Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We're here to help!
Our Frequently Asked Questions section provides helpful answers to some of the most common questions about our services, menu options, and event planning. We hope this information makes planning your special occasion a little easier.
If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help!
Q. Are you a full catering service in which you set up and tear down the tables for the event?
A. No, my service does not set up table or event area as well as we do not tear down. You
will need another service to take care of this service.
Q. Do you have a bar service?
A. No, my service does not include a bar service; however, I can make recommendations upon request.
Q. Is there a way I can taste a sample of my menu?
A. Yes, it is highly encouraged to come into my kitchen for a tasting. It’s a fun event and you (the bridge and groom) are welcome to invite up to 6 additional people to experience the tasting with you. After you submit your initial menu we will schedule a date for you to come into the kitchen.
Q. What information do I need for the contract?
A. You will need to provide us with the following information
- Date of Event
- Name of Bride
- Name of Groom
- Mailing Address
- Phone number
- Address of Venue
- Approximate number of Guests
- Initial menu to include Apps, Entrée, and Sides. (You are not committed to this menu. We need it for the contract. You will have the option to make any changes.)
Q. What type of events do you cater for?
A. My catering services include:
Weddings
Graduations
Celebrations of Life
Mitzvah’s
Birthdays
Tailgate parties
Wedding Engagements
Corporate Luncheons
Holiday parties
Q. How do I start the process of working with Tailgate Gourmet Catering?
A. To get started, please visit my website: https://www.tailgategourmetcatering.com.
For weddings: you’ll find some introductory information about our wedding services, including sample menus for inspiration.
For all events, when you’re ready, click the “Event Inquiry” button to complete the initial form. This will allow you to select appetizers, entrée, sides, and desserts. Once the form is submitted, I’ll prepare a quote based on your projected guest count and the menu selections.
For weddings: If everything fits within your budget, the next step is to schedule a complimentary tasting at my kitchen in Westwood, MA. During the tasting, we walk you through all the details you’ll need to feel confident moving forward.
Q. Do I tip the staff?
A. If you would like to leave a gratuity for the catering team, we recommend placing it in a sealed envelope and giving it to the Catering Manager on the day of your event. They will make sure it is distributed to the staff.
Q. How long should I make the Cocktail Hour?
A. Our suggestion for time for a cocktail hour is:
- Under 100 people – One Hour
- Over 100 people – 90 Minutes
- We can always adjust the time the day of if needed
Q. For my wedding, should I schedule dinner for after introductions and speeches?
A. We cannot write your timeline. However, we need you to keep in mind that your food is being cooked on LIVE fire which means your dinner will be freshly made. We have found that speeches may be longwinded and if your food is done cooking it will have to go into an oven to stay warm. This is not optimal for our services. We pride ourselves on giving you the best, fresh, and hottest meal possible. We suggest the introductions and then the first dance. This leaves your guest with a wonderful moment and then wanting more.
Q. Can I submit my Final Information 3 months prior to my event?
A. We do not accept final information any earlier than two weeks prior to the event. You must keep in mind that things may change at any time if you submit early which could not be your or our favor. We will send you an email the week your Final Information is due with a link to our online form. You must fill out this form even if parts of the questions sound redundant. This information will flow into the final contract.
Q. When is my final payment due?
A. Final payment will be due for any event one week prior to the event in full.
Q. Do you stay until the end of the event to clean up?
A. We do not stay for the entire event. Once the buffet has been concluded and our truck has been packed, we will do one final walkthrough to clean up trash. You will need to hire someone extra to take care of the venue once we leave or have your family assist in cleaning up. Just remember, we are not there for the entirety of the event.
Q. Are the appetizers being only passed during cocktail hour or will you need a table to set some of them up on top of passing it around?
A. Appetizers will be passed. The staging area is the buffet line and the servers will go out to your guests proving your wonderful variety of appetizers.
Q. How big is the tent you use for the mobile kitchen area?
A. I use a 10x20 tent for the dinner preparation. Because of how my service sets up, I cannot have anyone park in front of me. We are not there for the entire event and if someone blocks the path of my truck and equipment I’ll have to track them down. Also, if there is not enough space for the buffet in the barn or tent then we will set up a second 10x20 tent and put it as close to the reception area as possible.
Q. What is included on the China Service?
A. This service is not included in your original quote/contract. If you do have china, there is an additional charge for this service for we need to put on an extra server. We will need a separate table where we can set up a station where we scrape and put the dishes back in the bins. Please note, we do not wash or rinse the dishes.
Q. What is included on the Water Service?
A. Water Service: This service is not included in your original quote/contract. If you decide to get the water service there is an additional charge for we have to put on an extra server.
You will need to provide the water, ice, and glasses/cups (of which should be on the table). I highly suggest the small bags versus the huge bags of ice (~5 bags) and 6-8 gallon jugs of water. We will need a separate table where we can set up a water station where we can base the server.
*Note: if you have the China and Water service, that is only one upcharge (cost of a server).
Q. What do I need to know about allergies?
A. Please include the big severe allergies, such as Gluten, Dairy, Shellfish, etc. We do not need to know who has a food preference and tells you they do like a particular item. For example, we don't want to know if someone doesn't want/like pineapple. We do want to know who has the capacity to become ill if they come into contact with certain food items.
Please treat Vegans as a big allergy. If you find that a guest(s) is/are vegan, I will work with you on adding a menu item for those individuals. We want to make sure everyone gets a meal.
Q. How do I handle the menu if kids are attending.
A. When confirming your final event details, please let us know how many children will be attending and whether you would like us to provide meals for them. A children's meal of chicken tenders and French fries is available upon request.