How To Choose The Right Corporate Caterer in Albany

Selecting the right corporate caterer can make all the difference for gatherings of all sizes.  From smaller work lunches shared by a few colleagues to a celebratory occasion involving a large group, catering should be one of the more memorable aspects of the event.

In Albany, several catering options are available, including full-service and specialty menu providers.  To select the catering service perfect for your event,  it’s imperative to find a caterer who understands the unique needs of corporate events. 

The following will walk you through the key factors to consider.  This includes menu variety and customization, local ingredients, and reliable service.  When all of these come together, you will be left with an event whose patrons felt was pleasant and more importantly, worthwhile. 

Understand Your Event Needs

We have all attended meetings and events that look like they were thrown together at the last minute.  Unfortunately, this means we have all experienced the feeling attached to such a rushed gathering- that everyone in attendance wasn’t worth the time and effort to be thought of properly in advance.  

We suggest beginning the planning process as early as possible to ensure the event goes above and beyond expectations.  Ideally, the preferred caterer should be contacted a month in advance.  Depending on how popular the caterer is and the time of year, they may be getting booked quickly.  Don’t wait to contact them to clinch your spot!  You’ll want to give yourself time to ensure the caterer will accommodate the event’s needs.

Look for Menu Variety and Customization

Events are not “one size fits all”.  Each gathering will have different needs based on the theme, guest list, and occasion.  This is why caterers should offer various options to suit each unique event. Customization makes a meal more enjoyable.  It also shows that you care about your guests’ dining experience—an important detail in creating a positive impression for your business.

Rather than push one option, look for caterers willing to adjust menus for specific needs, whether for smaller gatherings or larger corporate events.  Birch Hill Catering offers flexible corporate catering menus tailored to various events, allowing you to craft a menu that aligns perfectly with your event’s theme and guest preferences.

Consider Local Sourcing and Quality Ingredients

Local and fresh ingredients are known to enhance meal quality and guest satisfaction.  In most cases, guests can easily identify when the ingredients used for their dishes are subpar.  This is one of the main reasons why supporting local caterers is recommended for events.  

Not only do local caterers ensure fresher ingredients, but by working with them you’re also supporting the Albany community.  Albany-based Birch Hill Catering offers a strong local touch with fresh ingredients and a commitment to quality in its business catering menus.  This commitment to quality reflects positively on your business, showing that you’re attentive to both detail and responsible sourcing. When planning your corporate event, consider the added value of a menu crafted with ingredients that are as fresh as they are flavorful.

Ask For Referrals

If you’ve recently attended another business event or know people who routinely hold events, ask them for their recommendations.  They may have connections to a corporate caterer they know and trust to provide amazing services.  

Be sure to check reviews online, at the very least!  Of course, checking the caterer’s official website is an option.  However, remember that they can often select which reviews to display.  For even further insight, there are many websites you can check- a quick search online can provide all of the information you need within minutes.

At the same time, take reviews you find online with a grain of salt.  If you see a review or two that doesn’t offer praise, investigate further before automatically removing the business as an option.  There could always be false reviews meant to hinder the business’ success.  We encourage speaking to the caterer before writing them off; it may have been a unique experience that doesn’t properly reflect who they are as a company.

Determine The Budget

Unless you have an infinite budget, knowing which ones the event can afford before you hire a catering service is important.  This will save time and money in the long run, which can be used for other events in the future.  

Factors to consider include the type of event, the number of guests, how much staff will be required, the services provided by the corporate caterer, and how much of the budget is already going to other staff and possible equipment.  By determining what you cannot afford, the list of potential caterers will be quickly narrowed down.

It is a good idea to inquire about the cost of the same service at multiple caterers before meeting with any prospective businesses.  You compare the different prices beforehand and it will quickly set off alarm bells if an exorbitant price is given as an estimate during a meeting.  

Another thing to watch out for is if a caterer gives an exact quote during your very first conversation.  There are so many factors still to be decided upon at this point.  A price range is fine, but getting it right down to the last cent shouldn’t be discussed until a full proposal is created.

When looking at the proposals, compare where the companies are attaching certain fees.  For example, one may have the cost of linens included, or the cost per plate may be less.  At this time, you can try to negotiate with them depending on what you may not need to be included in your event.

Conduct a Tasting

Just like you shouldn’t buy a car without test-driving it, you shouldn’t hire a caterer without tasting their food.  Scheduling a tasting to experience the quality and presentation of the food is an important step in planning your event.  

During the tasting, you will be given the chance to provide feedback which will enable all adjustments to be made before the event.  This is why it is important to begin the process as soon as possible.  There shouldn’t be a rush to make last-minute changes if they are needed, so give yourself ample time.

Check for Licensing and Insurance

One aspect that is often overlooked when choosing a caterer is whether they meet local licensing and insurance requirements.  Therefore, it is recommended to confirm that the caterer is licensed and operating legally and safely.  

By doing so, you can rest assured that you’re hiring a team that is better equipped to handle food responsibly.  This is important for any event but is especially imperative for large gatherings where more people are subjected to the food.

Ask Questions

Don’t shy away from asking questions!  To feel confident in your choice of corporate caterer, being able to say that you had all of your questions answered and left no stone unturned can make all the difference.  

Some of the questions you may wish to ask include: 

• Do you have experience with events like this one?
• Which types of cuisine do you offer?  Is one more popular than the other?
• Are there themed menus?
• How do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
• Are substitutions allowed?  If so, are there additional fees?
• Are the menus fully pre-set or can they be customized?  And, is it possible to have sample menus?
• When can we book a sample tasting?
• How and when do we finalize the menu?  How late can we request menu changes? 
• When do you need the final headcount?
• Is plating and presentation always the same or are there different options?
• Can we have a tour of the kitchen?
• Are there eco-friendly options?
• Depending on the event, is bar service and alcohol available?  If so, what is the extra cost?
• What is the process like when your team arrives on-site?
• Does the staff have a dress code?
• Are there administrative expenses?
• Do you offer specials?

The Right Corporate Caterer in Albany

In summary, choosing the right corporate caterer is an important part of making an event truly memorable.  This can be done in a few simple steps.  Ideally, the caterer should offer a diverse and flexible menu that uses locally sourced and quality ingredients.  After sampling the menu during a tasting, feedback may be given to ensure all adjustments are made beforehand.  Finally, it should be confirmed that all licensing and insurance requirements are met to fully cross the t’s and dot the i’s. 

For your next corporate gathering, we suggest considering a trusted local caterer like Birch Hill Catering in Albany.  We offer various corporate catering options for all business events, regardless of whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (including drop-offs).  Or, perhaps it’s an occasion that would make a full buffet or sit-down dinner and cocktail hour more appropriate.

From corporate holiday parties to employee picnics, we can customize our menus to better suit your needs.  We also have corporate event venues to host corporate meetings and events that offer amazing views in comfortable settings.  Whatever your preferences, contact us today to begin planning your next corporate event.