FAQ

 

To contact us: 817-448-9100

What information do you need from me in order to submit a bid for a catering?

RJRC: We will need your name, telephone number, event date, event location, serve time, email address or fax number, how many people you are planning on feeding, preferred menu, budget restrictions (if applicable), desired beverage/beverages (we do not provide alcoholic beverages), what type of plates and utensils you prefer (glassware, clear plastic disposable, stainless flatware or clear plastic utensils, etc.).

Once I have established my menu, what do I need to do next in order to book my event?

RJRC: The next step would be to come in for a complimentary tasting. This is not a requirement in order to book an event with us however if you are unfamiliar with our food and service it is a great place to start. We can accommodate up to 4 people for the tasting. Your other option is to put down your deposit. We do not book any event without a deposit.

If I decide to use you as my caterer, what do I need to do?

RJRC: In order to book your event with us, we need a security deposit of half down. This deposit goes toward your final balance and it reserves and confirms your event date and services.

What is your policy on changes and cancellations?

 Once your deposit has been received, your event date is confirmed. We are unable to reserve an event date without a deposit. If you are wanting a particular date and we do not receive a deposit, you are subject to lose that date, as dates are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Deposits are non refundable, however, you do not lose your deposit. We can apply your deposit to another day or event of your choice. There will be a $150 charge per date/event change. We appreciate your business and we will do our very best to ensure that you receive the quality and service that you expect and deserve.

What type of payment methods do you accept?

RJRC: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Check or Cash. Credit card payments can be given securely over the telephone to one of our representatives in the business office. All receipts will be mailed to you.

How many people can I bring to a tasting?

RJRC: Since this is a courtesy service, we ask that you bring no more than 4 people unless arrangements have been made with Dresden or Richard. If you need to cancel your tasting, we would appreciate a 24 hour notice.

Is there a contract for me to sign?

RJRC: We will provide a packet for you that will include confirmation of your menu and services included, a credit card authorization form that will require your signature and a cancellation policy. These combined pages serve as your contract, other forms may be added if necessary.

How do you know if you have served additional meals at my event?

RJRC: If you book for 100, we put out 100 plates. We bring 10% more food than you confirm for, therefore, if additional guests show up that you have not planned for, we will be able to serve them. No additional meals will be served without authorization. If additional meals are served we will collect payment at the event.

A few of my guests are Vegetarians. Can you provide a few vegetarian meals?

RJRC: Yes. If you have 200 people on your guest list, and 10 of them are vegetarian, we can provide 10 vegetarian meals.

Can I add additional food closer to my event date?

RJRC: Yes. You can add up to 5 days prior to your event depending on your menu. Some menus will allow you to add on as close as 3 days prior to your event.

If I book my event expecting 200 people and the number drops to 100 people closer to the event, will my bid change?

RJRC: Yes. Bids are based on the headcount we are given when you first book your event. The more people you have, the lower your bid. So if your headcount drops by this much, you can expect a higher bid.

If my party of 100 turns out to be a party of 90, do I get to keep the leftovers and if so, will containers be provided?

RJRC: Yes, it is food you have paid for. We do not provide the containers unless this is requested ahead of time. You will be able to predict your turnout better than us so please be prepared with your own containers or phone us 5 days prior if this is a concern. If you do not wish to keep your remaining food, we will take it and donate it to the homeless shelter of our choice.

What do you provide with each catering?

RJRC: We include white table cloths for buffet tables (these are standard lap length), chaffing dishes, sterno, serving utensils, buffet attendants, plates, napkins, dining utensils and if you we are providing your beverage we include cups, ice, sugar and sugar substitute, depending upon beverage choice. We do not provide buffet tables or alcoholic beverages.

If I order dessert, will dessert plates be provided?

RJRC: Dessert plates are not provided unless this is stated in your proposal. We charge additionally for dessert plates, whether they are clear plastic or glass.

Do I need to pay additional money for the servers?

RJRC: Unless gratuity is listed separately on your proposal, we are not charging you additionally for servers. If you would like to leave them a tip, that is up to you.

When does my event need to be paid in full?

RJRC: No later than 5 days prior to event. Inside 5 days we accept cash only.

Are table cloths provided for dining tables at no cost to me?

RJRC: No. Dining table cloths fall under additional services. They will need to be rented and paid for separately. You are responsible for picking them up, and returning them to our facility within 3 business days of your event to avoid incidental charges on your credit card. You are under no obligation to rent table cloths from us.

If I rent something from you for my event, who is responsible for picking it up and returning it?

RJRC: You will need to pick up whatever you are renting from The Western Place Garden Café and you are responsible for returning those items to The Western Place Garden Café. If they are not returned within 3 business days of the event, your credit card will be charged for these items. Purchase prices are available upon request.

If I rent table cloths from you, do you bring them to the event?

RJRC: No. You would be responsible for picking them up and returning them to the facility. They must be returned within 3 days of your event to avoid incidental charges to your credit card.

If I change my mind about my menu, can I change the menu after I have paid my deposit?

RJRC: Absolutely. You can change your menu to whatever you like. A 10 day notice of menu change is required. Please keep in mind that menu changes are subject to bid changes. All changes or additions to original menu proposal must be in writing, we will accept them by Fax (817-448-8094), mailed (PO Box 698, Aledo, TX 76008), or by email (dresdenrivera@aol.com).

Can my guests go through the buffet line as many times as they want?

RJRC: If you confirm for 100 people, then 100 people get to go thru the line once. If you confirm for 100 people and 85 show up, what you do with the leftovers is up to you. Some guests can come thru a second time, you can bring containers and take the leftovers with you, or we can take the remaining food and donate it to the homeless shelter of our choice.

If my party does not eat at the exact serve time I have provided your servers, will I be charged for the additional time?

RJRC: We understand that serve times are not an exact science. However, to ensure the highest quality of the food you have ordered, we urge you to serve as close to your serve time as possible. If serve time goes beyond half an hour, you are subject to additional charges to cover our labor costs. If serve time goes beyond one hour of your original serve time, you will be charged $100.00 per hour for every hour our crew has to wait. This additional charge will be collected before we leave the event.

 

 

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Copyright 2004 R J Rivera Catering, Inc.