The process of working with a Corporate Catering Company in Sydney
If you’re an event planner, an admin assistant, an HR official, or an executive with a start-up, you’ve probably been asked to hire a corporate catering company. That means you’ll have a lot on your plate.
It involves understanding the nature and tone of the event, knowing the food budget, reaching out to the right catering company in Sydney, working directly with them to coordinate the guests’ food preferences, and so much more.
It’s a task that will become a nightmare fast – unless you know what to do and where to begin.
But don’t worry; we’ve put together this simple guide to help you out. This article will explain what corporate catering is, the benefits of hiring a corporate caterer, and the details of organising the meals for your upcoming corporate function.
Before we start, this list of questions to ask your caterer should also help you a) understand your business event better and b) know what to expect when meeting your corporate caterer.
What is corporate catering?
Corporate catering is the business of providing food to a company’s guests. It could be on a daily basis or for a one-time corporate event, such as a long meeting or a training session. Some companies and organisations specialise in corporate catering, while others are primarily restaurants that offer catering services on the side.
Ideally, the process is pretty straightforward: Choose your Sydney caterer, tell them what you want and when you want it, and they’ll deliver the caterer for your event on the designated date and time. That’s all you need to know; however, what goes on in the BTS (behind the scenes) is much more complex.
Some catering companies in Sydney require ordering in advance or presenting you with corporate catering menus different from the ones they usually serve.
While it’s true that your options may seem slightly limited, don’t let that discourage you. In fact, you still have a ton of choices to make your corporate event a remarkable one. Allow us to outline the process we follow to create memorable experiences for Sydney corporate events.
Before making the first phone call
Perhaps you’ve already looked through their gorgeous menus, or you’ve landed on their site via a referral or a web search. Having some information at hand will greatly help your corporate caterer during your initial conversation.
Event date and timing
Let your catering company know if you have a specific date in mind or if there’s some wiggle room so that they can check their schedule. Remember that weekends in the shoulder seasons (i.e., the autumn and spring) tend to book up quickly, so the more lead time you provide, the better.
Event size
When it comes to event size, we don’t need an exact headcount. All corporate caterer needs is a range of guests you plan to invite or expect to attend. This will help them tailor their services accordingly,
Event type
Now, let’s talk about the event type. Are you considering a drop-off buffet, a delightful platter, a dreamy wedding, or a professional corporate event? Understanding the nature of your event allows your Sydney caterer of choice to customise their approach and exceed your expectations.
Event venue
If you already have a venue in mind, that’s fantastic! Knowing the location will help your corporate catering company in the scheduling and planning of the event. However, if you’re still searching for the perfect venue, don’t worry; thanks to our Gold Licence Status, Boardwalk Catering is one of the very few premium corporate catering companies in Sydney that have access to certain venues that your company couldn’t have access to otherwise. So, we can lend a hand in finding one that suits your needs flawlessly.
Event budget
Budgets can sometimes be flexible. We get that. However, if you have a budget in mind, even a rough estimate, it helps your catering company immensely in providing appropriate menu suggestions and starting off on the right foot.
It’s time to pick up the phone
Now, it’s time to reach out to your corporate catering company in Sydney! Armed with your basic information, feel free to call their friendly catering representatives or use their convenient contact form to email their dedicated banquet manager directly. If by chance you don’t reach them immediately, don’t worry. Just leave a message, and they’ll get back to you – usually within 48 hours.
Menu planning
Your chosen corporate catering company will be thrilled to help you create the perfect menu for your event. Whether you’ve already found a menu that resonates with your vision, requires a few tweaks, or seeks a custom creation from scratch, they’re there for you to be as creative as they have to be so that you’re happy just as the bellies of the guests you’ll invite.
Formal proposal and contract
Once the ideal menu is determined and the event details finalised, your caterer will prepare a formal proposal that includes all pricing information and a comprehensive bottom line total. Take your time to review the proposal carefully, and feel free to suggest any changes or adjustments. Once you accept the proposal, most corporate catering companies usually request a 50% deposit along with a signed agreement to secure the reservation. In the case of events booked over 6 months in advance, their office staff will provide you with a specific deposit schedule for your convenience.
Finalising the event
As you approach the event date, your caterer will require a final guaranteed guest count one week prior. This count will determine your final invoice. Payment is typically due upon delivery unless alternate arrangements have been made in advance or agreed upon in the contract. During this final phase, you’ll go over all the details with your catering company one last time to ensure smooth delivery, including confirming the venue and timing.
On the day of the event
On the day of your event, you should feel at ease knowing that you’ve hired a premium corporate catering company that cares as much about your event as you do. They arrive on time, and if it is just a drop-off, they set up your food as discussed to keep your food hot throughout the service. If it’s a full-service event, you can count on their expert crew to be there before everybody else and complete all agreed-upon set-up, service, and cleanup. Your only duty is to have fun and enjoy the food and service provided by your new friends.
Why Boardwalk Catering as your corporate catering company of choice
When it comes to choosing a corporate catering company in Sydney for your next event, there are several factors to consider. Here’s why Boardwalk Catering stands out as your top choice:
Gold Licence Status
Boardwalk Catering holds a prestigious Gold Licence status, which sets us apart from other catering companies in Sydney. This recognition signifies our commitment to excellence in food safety, quality, and service. With our Gold Licence, you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted and reliable partner for your corporate catering needs.
Fresh and Seasonal Produce
At Boardwalk Catering, we believe that great food starts with high-quality ingredients. That’s why we source fresh and seasonal produce to create our culinary masterpieces. Our team of talented chefs works diligently to craft delicious and innovative menus that showcase the best flavours of each season.
Premium Catering with a Difference
What sets Boardwalk Catering apart is our dedication to providing premium catering services with a difference. We go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for Sydney corporate events. From the initial consultation to the final execution, our team is committed to delivering exceptional service and exceeding your expectations.
Values that Set Us Apart
At Boardwalk Catering, we uphold a set of core values that guide our every decision and interaction. We prioritise honesty, customer focus, adaptiveness, common sense, and attention to detail. These values are at the heart of everything we do, and they shape the way we serve our clients.
Parting thoughts
In the world of corporate events, hiring a corporate catering company can be a daunting task. However, armed with the right information and guidance, you can create a remarkable experience for your guests. From understanding the event type and budget to finalising the menu, the venue, the everything else in between, our expert team at Boardwalk Catering will be there with you every step of the way. With our expertise and dedication, the event is your chance to relax and flex your muscles of good choice. What else can they ask for?
So, go ahead, pick up that phone and give us a call. Your event’s success awaits!
