Getting StartedGetting Started
Hosting a catered event can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before, but it can be super easy if you follow these steps! Once you provide us with all the information we need, we can create and email an estimate to you if you wish. All of our charges are line itemized, so there are no hidden fees. You only pay for what you need!
1. Choose a menu.
Take a look at the menus on the website and choose some items that interest you. For your convenience, each menu item notes the number of servings and prices. We are happy to answer any questions you have about menu items. Keep in mind that we won’t be able to tell you how much your event will cost until you choose a menu. With the exception of a few very select menu items, we can only sell items in the quantities noted on each item. For example, an order of crab cakes is 10, and we can’t do it for 11.
2. Consider the level of service you’d like to have.
Take a minute to read through the service options below. The majority of our clients take advantage of the convenience and economy of a One Way Delivery and Set-Up.
3. Establish a location.
Please provide us with a street address, and if applicable, a suite number, floor, or room number. Additionally, an alternate point of contact and a cell phone number will help ensure a timely delivery.
4. Decide when you want to eat.
We go by start times, not arrival times. Please let us know what time you want the set up process to be complete, and we will arrive at the appropriate time, which is typically 45 to 15 minutes before most Delivery and Set-Ups. Premium and Staffed events generally require more time, but we’ll be able to give you an idea of when we will arrive when the scope of the event is determined.
5. Choose a disposable ware package.
We have two types, one very basic and economical, and one a little more fancy. View them here. Want to provide your own? No problem! Note that serving utensils (tongs, spoons, spreaders, etc.) are included in the price of the food, so you don’t need to purchase them separately unless you need extras for a double sided buffet or items of your own.
6. Decide if you want chafing dishes for any hot food.
We sell disposable chafing dishes that are yours to keep. They’re a good idea if you don’t plan on eating immediately or for events where you need to make food available for longer periods of time. If you already own some and want us to use them for your set up, please make sure that you have the water pans and sterno to go with the wire frames. We have those items available for purchase if you need them. If you don’t plan to use chafing dishes, we’ll set up your hot food in a specially designed cardboard container which will help insulate the food for a short period of time.
7. Determine payment method.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. We will take your credit card information over the phone when you place your order. We typically charge the card the day of the event or on Friday if it is a weekend event. A receipt and an itemized invoice will be emailed to you. Please note that our staff is not equipped with credit card processing devices, and do not carry cash.
Corporate Ordering Information
Service Options
Pick Ups
Cold Pick Up
Perhaps you want to take a pan of Italian Pulled Pork to the beach for the weekend, or a Pear and Candied Walnut Salad to a party you’re attending tonight. Maybe you just prefer the do-it-yourself approach and want to cater your own party, but need some help with the preparation. Whatever the reason, your food will be fully prepared and refrigerated for you to re-heat at a later time.
Hot Pick Up
Your food will be hot and ready to serve. We’ll pack it in a heavy duty cardboard catering box. This service is no extra charge if you pick up your food during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
Delivery
Cold Delivery
The perfect option for food that requires no heating or will be heated by you at a later time. The following Travel Rates apply to this service.
Travel Rates
0-10 miles: $30
11-20 miles: $40
21-30 miles: $50
31-40 miles: $60
41 + miles: call for quote
Hot Delivery
Your food will arrive hot and ready to serve. Add $20 to the corresponding Travel Rate.
Delivery and Set Up
One Way Delivery and Set Up
This is our most convenient and economical service. We’ll deliver and set up your meal with disposable equipment, including trays, chafing dishes, serving utensils and anything else needed to serve the food that you order from us. Your meal will be ready for your guests to serve themselves, and save you the trouble of having to clean and return equipment. Disposable chafing dishes are $10 each. Add $25 to the corresponding Travel Rate for a cold delivery, and $45 for a hot delivery. Please have tables in place.
Premium Delivery and Set Up
We’ll deliver and set up your meal with stainless steel chafing dishes and serving utensils and decorative platters and bowls. We typically arrive 30 minutes to an hour before your service time to begin setting up. Please have tables in place for our staff, and inform us of any situations that may require more time, such as stairs or difficult parking conditions. Stainless steel chafing dishes are a rental item and are $20 each. Equipment must be returned to us free of food on the next business day. Add $60 to the corresponding Travel Rate.
Return and Pick Up
Unable to return our equipment to us? We can come and get it on the next business day after your event. Cold Delivery Travel rates apply to this service.
Full Service Events
Full service events are staffed as necessary to ensure that your event runs smoothly and efficiently. Hiring Chefs, Servers and Bartenders are the perfect way for you to enjoy a carefree event. Call us for a quote.
Our Company Motto
We stand by our work and strive to always exceed your expectations. In our business, we realize that reputation is everything and "passing the word" is the best advertising. Our main interest is in the gratification of our customers. We not only want to please you so that you will come back time and time again, we want you to proudly and confidently tell your family and friends that you highly recommend us.
Our Reputation
Food for Thought Catering has proudly and responsibly served the Tri-State area for over 14 years. We are a proud member of the Better Business Bureau and committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Our reputation speaks for itself; however we encourage you to review our A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau's web site at www.delaware.bbb.org.
Menu Prices
Because we strive to bring you the highest quality ingredients available, our pricing may fluctuate from time to time based on market conditions. Our food pricing is value based and includes the cold (or unheated) food item that you are ordering. For example, an order of a pan of meatballs will be just that.......fully cooked but ready for you to heat. This ensures that you're getting the best value possible. We can provide any serving equipment you may need for an additional cost. Please feel free to contact our Sales Manager with any questions you may have.
Order Confirmation
In order for us to ensure that we can schedule adequate staffing, please confirm your order 10 business days before the event date. Final menu and guest count is due 5 business days prior to your event. After that point, we cannot accept cancellations or deletions, as the ordering process and planning has already begun. Additions can usually be made up until the day before the event. Just call and we will make every effort to accommodate you!
Deposit and Payment
A minimum deposit of 50% of the total price of your event is required to confirm an order and secure pricing. We accept cash, check and all major credit cards. For your convenience, all billing is done via email. Clients that use credit cards will be emailed both an itemized receipt and a credit card receipt.
Gratuity
Gratuity for our Staff is never included in our menu pricing and invoicing. However, tips are considered proper and are always greatly appreciated by our staff. Please pay the server directly, or if you wish, we can include it on your invoice at your request.
Cancellation Policy
Please note that we cater all events rain or shine. This policy applies to snow storms as well. Please have a contingency plan in place for inclement weather. Tent rentals are a great “insurance policy” for your outdoor event. Should the weather affect your event, we will try to work with you to the best of our ability, but we cannot accept a full cancellation of the order. It is not our intent to penalize our clients, but we cannot take a loss on the labor and the food that has been ordered and/or prepared on your behalf. We will be happy to take items such as disposable products or canned sodas and bottled water off of your bill because we can put them back on our shelf and use them again. Perishable prepared food items, however, do not offer that same flexibility. We can hold your food for you to pick up or have delivered at a later date, or we can make arrangements to donate it to a charitable organization on your behalf.
Rental Equipment
Need tables, chairs, china, glassware, tents or linen? We can you refer you to locally owned and operated companies that will be able to assist with all of your rental needs.
