Things you should know but might not have thought to ask;

Tax and gratuity will be added to your bill

Tax is currently %7.350

Gratuity is currently %18

Services provided for your gratuity payment includes and is not limited too;

Bussing guest tables

Setting up drink station and having drinks ready for easy pick up when going through the buffet line.

Refilling drinks at the tables. (We refill only drinks we provide)

Clean up any spills, assist special needs guest in getting the food to them.

Keeping the buffet stocked

Weekend events and weddings need to order off the dinner menu. 

Lunch menu is reserved for catered meals Monday through Friday 11:00 am through 1:00.

All meals come with disposable table wear and serving utensils.  You have the option to upgrade your table wear for additional fees; we have plastic table wear that looks like the real thing for a reasonable fee as well as china rental.

If your event is not formal and you would like us to “drop and go” there is no additional charge for that (except the standard delivery charge)  The food will all be brought in disposable pans and everything gets thrown away when you are done. 

If you would like us to set up chaffing dishes to keep the food hot but still don’t need us to stay and help with the buffet there is an addition pick up fee.  This is the same as the delivery fee.  Prices vary from town to town please feel free to ask.

1.      Is the caterer licensed? Does the caterer possess a current permit from the Health Department?  Does the caterer work out of an approved, inspected kitchen or commissary? An approved and certified workplace is regularly inspected and meets Board of Health standards. The water supply is also regularly tested.

Answer; Yes Columbia Catering Company does work out of a licensed City of Columbia inspected kitchen.  We are located at 3506 I-70 Drive South East (near Patricia’s market on the outer road)

2.      Is the caterer insured? What if his staff spills red sauce on that new white sofa? Are the caterers staff insured if they injure themselves in your home or on your property? Ask the name of the insurance company.

Answer; We are very well insured through Columbia Insurance Group

3.   Is your caterer a "full service caterer?" Can he/she take care of all your party needs, from tables to tents, chairs, glassware, linens, flatware, china, steam trays, bar, paper and plastics, etc.?

Answer; We will provide any and all of these services.  The price is based on market pricing on renting the items that I don’t keep on hand.

China pricing is currently $4.00 per place setting and that includes plated service.  There is still a gratuity charge of 18% on top of that.

4.  How long will the caterer remain on the job? Is it in writing? What happens if you wish to extend your party longer than originally planned? Will there be an overtime charge?

Answer; If we are contracted for only food, we will leave after the guest tables are cleared off and we have packed up our items.  If we are contracted for also providing beverage services we will stay the contracted time.  Please see beverage menu for pricing.

If we are contracted to clean up after your event and your event goes longer than expected and you ask us to stay longer there will be charge and it will be agreed to before the event.

5. Will there be enough food? How large are the portions?  Will the chicken breast be four, six or eight ounces? What happens to leftovers?

Answer; We will pack up leftovers in disposable foil pans and leave the food for you to take home.  We are not responsible for it after that.  (Food can only sit out at room temperature for 4 hours including time on the buffet and travel, please be aware!)

Dinner meals are typically an 8 once portion unless stated on the menu.  If you order more than one main dish we serve about 5 once servings of each main course but enough for everyone to have some of both.

6. If you are not familiar with a caterer's work, will he give references? You should ask for three recent parties. Don't be afraid to call these people and ask how they feel about the caterer's work and attitude.

Answer; I have a reference list, just ask.

7.  What kinds of serving pieces and china will be used?

Answer; All food is served in hardy disposable dishes unless contracted.  China service is $4.00 per place setting.  Up graded disposable plates etc $1.75 (these are the newest in disposables and look like the real thing)

8.  Who takes care of the garbage?

Answer; If we are leaving after the meal is served we will not be hauling garbage out during your party.  If we are contracted to clean after your party, we will take it out.