You want your corporate function to be one to remember - for all the right reasons! After all, it’s an opportunity to showcase your business and make a good impression plus you want your guests to have a good time.
But your corporate function is more than an investment in goodwill. It’s also a financial investment and smart budgeting is important. The food will be one of your biggest costs and careful selection of your corporate caterer is therefore very important.
Here are some insider tips to help you choose the right corporate caterer for a successful and enjoyable event:
Hire a caterer who genuinely listens to your wishes
Some caterers will simply treat you like a number and tell you what you want. Look for one that ‘gets’ your vision for your function, who listens to what you want and who is willing to work with you to achieve your goals. Of course, you want them to make recommendations based on their experience but they also need to take your ideas and preferences into consideration.
Be specific about your expectations
It’s far better from a budget and practical planning perspective if you’re specific about what you want. Indecision and uncertainty make it difficult for you and for the caterer to work out a plan - so it’s a good idea to do some homework upfront.
Check their credentials
Word of mouth referrals are best but do your homework on your selected caterer and get feedback from references that they provide. Read reviews on the internet and on their website and ask for testimonials before you make any commitment.
Ask for a tasting
‘Try before you buy’ is a good mantra when it comes to choosing a corporate caterer. They should be willing to let you sample their food to help you make decisions on menu choices and pricing - and if you wish, they should also be willing to let you pop into one of their functions so you can get a sneak preview of their team in action, how they present their food, their work ethic etc.
Experience counts
As you know, you can only get experience by starting somewhere, but your corporate event is probably not the right platform for a caterer to be on their first gig. Choose one that has a proven track record so that you have peace-of-mind that you’re in good hands.
It’s more than just food
A corporate caterer delivers more than just food. You’re probably hiring them to handle the drinks service as well as the waitering, so you need to make sure you are happy with the whole package. Again, that’s where it’s vital to check their credentials and make sure they have an established reputation for professionalism and service excellence.
Don’t forget the contract
Fine-print may not be your thing but it is very important to ensure that you have a watertight contract that protects you. Aspects such as non-performance, cancellation, appropriate accreditations, licensing, staff overtime and even how any leftovers will be distributed should be covered in the contract so that there are no grey areas or misunderstandings at the end.
For a corporate event that wows your VIPs, customers, suppliers or staff, you need to find a professional caterer that you can trust to deliver high quality food delights your guests and which leaves you with a good feeling in your hearts (and your pockets).
For the best in corporate catering in Bunbury, look no further than Aristos. They are known as one of the best restaurants in Bunbury and their beachfront venue is an ideal spot for corporate functions, business lunches or private parties - plus they offer the same exceptional restaurant quality catering from their Bunbury kitchen if you choose to have your corporate function elsewhere.
For corporate catering to suit any budget for conferences, cocktail parties, staff development seminars, product launches, awards dinners, VIP luncheons and customer events, give Aristos Waterfront Bunbury a call on 08 9791 6477, check out their website at www.aristosbunbury.com.au or better still, step into one of the best view spots in the South West and experience the good life for yourself!
