Frequently Asked Questions
What does a custom, full-service caterer mean?
As a custom caterer we create menus appropriate to our client's taste preferences, budget demands and theme considerations. Our "sample menus" are only an initial indication of our repertoire. As a full-service caterer, we can plan and coordinate all aspects of your affair. Our event proposal will encompass all other aspects beyond food and beverage, including all rentals, assistance with site selection and layout, lighting, tenting and more.
What is the process for planning an event?
After your initial contact with our office, you will be sent general catering information and sample menus appropriate for your type of event. After reviewing this information, call to arrange an appointment with the event planner. The event planner will then guide you through the planning process, culminating in a custom proposal for your event.
How far do travel to cater an event?
We cater throughout West Michigan including Grand Rapids and the lakeshore. Please note too that labor costs will increase with increased travel time. More distant events may also involve special truck or van rental fees.
What size of events do you cater?
We cater events from small family dinner parties for twenty to occasions for several hundred guests.
When do I need to reserve a date on your calendar?
As soon as you have a specific date in mind, contact us to reserve that date on our calendar. Some events are booked a year in advance! Normally, we need 10 days advance notice to plan a larger event, although some can be arranged in less time. A "save the date" deposit will hold a date in advance of our custom proposal. This deposit is non-refundable if you choose not to proceed with your event. Otherwise, it will be deducted from your final bill.
How do I make a reservation?
Call us! 269.388.4806
Office Hours: By Appointment Only
Email us! info@pistachioscatering.com
Can you recommend a site for my party? How much extra will it cost me?
We are approved caterers at many off-premise catering sites in the area. Different sites are unequally suited for any given affair and, understandably, have different rates or fees for use. Reservations for any site must be made well in advance of your event. We are happy to recommend an appropriate site for your event. Site reservation must be made directly by the client.
I may need a tent. Can you provide one?
We can arrange a tent rental for your every need. When a tent is used, we plan and diagram its orientation at your site, table placements within, etc. We have established relationships with local rental companies. Typically the rental companies will bill our account for all rentals; however, depending on the size of the event may require a 50% deposit from the client prior to.
I would like to have an event with a specific theme. Do you supply decorations and other items to suit the theme I have in mind?
Your event planner can coordinate all aspects of your party to suit a particular theme you have in mind. Our approach is all inclusive. From a custom menu to style of food presentations, from table settings (chairs, linen, china, flowers, etc.) to site development (enclosures, props, walkways, lighting, plants, etc.). We direct all our efforts to your wishes in creating a truly unforgettable affair.
Some of my guests are vegetarian. How will you accommodate them?
We have three culinary trained chefs on staff that would be happy to walk through menu options with you and we have the ability to create menus ranging from Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free and other Dietary Restrictions.
Can you recommend a baker for a wedding cake?
Yes. Pistachios Catering will be happy to recommend a local bakery or design a cake for you.
Do you provide flowers?
We can order appropriate floral arrangements within your budget or can assist you in coordinating all floral decisions. We work with many prominent florists in the area. The florists we work with bill us directly so there is no need to worry about paying numerous vendors.
Do you provide entertainment services?
No. But we can suggest a wide range of musicians and other entertainment resource references available in the area
What beverage services do you provide?
Full bar services can be provided for parties large and small. We do not have a liquor license, but by State Law we can serve beer/wine/liquor when the client supplies the bottles. We can recommend how much liquor to purchase for any given event. We do require the client to provide us with proof of liability insurance for the specific date of the event. With the exception of alcohol, we provide all other beverage needs.
What can I expect to see in your proposal?
Our event proposals itemize cost estimates per person for food and beverage in addition to cost estimates for labor, rentals, linens, etc. Changes in the final guest count as calculated on our proposal may affect stated cost estimates.
How are labor costs determined?
All service labor is billed by the hour, excluding deliveries. Wait staff labor is billed at a minimum of 5 hours per wait, per event. Kitchen labor, including lead chef and dish staff, are billed only for service hours provided. Labor cost estimates in our proposals normally include travel time between our facility and the event site.
When do I need to decide on a final guest count? What happens if that number goes up or down shortly before or the day of the event?
We require your final minimum guest count ten (10) business days in advance for larger events. This number will be used to establish ordering quantities for food, rentals, numbers of staff, etc. After this final guaranteed minimum number is given, we will make every effort to accommodate increases to your final count made within three (3) business days of your event, but we cannot lower your final count for billing purposes after the first deadline.
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes. A Certificate of Liability Insurance can be provided to you if necessary.
Do you require a deposit?
We require a non-refundable deposit to "Save the Date". Once the contract is finalized we require a 50% deposit of the total cost estimate presented in our proposal sixty days prior to the event and the full amount is due five business days prior to your event. Corporate clients may qualify for a deposit waiver.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express, as well as payment by check. All credit cards are subject to a 4% processing fee.
Where is your office located at?
1727 West Main St.
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006
Phone (269) 388.4806
Please feel free to email us with any questions - info@pistachioscatering.com