Catering FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Every great celebration starts with delicious food and a caterer who truly understands your vision. We've answered the questions we hear most to help you plan with confidence.

Catering for Every Type of Event in Rochester, NY

Planning an event can feel overwhelming when you're juggling vendor details, budgets, and a hundred other decisions. This FAQ answers the questions we hear every day—from first-time catering clients to seasoned event planners. You'll find clear answers about our services, pricing transparency, customization options, and how we make the catering experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Not finding what you're looking for? We're happy to talk. Give us a call or submit an inquiry below to reach out to one of our team members directly.

Pricing & General Booking Details 

Understanding catering costs shouldn't be complicated. Whether you're hosting an intimate rehearsal dinner or a 300-person wedding reception, our pricing is transparent and customizable to fit your budget. We'll break down exactly what you're paying for—because the last surprise should be how good your food tastes, not your final bill.

How much does catering cost per person?

Pricing varies based on your menu selections and service level. Our catering services are highly customizable to fit any budget.

What Affects Pricing:

• Menu selection (buffet, plated, family-style, stations, hors d'oeuvres)
• Service level (drop-off, modified setup, or full-service)
• Event type (wedding, corporate, holiday)
• Guest count and dietary accommodations

Get a Personalized Quote: Every event is unique. Contact us at 585-752-2149 or request a quote online with your event details, and we'll provide exact pricing tailored to your needs and budget.

What types of catering services do you offer?

We offer a range of services that can be customized to your needs and budget. These include:

• Drop-off Catering: Food is delivered to your location, ready to serve. You handle the setup and service. Perfect for office lunches and budget-conscious events.
• Modified Set-ups:  Our team comes to your location and sets up the food using chafers and decorative serving platters. We do not provide rentals such as linens, tables, or chairs—you arrange those separately.
• Full-Service Events: Our complete package includes servers and staff to help with setup, maintaining food, cleaning guest tables, and breakdown. We provide real platters, serveware, and chafers for an elegant presentation.
• Food Truck Events: We provide a full-service mobile kitchen that comes to your venue. Perfect for outdoor events and on-site cooking. Minimum 75 guests; food truck serves for two hours (other arrangements available).

Each service level offers different benefits depending on your event type and budget. Call us or submit an inquiry form on our website to schedule a time to discuss the best option for you.

What's the difference between drop-off and full-service catering?

Drop-Off Catering is ideal for:

• Corporate office lunches & meetings
• Budget-conscious events
• When you have your own service team or staff
• Minimum: 10 people
• You handle: Setup, plating, service, and cleanup

Full-Service Catering is ideal for:

• Weddings and rehearsal dinners
• High-profile corporate events
• When you want us to manage everything
• We provide: Servers, staff, setup, plating, service, and complete cleanup

Modified Set-Ups (in between) is ideal for:

• Events where you want some assistance but minimal staffing
• Our team sets up food with chafers and decorative platters
• You arrange your own rentals (tables, linens, chairs)

Not sure which is right? Let's discuss your event—call 585-752-2149.

Menu & Customization FAQs:

Your event, your way. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all catering. That's why we offer everything from our chef-curated menu options to fully custom menus designed just for you. Whether you're dreaming of an elegant plated dinner, an interactive food station experience, or something completely unique, we'll work with you to bring it to life.

What are your menu offerings?

We offer a wide variety of menu options to match any event style and budget:

• Buffets: Deluxe, Classic, Italian, BBQ, Picnic, Asian Inspired, Trash Plate, Cold Cuts & Deli Display, Cookout, Taco Bar, Greek Gyro, Thanksgiving Theme, Classic Holiday, and Cocktail Holiday Party.
• Plated & Family-Style Service: Elegant seated dinners with personalized menu selections.
• Stations: Interactive food stations including Carving, Slider, Gourmet Dips, Tex Mex, and more.
• Wedding Packages: Full-service tiered packages including Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Premium, Classic, and Stations options.
• Hors d'Oeuvres & Cocktail: Beef, Pork, Poultry, Vegetarian, Seafood, and Vegan options for cocktail-style events.
• Custom Menus: We can customize any menu to match your vision and budget. Work directly with our Chef to design your perfect event.

Do you have a minimum order size?

For drop-off/delivery catering, our minimum order is for 10 people. For modified setups, full-service events, and food truck catering, we'll discuss minimums based on your event type and location. No event is too small or too large. Contact us at 585-752-2149 to discuss your specific needs.

Are tastings available?

Yes. Tastings are available upon request after we generate a quote. We believe tasting your food before booking is important. After we've provided a quote tailored to your event, we can arrange a tasting so you can sample menu options and make final selections with confidence.

Ready for a Quote? Request one online or call 585-752-2149, and we'll discuss tasting options after we review your event details.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Absolutely. We can work with any budget by customizing menus to meet dietary needs.

We accommodate:

• Vegetarian & Vegan options
• Gluten-free meals
• Dairy-free and other allergies
• Religious dietary requirements
• Any other special dietary needs

Chef's Approach: We can prepare a separate meal for a guest with dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free or vegan) so that the entire menu doesn't have to be altered for all guests. This way, everyone can enjoy their meal with confidence.

No Compromises: We handle dietary accommodations without additional charges, with the same quality and care as your main menu.

Do you offer bar packages?

Yes. We offer bar packages to complement your catering event.

Bar Package Options:

• House Brands: Available for 3, 4, or 5 hours
• Top Shelf: Available for 3, 4, or 5 hours
• What's Included: Professional bartender service, full selection of beverages, glassware, and bar setup.

For specific pricing and package details, call 585-752-2149 or request a quote.

Logistics, Credentials, & Operations 

The details matter—and so does trust. From booking through the final guest, our experienced team manages the timing, logistics, and service so you can enjoy your event. Fully licensed and insured, we’re committed to your guests’ safety, satisfaction, and overall experience.

Do you have proper food licenses and liability insurance?

Yes. We maintain all required licenses and insurance to operate as a professional catering company. Verification: Proof of all licenses and insurance available upon request. We can provide copies to your venue coordinator.

What's your food safety and sanitation process?

Food safety is our top priority. We follow all health and safety protocols to ensure your guests enjoy delicious, safe food. Our team is trained in proper food handling, temperature control, and sanitation practices. We use proper equipment and follow all local health department requirements for food preparation and service.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking timelines vary based on event type and season. For the best availability and to ensure we can meet your event date, we recommend:

• Weddings: Several months in advance
• Corporate Events: 4–8 weeks in advance
• Holiday Parties: Early planning recommended (peak season)

Do you provide table setup, linens, and rentals?

It depends on your service level.

Full-Service Events include:

• Complete setup with chafers and decorative serving platters
• Professional table service and maintenance
• Full cleanup and breakdown
• Modified Set-Ups: Our team sets up the food with chafers and decorative serving platters. Note: We do NOT provide rentals such as linens, tables, or chairs—you'll need to arrange those separately or through your venue.

Drop-Off Service: Food is delivered ready to serve. You handle all setup, service, and cleanup.

For specific details about your service level and what's included, give us a call. 

Will your team be onsite during my event?

It depends on your service level:

• Full-Service Events: Yes, our team is fully onsite to set up, serve, maintain food, and handle complete cleanup and breakdown. We manage everything so you can enjoy your event
• Modified Set-Ups: Yes, our team comes to set up the food with chafers and decorative serving platters. You handle the rest.
• Drop-Off Catering: No, food is delivered ready to serve. You and your team manage service and cleanup. We're available by phone if you need support.

Questions about staffing or logistics? Call 585-752-2149.

Why Couples Choose Chef’s Catering

Couples across Rochester and Western New York choose Chef’s Catering because we deliver exceptional food, friendly service, and a stress-free experience. From your first consultation to the final toast, our goal is to make your day extraordinary. We understand the importance of timing, presentation, and flawless coordination on your wedding day — and our team has the experience to make it happen.

Call us today at 585-752-2149 or use our online contact form to secure your wedding date. Let Chef’s Catering help you create a celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.