Where should I start?

When you first contact us we will need the following basic information:

• Your name and the best way to contact you

• The date and time of the event

• The location/venue of the event

• The type of event

• The guest count (estimated)

• Any additional information you think is needed.

• To best assist you, please have a budget in mind.  Understanding your budget will help both of us to create a menu for your event.

 

How much does an event cost?

Understand that every event is different.  Some things to consider:

• Number of guests

• Formality - Paper plates vs. China?

• Drop Off, Buffet Service, or Family Style

• Rental Options - Linens, Glassware, etc.  Additionally, will you be providing/coordinating these rental options or will we?

• Type of event and menu.  Appetizers are more labor intensive to produce than a standard dinner buffet. An informal drop off continental breakfast requires few staff, whereas a family style brunch requires servers. Understanding your needs and wants will allow us to better assist you and accommodate your budget.

• Servers - Will you want or need staff for the duration of the event?

• Location of the event - How far away from our primary service area are we traveling?

• Clean up - Will you be taking care of clean up or will we?

 

What is included in food pricing?

• The pricing for our food includes cooking, preparation, and presentation set up of the food items requested.  This also includes items needed to serve the food, whether that be our standard serving equipment or disposable options.  We offer package options as well as a la carte pricing for your convenience.

 

What if I or a member of the family/co-worker want to provide their own food item or beverage?

• We understand that home prepared food can be a nice gesture or less expensive option. However, due to the safety and liability involved with food service and the fact that most food handling tasks require special certifications. By law, we are not be able to handle or serve outside food or take direct liability for outside food options.  

 

What is the cost difference between buffet service and family style service?

• There is no cost difference in food pricing that we provide for either service.  However, Family Style service requires more time, possibly additional rental services, and additional service staff than a standard buffet service.

 

Do you provide Rental & Linen Service?

• Yes!  We can provide some of the rental options you may need for your event, including china, glassware, flatware, and linens.  For large quantities and additional rental options, we can put you in touch with one of our preferred vendors. A credit card is required for all rentals procured through Fork It Catering.

 

How much is staffing going to cost?

Our staffing fees are as follows (4 hour minimum  is required for staffing):

• Event Manager- $40.00 per hour 

• Bartending - $35.00 an hour / $30.00 an hour if you purchase alcohol through Fork It. 

• Servers - $30.00 per hour

• Bus Person - $25.00 per hour

• Staffing fees begin on the day of the event at the moment we depart the kitchen for the event location and conclude the moment we return to the kitchen from the event.

 

How much staff will I need?

• At Fork It Catering we require at least 1 Event Manager per staffed event over 150 guests if servers are requested for buffet service, or over 100 guests for family style.  You will also need 1 Server per 50 guests for buffet style service.  For family style events you will need 1 Server per 25 guests, not including the event manager. If we provide rental services, we do require at least 1 additional bus person per every 50 guests to handle rental equipment, unless otherwise agreed upon by both catering manager and customer.

 

How much are gratuity and/or service charges?

• At Fork It Catering we do not believe in hidden fees, nor unwarranted or excessive charges. We do however have a few nominal fees.

• We believe that a gratuity is earned not guaranteed.  Therefore, we do not charge a mandatory gratuity for our services. Gratuity is always warmly welcomed by our hard working staff.  

• We only charge service fees for a specific service that we may not normally handle on a daily basis.  For example, rental equipment pickup and delivery, etc.  Rental Surcharge/Server fee: $100-150 for Fork It to coordinate rentals (rentals through Party Pros)

• Travel/delivery fee: $25.00 delivery charge within 10 miles of Portland Metro Area. We offer free delivery for orders over $400 within 10 miles of the Portland Metro Area.  Outside of this 10 mile radius, we charge $2 per mile to destination & return.

• Cake cutting fee:  If Fork It Catering provides the cake we do not charge a cake cutting fee.  If an outside cake or confection is supplied, the fee is as follows: up to 100 guests is $50, for 100 to 200 guests is $100, 200 or more is $150

• Corkage fees:  Unlike some catering companies, we do not charge corkage fees if you are already paying for our bartending/server services and providing your own beer or wine.

 

Are consultations/tastings free?

• This is a question we receive quite often.  Consultations with our professionals are free of charge. This is a no pressure meeting and the best way to understand the details of your event. At a consultation we can discuss your exact needs and even point you in the direction of any other options you may need.  Tastings: The best way to decide on a caterer is to try their food and we are always ready to create some delicious food for you to try.  

• Tasting charges are as follows:  The tasting fee is $30.00 per person (two person minimum). This will include up to 5 menu options you may wish to try (limit 2 entrees, additional charges may apply for more people or additional food options) This fee is due up front upon booking the tasting; the fee is only refundable if the tasting is cancelled within 48 hours of the scheduled tasting event.  If you book with Fork It Catering, the tasting fee will be applied to the total cost of the event.

 

How do I guarantee the date?

• Guaranteeing your date is very important, as many caterers are generally talking to many potential customers, and dates can book quickly.  The first step is to set up a preliminary menu and service options.  Once we have this, we will write up a proposal contract. A 35% non-refundable deposit will be required once the contract has been signed to finalize the agreement.  Until both are signed and paid, the contract is still tentative, and the date is not guaranteed.

 

When is final guest count & payment due?

• Final payment is due 10 businesses days before the event.  Final guest count is due no later than 7 business days before the event to ensure all products are ordered in time for your event. We currently do not invoice Direct Bill/Invoice for events.  

 

I have a last minute event, how far in advance can an event be booked?

• This depends on the type and size of the event and guest count.  Generally speaking at least 48 hours is needed to book an event. At this point, all charges will be due for the event. Any events booked less than 2 weeks before event require payment in full upon booking.

 

Do you prepare foods for people with food allergies?

• We are very conscientious of our food handling & menu adaptations to accommodate most food allergies and we are happy to help assist in creating a safe and delicious menu for your event. We must note that our kitchen is used for many food items and much of our equipment is used to process foods that may cause an allergic reaction (Such as peanuts, shellfish, dairy, wheat). Please let us know if your allergy is severe enough that we may not be able to accommodate your menu due to this.

 

What about Strict Vegan menus?

• Although we offer a variety of vegan friendly dishes, it is not our speciality nor is our kitchen meat and dairy free. We are lucky that we live in a city that can accommodate most dietary lifestyles and we would be happy to refer you to caterers that specialize in this cuisine.