If you seek catering services for a special event, you might be overwhelmed by choices. Most caterers boast of a tasty menu, but there’s more to a service than its food. Take a closer look to ensure the company you hire goes above and beyond when feeding guests. Here are some attributes of a top caterer.

Traits of a Superior Catering Service

1. Award-Winning Options

While catering is about convenience, you shouldn’t have to trade away the quality. A delicious selection of hearty food makes any event far more enjoyable, so find a service that ranks among your city’s top restaurants. Along with the main courses, a caterer should provide an assortment of sides, appetizers, condiments, and drinks.

2. Utensils & Plates

If the event is casual and you don’t have silverware or place settings handy, there’s nothing more frustrating than opening a box lunch and seeing no plates or cutlery. Thoughtful catering services should provide these necessities no matter the size of the party.

3. Flexibility

Large, formal events usually require banquet-style dining, while small gatherings may only need a few party platters. Look for a catering service that provides everything from a full-service buffet to small-plate pickup. While it’s considerate for you to provide ample notice to staff, they should also try to accommodate last-minute requests — though this may not always be possible.

4. Vegetarian Alternatives

Even if the main course is meat, always plan to include plenty of vegetarian sides, especially for large crowds. Consider perennial favorites such as macaroni and cheese, salad, coleslaw, potato salad, creamed spinach, baked potatoes, or chips. Ask prospective catering services about gluten-free options and their process for preventing allergen cross-contamination.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit offers more than just delectable meats to diners in Amelia, OH. This beloved, award-winning barbecue restaurant also provides reliable catering services perfect for events of all sizes. As a family-owned and -operated establishment, they’re committed to providing their neighbors with flexibility and flavor. Catering options include full-service buffets, delivery buffets, box lunches, and party platters. They’re also able to handle last-minute requests in select cases, including the day of an event. Visit them online to explore their services, and call (513) 802-2700 to get started on your order.