Site Map FAQ

Catering Services-Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are a Triangle area catering company located in several locations, including Raleigh, Durham and Cary. We are an approved caterer at over 60 reception locations throughout the Triangle. Some of our favorite wedding reception sites are Duke Gardens, Durham and the Cotton Company, Wake Forest. We also enjoy working at the Museum of History and the Royal Banquet Center in Raleigh. In Cary, the Page Walker Arts Center and The Homewood Suites are two of the best banquet facilities. We can provide catering services over a geographical area within about an hour of RTP.

I have never hired a caterer before. What should I expect?

We understand how challenging it can be to plan an event and feel comfortable about all the little decisions one must make. We have developed a process to help you. At our first meeting we will determine the equipment and staff required for the banquet. We will also discuss the menu and beverages. We will then prepare a budget proposal for your review. Finally, we will invite you to our restaurant for a tasting to insure that the food meets with your approval.

What must I do before booking you as my caterer?

It is important that you have your reception date and reception location secured before trying to book us as your caterer for two reasons. First of all, we need to know that we have your date available, and secondly, the banquet facility will effect catering costs. Some banquet rooms provide tables and chairs while others do not.

How much is my wedding reception or corporate banquet going to cost?

The cost for catering a banquet is determined by you. The following four components contribute to the cost of your event.

Food
Beverage
Equipment
Staffing

A buffet is less expensive because it requires fewer staff. A meal is often less expensive than heavy hors d'oeuvres because less labor is required. Generally, we first identify the equipment and staff required for the wedding reception, party, or corporate banquet. We then help you select the best menu possible within the budget you have established.

What packages do you offer?

It is our approach to create a special menu for each event that reflects the theme of the banquet and taste of the individual's involved. We would rapidly get bored if we were producing the same meal over and over again. Classic, Gourmet & Premiere are our way of giving titles to various budget ranges. We work with your vision for the menu and within your budget to prepare a package unlike any other.

Are there set numbers of menu items that I can choose for each package?

No. We determine the per person price for a banquet by the cost of the items you select and the labor required to produce these items. The size of the party is also a factor. Smaller parties are more expensive to produce.

What should I look for in a location to keep my costs down?

Your rental costs will increase significantly if your location does not come equipped with tables and chairs. Furthermore, should you have an outdoor event, a tent rental could be necessary given that we cannot foresee the weather in advance.

Does the rental company set up the tables & chairs or does the caterer or is it my responsibility?

We prefer that the rental company set up and break down the tables and chairs. This way our staff is is fresh for the reception. On occasion, we’ll be responsible for it (for example, if the tables and chairs are provided by your location).

Is it more expensive to use stemware, china and silverware over plastic?

Yes. We can provide high quality, clear, disposable flatware, & plates. However, many of our clients choose to rent silverware, china & stemware as a way of adding extra elegance to their event. The cost per piece for most of these items is 35-40 cents each. If it is appropriate we will recommend disposable appetizer of cake plates to preserve budget dollars for the food.

Do you provide linen napkins & tablecloths or are we responsible for that?

We can provide the napkins and tablecloths via our restaurant or via a rental company when you require special items. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from, and we will meet with you at the rental company to help you with your selections.

Do you set up the tables w/ centerpieces & place settings? Is there an extra charge for that?

Yes we do set up the tables completely. There is no extra charge for that service. Our staff comes in early to help set up the entire room from start to finish so that you can enjoy the banquet or wedding reception.

What are the additional fees for set up & clean up?

There are no additional fees. When we write your budget proposal, we charge a fee per staff member. Those staff members are responsible to set up and clean up the banquet room.

Do you charge a cake-cutting fee?

Our staff will be happy to cut the cake at no additional charge.

What does alcohol cost?

Alcohol can be quoted per person for unlimited consumption or per drink. Prices vary depending on the length of time alcohol is served and the brands provided. It is best to review alcohol in person because of the variables involved and the legal ramifications to all concerned.

Can we bring our own alcohol and do you charge a corking fee?

As a catering company we are bound by the rules and regulations of each individual venue. Some locations allow a full bar including liquor, wine and beer, some allow only wine and beer, and others don’t allow alcohol at all. There are also some locations that require you to purchase your alcohol and bartending services from them. You should keep this in mind when searching for and booking your location. If it is permitted by the banquet facility, you can bring the alcohol. We will bring an experienced bartender(s) to service your event. We do not charge a corking fee.

Can we do a cash bar?

North Carolina law prohibits cash bars at many banquet facilities. You can distribute drink tickets to your guests ahead of time, and charges will reflect actual consumption. One of our event-coordinators will work closely with you to insure we operate within the law.

Premiere Catering: Celebrating People and Food!
Everyone deserves to be pampered by a gourmet chef!