Frequently Asked Questions

Most caterers have set prices and menu packages.  Where are yours?

Each of our menus is custom designed and priced for the occasion.  We make a majority of our food from scratch, specifically for your event.  For this reason, we feel that our unique touch can allow us to work with your needs and design a menu that is perfect for your special day.   Since your occasion is unique, your pricing will also be unique.  We have some clients who need us to provide full linens, tables and chair rentals, while others may have those needs already met.  For this reason, there is no “one size fits all” package pricing.  The biggest benefit is that you are only paying for services that you need and not those that will go wasted. As a guideline, we’ve included some sample menus and pricing guidelines on this wedding website.

If I can’t just pick an option from a menu, then how does your process work?

Once we’ve determined that your date is available on our calendar, we’ll need to get a feel for the “vision” of your event.  The best bet is for us to sit down and visit with you in person or on the phone for 20-30 minutes to discuss the details.  Once we find out about your specific needs and desires, we’ll put together a proposal that includes your menu and all of the associated costs.  From there, we can fine tune the details until we come to an agreement and you are ready to book Good Food Catering Company for your wedding.

What services can you provide?

If you can dream it up, we can either provide it or put you in contact with someone who can.  Through our rental companies we are able to provide most ordinary items such as tables, chairs, linens and china.  Through our relationships with event planning companies, we can source unique items such as chocolate fountains and frozen drink machines or even a mobile cappuccino cart as well as entertainers like cigar rollers or magicians.  Though we do not provide liquor, we work closely with a partner company that is licensed and insured to provide liquor and full bar setups.  And last, we hire only the best service staff in the Tampa Bay region in order to make sure your event is first class.  Our staff generally comes with experience working in some of Tampa Bay’s most upscale and prestigious restaurants and bars.

Do you do tastings?

Though a majority of our business is derived from referrals from loyal clients, we do tastings on a personal basis with those who are ready to hire a caterer for their wedding.   We’ve found that many of the companies in the Tampa Bay area hold monthly “mass tastings” but we believe that a personal tasting helps you to get a feel for the real people that you will be hiring to cater your special occasion. Since your menu will be custom designed, we want to make sure that the food you taste will be the same food that is served at your event.  Once we have worked out a menu that looks suitable to you, we can proceed with a private tasting at our kitchen in south Tampa.

When should we book Good Food to cater our wedding?

As soon as possible!  Since we are a boutique caterer and only cater one wedding at a time, your best bet is to get your date reserved with us as soon as you decide on a venue.  Weekend dates between September and April fill up the fastest and we often get booked 10-12 months prior to a wedding date.  That being said, we often have dates free and in the past have booked weddings only weeks away!  (the point is, give us a call regardless…)

Ok, everything sounds great, so how do we secure your services?

You can reserve your date with deposit equal to 50% of the estimated final balance.  Of this deposit, $250 is a non-refundable booking fee.  The remainder is refundable until 90 days prior to the wedding. (if you secure our services immediately and change your mind after doing a tasting, we’ll give you a 100% refund.  Yep, we’re that confident.  Our food is what seals the deal!)

When are payments due?

Since 1/2 of the total balance is due as a deposit to hold your date, the final balance and guest count is due in full 8 days prior to the event.  In order to plan for your custom designed menu and event, we must often place deposits with rental companies and commit to food purchases in advance.  It is for this reason that we ask that you provide us with the final guest count along with the final payment.  We’re aware that guests can change their minds often and we’ll be able to work with you on the details.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We prefer to be paid by personal, corporate or bank check, but can certainly accept Visa or MasterCard.  At this time, we apologize that we are unable to accept gold coins, diamonds or small children as payment for our services. (that may change in the future…)

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes.  We are licensed with the Florida Department of Restaurants and Hotels and we have our own commercial kitchen where all food is held and prepared (and we’d be happy to have you over for a tour).  We will provide a certificate of insurance to any facility that requires it, and many of the area’s venues already have our licensing and insurance information on file. Requests to provide proof of insurance must be made at least 30 days before your event. This will give the insurance company the time need to produce the certificate to the facility. Any vendor who requests to be added as named “insured” for a particular event may be charged a fee by our insurance company.