You Asked, We Answered: Top 10 FAQs to Ask Your Caterer

Let’s take a minute to keep things real. We know how much is riding on the quality, presentation, and taste of the food and beverages you choose to serve at your next event. That is why we want to be upfront, honest, and sincere about everything you need to ask your caterer to guarantee a transparent relationship. The Z Catering staff wants you to feel at ease when choosing us to be your partner in this venture. To expedite the process, we have compiled the 10 most popular questions, with answers, that we get from customers, just like you.

1. I see that you are located in Gilbert, AZ. Do you have a specific area you serve?

Although we are based in Gilbert, Z Catering serves the entire Metro Phoenix area, which includes Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley.

2. Do you have a license? Do you carry liability insurance?

Yes! Since 2014, Z Catering has held an active license with AZ Corporation Commission. In addition, all of our food is prepared by holders of required Current Food Handlers Certificates, under the supervision of a Certified Food Protection Manager. In fact, our last 3 inspections have earned Grade “A” ratings, in compliance with Maricopa County Cutting Edge program requirements.

Yes! We do carry insurance to cover liability and equipment used during catering duties.  

3. What is your average price range? What is included in your price? What factors cause the price to vary?

Z Catering has a wide variety of options for your catering needs. We can do a simple 1 choice pasta bar starting at $12 per person all the way up to an elegant full buffet with 2 entrees, sides, butler passed appetizers, salad, bread and 2 non-alcoholic beverages for $31 per person.

All of our buffets are priced per guest and include high-end disposables, a full-service staff, a warming buffet, and breakdown.

If you prefer to upgrade to a China Package, you can add it for $4 per guest. This option includes a charger, dinner plate, fork, knife, water glass, champagne glass, and linen napkin (with your color choice of ivory, black, navy, or burgundy). Want a plated dinner instead of a buffet? No problem. You can add this to the China Package at an additional $5 per guest. All of the options we provide are subject to a service fee, 18% gratuity, and 7.8% tax. 

4. Can you accommodate vendor meals? If so, what will the additional cost be?

Yes! Z Catering is happy to serve all vendors who are working at your affair. Our cost for vendor meals is $10 per plate.

5. Can we bring in a cake to celebrate our occasion? If so, do you offer cake service?

Yes! You can either bring in your own cake or choose from either our 2 or 3 option dessert bar. Cake service is included with the price of any of our full service packages. This incorporates cutting of the cake (outside of the view of guests) and serving cake slices on upgraded disposable cake plates on designated dessert table. Our 2 option dessert bar is $4 per person and our 3 option dessert bar is $5 per person. You get to chose from the following options: Cannolis, Lemon Bars, Key Lime Bars, Brownies, Assorted Cookies, Donuts, or Cream Puffs. Of course, upgraded disposables are also built into this price.

6. Can you handle special menu requests to accommodate guests’ allergies or dietary restrictions?

Yes! To accommodate these requests, we offer menu options for any dietary need, including gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and halal. We are a family owned company that values every friend and family member, so we can also create kid-friendly dishes to ensure that their needs are met as well.

7. Do you have any signature dishes or specialize in certain cuisines? Can a tasting be arranged?

Yes! Our most popular dishes include our Chianti braised beef with truffle whipped potatoes, baked rigatoni with meat sauce, or chicken piccata, both served with penne alfredo. With that said, we have an extremely diverse menu with choices from several types of cuisine, including Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and American.

Yes! We do arrange tastings for our customers, so they know exactly what they will be serving their friends and families. In fact, we offer a Tasting Event that is held once per month on a Wednesday from 4:00pm-6:00pm at The Cottage Wedding Venue located at 535 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296. During this affair, potential customers can taste items from our menu, meet our knowledgeable staff, and discuss details about your particular occasion. If you need more information on setting up a tasting, please contact Dina via phone at (480) 747-0756 or email at dina@zcateringaz.com.

8. Will the food be prepared on-site or be brought in already prepared? Do you have any specific electrical needs?

All of our preparation, cooking, and packaging of your ordered food will take place in our certified commercial kitchen. It will be brought to your venue in pans fully cooked, at appropriate temperature, and ready to serve to your guests. We bring along warming trays, chafers, warming fuel, and ice in order to keep food at proper temperature.

As far as electricity, we would need to plug in our coffee machine, if you ordered a hot beverage bar (coffee, tea, or hot cocoa) to accompany your order.

9. What amount of wait staff do you recommend? What attire do they wear?

At Z Catering, we assign 1 catering server per 20-25 guests to ensure that your event is fully supported.

In order to keep the focus on you and your celebration, our catering staff dresses uniformly in all black to make sure they blend into the background.

10. How will the food be arranged? Do you handle all table settings?

The arrangement of your food will depend on your vision for your affair. We can do a casual setup that is made up of several “grazing stations” for guests to access throughout the duration of the event, rather than having a formal meal time. In contrast, we can also do a traditional buffet setup where guests are called up by table to be served by our staff. With this type of arrangement, our staff monitors the release of tables, controls portions for each guest, as well as sets up and breaks down the buffet.

Yes! Our staff at Z Catering handles all of the table settings. Even with the most basic package, each setting will include a colored napkin, custom menu card, fork, and knife.

We hope that these 10 FAQs have eased your mind and jumpstarted your excitement about your event. Don’t forget that Z Catering is also accessible with the convenience of pick-up or delivery service, as well as online ordering. Find us on the web at www.zcateringaz.com or contact us at 480-747-0756.