elegant, disposable products for a small fee (determined by selection). Alternatively, the client may also upgrade to china and silver. Rental fees apply.
Does your catering service supply tables, chairs, linens and table skirting? If not, what are your additional fees?
I supply white linens and buffet tables at no extra charge. If extra tables are needed for guests, cake or gifts, as well as linens and chairs, then rental fees apply and vary based on the type and scope of the event.
Does your catering service provide bar supplies and equipment, including glassware?
I can provide bar equipment and licensed bartenders; equipment rental fees apply. Licensed bartenders are $25.00 per hour with a 4-hour minimum. They are on a separate gratuity plan.
Are there additional charges for equipment or glassware rentals?
Rental fees apply for tents, glassware, china, flatware, and any other non-food related equipment needs.
When must you have my final menu selections?
Final menu selection is required two weeks prior to the event. Some seasonal items, such as seafood, may require an earlier date.
What are the sizes of the portions?
Portion sizes are standard restaurant size: proteins are four to five ounces, starches are four ounces, and vegetables are four ounces. Larger portions can be arranged for an additional charge.
How soon must you have my final head count?
Final head count is required one week prior to the event.
What will be your server-to-guest ratio and does that figure include bartenders?
Most events are buffet style and do not require servers. If servers are required, the number of servers is based on the guest count and can be determined by the client. Servers are billed at $15.00 per hour and are on a separate gratuity scale. Bartenders are not included in the server count.
What will your service staff wear?
This depends on type of event. Most of the time, servers will be in long-sleeved white shirts, black pants and black dress shoes. At some events, servers may wear shirts with The Great Escape Catering Co. logo.
When would overtime charges begin?
Food service runs for approximately two hours, after which cleanup begins. If service extends past three hours, servers will be paid $20.00 for each additional hour.
If we have a buffet, do you provide line servers or is it self-serve?
Buffets are self-serve unless carving stations or higher cost items require serving.
If you supply the wedding cake, what is my cost per serving?
I do not supply cakes; however I do have connections for cake service. I can also offer suggestions for cakes so that the client can avoid costly mistakes.
Do you assess a per-bottle opening fee for champagne or a cutting fee for the cake?
Since I do not supply alcohol, there is no corking fee. The client is responsible for opening bottles. I do assess a $25.00 fee to cut the cake. Cake knife and spatula are provided by client.
How much liquor, beer and other beverages do you recommend I order?
Beverage selection and quantity recommendations are determined specifically for each event.
Can you offer a volume discount on beverages?
I do not offer a volume discount for beverages. I need to provide cups, extra napkins, creamers, sugar and ice–all of which is part of the cost.
What alcohol alternatives can you supply?
I offer several different punch ideas, soda, bottled water, coffee and juices as well as non-alcoholic beer and wine.
When will the bar be opened and closed?
Bars are open as long as the client wants to pay the bartender to be there. The bartender will exercise his/her right to limit guests if they appear intoxicated or before they become intoxicated.
What type of bar service is available – cash, consumption or open?
If the bartender is required to take cash, a system will be established during pre-event consultation.
Will you supply ice?
I only supply ice for my needs. If I supply ice for the bar, there is a charge of $2.50 per 7 lbs. to cover pick up and storage fees.
Can you provide a floor plan of the table and seating arrangements?
I will visit the reception area and help determine the table set up. Since each venue is different, each event will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Who will be your top representative at my reception?
I will be the main representative at each event.