We have listed some FAQ's to enable you, the client to save time and receive a response to your question prior to calling us. Can I afford to have Sophisticatering provide Full-Service for my smaller events?
The minimum number of guests (for full service) is 50. We certainly enjoy our work and love to cater to you, but we have a duty to our Family and our Employees to run a profitable business. We know what it costs for us to stay in business and remain competitive in the marketplace. Depending on the complexity of the catered event, the minimum price for the event will range between $800.00 to $1000.00.
What other Service Options do you have?
Customer Pickup (cost of food + sales tax)
Although Sophisticatering is a Full-Service Caterer, we realize there may be occasions when you don’t need or want any service, just our great food. We will prepare and package food for you to pickup. We reserve the right to require minimum quantities and request advance notice. Equipment rental and delivery is available. Check out our hors d'oeuvres menu.
Casual Delivered\Set-up\Breakdown Buffet 15% ( an option for groups of 25 to 50)
A very popular service style is our Casual Served Buffet. We arrive onsite with the meal, setup our buffet.. If your group is over 50, we will stay and replenish the buffet for you and your guests. Depending on the menu, we may or may not cook onsite. You will already have setup your tables. We serve on double laminated foam plates, two ply dinner napkins, heavy duty plastic cutlery, and foam cups. China, glassware and silverware are available for full serviced events. See our (rental guide). We breakdown our buffet and get out of your way. This option is very popular with clients that just want to have a no-frills quality meal. Great for schools, church groups, civic organizations, clubs, and work-sites where cleaning up after themselves isn’t an issue.
What is the 15% Delivery\Set-up Charge Charge?
This Charge is applied to non-serviced Buffets where only Delivery, Set-up and Pick up services are needed. This Charge is to cover the added overhead costs involved in Delivering a catered event at a site remote from our central Kitchen. Examples of these costs are van maintenance and insurance, food transportation equipment and supplies. Paper and Plastic Tableware, Buffet table Linen.
Upscale Served Buffet 25%
An Upscale Served Buffet builds upon our casual served buffet. We can rent for you very nice China Plates, Glassware, and SS flatware. The buffet is set elegantly. We will set the tables and assign professional and trained servers to your tables. We clean everything back down to the bare tables, and remove all trash. If we provide tables and chairs, we setup and breakdown afterward as well. This option is comparable to having a meal at a nice hotel or private club. (note: some event locations have catering charges which may be passed on to the client)
Seated Banquet 25%
A Seated Banquet can be formal or informal. China, flatware, and glassware are used. Tables are set with table linens. Professional Servers and Runners serve and attend to you and your guests. We clean everything back down to bare tables afterwards. We will need an adjacent area to be able to plate the meal and bus the tables. Depending on the menu complexity, we may need kitchen space as well. Fine Dining at its’ best! (note: some event locations have catering charges which may be passed on to the client)
Hors d’oeuvres Reception 25%
An Hors d’oeuvres Reception is appropriate when you and your guests are free to move about and mingle in the room. Staffed stations or Carving Stations are set in different areas of the room and food is served on small plates or napkins. Suggestions would be carving stations, seafood, pasta stations, sushi and sashimi, pastry displays, fruit and cheese presentations, tapas, and "finger" foods. Service professionals will attend to you and your guests. We would need a small room or Kitchen space close by for our Chef to coordinate Foodservice. Popular for corporate entertainment or wedding receptions. (note: some event locations have catering charges which may be passed on to the client)
What is the 25% Service Charge?
The Service Charge is to cover the added overhead costs involved in Servicing a catered event at a site remote from our central Kitchen. Examples of these costs are Staff Salaries, uniforms, van maintenance and insurance, food transportation equipment and supplies. Paper and Plastic Tableware, Buffet table Linen and buffet equipment.
Passed Hors d'oeuvres Reception (subject to additional hourly labor charges)
The Passed Hors d'oeuvres Reception is the solution for a light fare or where space is at a premium. Generally used as a preface to dinner or to accompany a cocktail party. Menu Options are limited however due to extremely sensitive to temperature and exposure for quality and safety's sake. Our professional service staff will offer you and your guests selections served on trays. Food consumption can easily be monitored by the host/hostess using this method of service.
Customer Pickup (cost of food + sales tax)
Although Sophisticatering is a Full-Service Caterer, we realize there may be occasions when you don’t need or want any service, just our great food. We will prepare and package food for you to pickup. We reserve the right to require minimum quantities and request advance notice. Equipment rental and delivery is available. Check out our hors d'oeuvres menu.
What equipment do you supply for a buffet?
When a buffet menu is ordered we will provide all serving equipment (bowls and platters), utensils (tongs and spoons), buffet table linen, skirting (for standard banquet tables), chafing dishes and fuel. We include paper and plastic tableware. China, silverware and glassware are available for rental.
What are your prices?
Each group is different and every event is different, but we have developed very fair pricing based on typical needs and wants. Please take a moment to go to the our website and choose the items you would like to have at your event. Get these to us with any other event details you have at this time and we can usually prepare a proposal within a day or two. See our on-line Event Information Form to submit info.
What if Sophisticatering is higher than others?
Two or more bids may look identical on the surface. Every bid we have lost to price, the client found out too late that the cheaper caterer was not providing the same service, quantity or quality of food. Always talk with Sophisticatering. We will not allow a bid to be lost because of price. We will be happy to explain the differences. Can you afford to be embarrassed by poor service or mediocre food at your next event? We are fanatics about food quality, safety, and superior service. Just ask our clients!
Why should I use Sophisticatering?
We do not compromise on quality, service, or food safety. Sophisticatering purchases only the best and freshest food products available. We do all of our own cooking and baking (even the hotdog buns!) We do not buy and sell "heat and serve" foods. We have a substantial investment in food transport equipment to keep your meals at the correct serving temperature. We do not serve leftovers. We replace all temperature-sensitive condiments daily. We also have trained our staff in proper food-handling procedures. Rest assured that we do the right things behind the scenes as well. You are quite welcome to inspect our licensed facilities at any time.
What is Sophisticatering's Culinary Philosophy?
Our philosophy is to herald the joy of eating real food, allowing people to simply experience the awareness of pure, natural cuisine, prepared in exciting , tasty and healthy ways.
How far do you travel?
Our primary areas of service are Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Milwaukee and Lake County in Il. However, for an added travel charge, we will travel almost anywere.
How many people are you able to accommodate?
This varies by the menu and style of the event. Following are typical averages:
Wedding Receptions with a Seated Dinner from 50 to 400 guests
Wedding Receptions with "Food Stations" from 60 to 800 guests
Corporate Lunch or Breakfast from 50 to 2000 guests
Open Houses and Grand Openings from 100 to 10,000 guests
Picnics from 50 to 5000 guests
Other types of events - Ask us!
Are you licensed and insured?
This is a very important question to ask any business you ever deal with. Our Kitchens are inspected and licensed by Kenosha County Department of Health. We are certified in Food Safety and Sanitation. Our insurance coverage includes product liability, personal injury, worker's compensation and fire & theft.
What types of menus do you have?
The vast majority of our food is made from scratch on the day of your event. In terms of style, our "main cuisine" could be called "Classic American." However, we make prepare excellent German, Italian, Thai, Asian, French, Mexican, Mediterranean and Kosher style foods. Compared to quality restaurants and private clubs in the area, Sophisticatering is a very competitive alternative. The printed menus that we have relate to types of events. You may view many of these on this web site, www.sophisticatering.com or request them by calling our office.
Will Sophisticatering work with me to keep within my budget?
Of course! We have so many menu items with varying price ranges. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs as long as it's mutually rewarding and we don't have to compromise our quality or portion standards. We realize our clients have to justify their expenditures.
Will Sophisticatering lower it's standards to accommodate your group?
No! A caterer's reputation is only as good as it"s last event. We realize that there are many so-called caterers who don't know (or care) about quality and food safety, but will sell at a price lower than Sophisticatering, with the reasoning that clients are looking only for the cheapest price. Sophisticatering has established a loyal client base of those who demand quality and are willing to accept the slightly higher costs. One can browse through the phone book and be overwhelmed by the establishments calling themselves "Caterers". The list becomes quite exclusive when one demands the quality, portions, service, safety, and versatility that Sophisticatering provides its' clients.
How do I reserve a date?
There are two ways to do this! Go to the request information page on this site and fill in the blanks, then submit.
Call us at 262 657 3663 to talk to one of our Catering Specialists about your next catering order. Or send mail to info@sophisticatering.com with questions or comments about catering your next event.
Are the published menus the only menus that are available?
The menus published by Sophisticatering represent only a small portion of the food items and menus that are available. These menus are distributed to give the client a sense of the style of our cuisine. Actually most menus are written specifically for a given event after a consultation with the Chef and Service Staff . Some of the factors that are covered in this consultation are the expected number of guests, the time of the day, the season of the event, any specific requirements or special requests, what the host/hostess is trying to accomplish with this catering event, the expected level of service and the budget of the event.
What is your specialty?
Our specialty is our consistently high levels of personalized, professional service.
Does Sophisticatering charge for "Extended Waiting Periods"?
On occasion, you may see this charge on your invoice. We allow a two hour window for food service on jobsites. If you know you are running behind schedule, all it takes is a phone call. We can usually alter our schedules to accommodate your needs.
Why does the sales tax rate seem to vary?
State sales tax is calculated and paid to the municipality where services are rendered; not based on the billing address of the client. There can be a difference in the tax rate between the billing address and the delivery address.
How many servers will I have for my event?
The number of servers will be determined by the level of service you are expecting, the style of menu and presentation, and if the service is done on china or disposable plates. For example, a casual buffet meal, served on disposable plates will require one server per fifty guests. A more formal buffet dinner, served on china, possibly with wine service will require one server for every twenty five to thirty guests. Finally, a very formal sit down dinner will require one server for each 2 tables of eight to ten guests. If you require additional service personnel, a per hour charge will be added.
How will the wait staff be dressed?
The standard uniform for a formal function is traditional black pants and white shirt, which we finish with a black apron.
What if more or less of the guaranteed number of guests show?
We will prepare for an additional 5% over the guaranteed number of guests. Payment for these additional guests would be due at the end of the function. If you have less than the guaranteed number of guests, we will gladly package the meals to take with you or donate to a local charity. The Chef, at his discretion, may discard some items that are extremely sensitive to temperature and exposure for safety's sake. Sophisticatering will not be responsible for any food after it is taken from an event. If you inform your Catering Manager when in the planning stages we will be happy to package up any leftovers for a member of your party to take home. If large amounts of food are leftover due to a lack of attendance, Sophisticatering will quickly chill and re-package the food at our facility, to be ready for customer pick-up the next day at our Kenosha, Sheridan Road Location.
(NOTE: A food packing charge based on the labor and packaging materials, involved will be charged on the day of pick-up.)
When is payment due?
The final payment is due on the day the guest count/guarantee is given.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Checks, Certified Funds and Cash. Visa and MasterCard, as well as Discover and American Express cards.
What items are taxed?
Caterers and other persons similarly engaged are eligible for sales tax on the total selling price or items sold and/or charges for service essential to providing meals and beverages." Nontaxable gratuities include banquet tips separately stated and added to the sales check by the vendor at a flat rate, and the amount is distributed by the vendor to persons who actually render the service. Therefore, all items on the Catering Invoice, except a guest added Gratuity, is taxed at the appropriate tax rate. The tax rate is determined by the location of the catering function.
Is the gratuity included in the final bill?
No, The Gratuity is soley up to the descrection of the client and is not taxed.
Have you been in business long?
Sophisticatering has been in business since 1992, however our vast experience in the Hospitality business began in 1975.
What is a Guarantee Count?
The "Guarantee Count" is the count that we use to base the amount of food we need to prepare for a function. It is also the count that will be used to finalize the levels of staffing, rental order and prepare the final invoice. We will require the Guarantee Count usually seven working days before your function. This will insure that we can arrange staffing and purchase the necessary food.
Can the Guarantee Count be changed?
The Guarantee Colunt can be increased with the approval of your Catering Manager, but it cannot be lowered.
Do you provide the table linens?
We stock white and red linens for rental. Colored Linens are rented through our rental source.
Are plates provided in the price of the buffet?
High quality disposable plates, plastic forks and knifes, beverage cups and paper napkins are provided in the price of the menu. We can upgrade to china, glassware and stainless cutlery for a rental charge, which starts at approximately $3.00 per guest. There are many variations of china service that we can use in serving a buffet dinner. The most inexpensive way to add china service is for the main meal only. We would set the table with a double fork and knife, napkin and water glass. The dinner plate would be on the buffet. The bar and the cake and coffee service would be served with disposable plates, forks and cups.
From this point, we can add rentals for different courses, add wine, champagne and glassware for the bar. All of these choices will increase the rental costs. Additionally, there are higher levels of china, flatware and stemware available for rental.
When do you require a deposit?
SophistiCatering cannot reserve the date for your event until your signed letter of agreement and deposit are received. However, we will not accept an alternate agreement for your requested date without first contacting you about your intentions. A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the estimated invoice amount is generally required to reserve our services. The balance would be due and payable no later than seven days prior to the event. Any additional guest overages would be due immediately at the end of the event. Menu price (per person) is based on client's original estimated guest count. If the guarantee is considerably less than the original estimated number of guests, we reserve the right to increase the price per person.
What are your Cancellation terms?
-Cancellation fee up to 180 days prior to arrival: 25 % of the deposit amount.
-Cancellation fee up to 120 days prior to arrival: 50 % of the deposit amount.
-Cancellation fee less than 90 days prior to arrival: 75 % of the deposit amount.
- No refunds will be granted if guests do not appear on the booked date.
(Note: Wedding Cancellation Insurance is available from most Insurance agencies)
Does Sophisticatering accept Credit Cards?
While cash is always acceptable, we do honor checks, major bank cards, and electronic funds transfers.
Can you do Kosher Catering?
We do not have the special facilities to provide a Kosher Menu. However, we are frequently asked to write menus in a "Kosher Style", no mixing of meat and milk and no use of pork or shellfish. If any of your guests need to keep kosher, you must arrange for kosher meals from an outlet that has been certified kosher by a Rabbinical authority.
Do you bake your own Wedding Cakes?
Our wedding cakes are baked by our in - house Pastry Chef. We can provide a wide variety of flavors and fillings as well as designs that can be traditional and formal or sleek and contemporary. Buffet Cake cutting, serving and cake cutting table linen and skirting is included.
Can we have our cake baked by someone else?
If you choose to have your cake provided by another cake source, cake-cutting, linen, skirting and plate charges will apply.
Do you offer a tasting?
Our facilities do not allow for Restaurant style Service. However, upon request, we would be glad to provide a client list for you to inquire about our services. We have a few scheduled tastings throughout the year that you may attend in addition to Wedding Shows and some public events and other various events throughout the year. Also, if you have a booked event with us, and are having trouble choosing between entrees, we can provide you with a limited amount of a few items to help you decide, however we cannot guarantee any dates for the tasting.
Can you help us find: a location, rentals, a florist, and a photographer?
Feel free to ask our event staff to reccomend one.
Do I need a Wedding consultant?
Wedding consultants can be of value before and on the day of the event. They are however often an added expense instead of added value. Our Staff is here to help you through most of the planning process. If you do not feel comfortable with the the event staff at the hall you choose, you may want to hire one. We suggest finding someone that fits your chemistry and is close in age.
What are your prices for a buffet reception compared to a sit down?
All our menus are fully unique. A Buffet comprises of more choices in the sides and salads, is more casual allowing guests to mingle easier and is more reasonably priced due to less labor. A sit down is a more formal affair, with a per head price that is slightly higher and uses more staff.
Can you sell wine and liquor for a catered function?
In compliance with State Law, an off-premise caterer cannot have a liquor license because we do not have a permanent location where we can sell liquor. Therefore, a client is required to purchase their alcoholic beverages from a merchant with a retail license.
However, as part of our services we will assist a client with their selection of alcohol, in placing their order and arranging for the delivery of the order. Billing will be done directly by the liquor store.
What do I do with the liquor after a party?
It is up to the person who purchased the liquor to determine what will become of the remaining liquor. Frequently unopened, resell-able units can be returned to the liquor dealer for a credit. All opened bottles will be packaged up and sent with a designated person after the event. (It is strongly suggested that this person be a designated driver and has not been drinking during the event.) Most event sites will not allow the liquor to be stored on-site after the event.
Do you have bartenders?
Sophisticatering can will schedule bartenders to staff the bar. The standard is one bartender per one hundred guests. This position will be charged per hour, per bartender. Most event sites will require a trained professional bartender to staff a bar. This policy will lessen the likelihood of irresponsible alcohol service problems.
What is your Bar Service Charge?
The bar service charge is $2.00 per guest for a Beer and Wine Bar and $2.50 per guest for a Full Liquor bar. This charge covers bar equipment, supplies including disposable drink cups, ice. For the full bar we add mixers, (tonic, orange and cranberry juice) and bar fruit/garnishes.
Can you set up the the tables, chairs and buffet tables in the hall for a reception or wedding?
We can set the reception hall and ceremony if needed, although we will need extra staff and time to provide this service. A charge for this service is required.
Are we allowed to purchase our own beverages and do you have a corkage fee?
We strongly believe that the client should be able to cut significant costs by purchasing the beverages of their choice at the best possible price. We do charge a corkage fee for table service wine or champagne.
Will the price of the wedding go up on the day?
Our contract that is signed by the client, is not only easy to read but well laid out so that there are never any hidden costs that are applied the day of the event! If the event is going over the contracted time of the staff; we provide the client with the option to extend the staff's hours.
My schedule is very busy. - Do I have to have a meeting in person to make my catering arrangements?
While not every decision needs to be made at this point, the more we know about what you want, the easier it will be to prepare an estimate for you. To make your arrangements as smooth and convenient as possible, please begin by submiting our on-line request form.
After you have made your menu choices, a written menu proposal with the deposit amount you will need to confirm your event can be sent to you shortly. There is no obligation at this time. We will contact you within 48-72 hours confirming the availability of the date you requested.
How far in advance should I make arrangements?
SophistiCatering cannot reserve the date for your event until our signed letter of agreement and deposit are received. However, we will not accept an alternate agreement for your requested date without first contacting you about your intentions. So go ahead and give us the date of your event as soon as possable so we can pencil you in.
Will I need rental equipment? Can Sophisticatering provide this?
Sophisticatering can provide glassware, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more. Tables, Chairs and Tents are rented through our rental source. Plated Dinner Menus include china, silverware and glassware.
What time of day is the event? How will this affect the type and quantity of food served?
Brunch and Luncheon menus served late morning and early afternoon do not require as large of portions sizes and therefore are lesser in price than dinner time service.
What questions should I keep in mind when selecting a Wedding Caterer?
You'll spend more money on food than any other aspect of your event, so you'll want to work with a professional.
1. Does the caterer specialize in certain all types of food or service? (They should provide you with sample menus to review.)
2. Can you speak to previous clients? (Get references that had a similar number of guests and a similar menu style.)
3. What is the caterer's average price range? Are costs itemized depending on the foods you choose, or is there an all-inclusive flat rate? What would that include (linens, tax, gratuities, etc.)? Does the caterer have a web site and\or printed price sheets for food selections?
4. How involved is the caterer in a typical event - does he or she work like a banquet manager, (in cases of a wedding reception for example) cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut the cake, adjusting the schedule if guests don't seem ready to sit down to dinner? (You will need to find someone to fill this role - if your site manager or caterer isn't going to do this, think about hiring a wedding coordinator.)
5. Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more? Ask to see these items to make sure they're acceptable. Do you have to rent tables, place settings, and/or other equipment or will they arrange for the rentals?
6. Who is the main contact? Will the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the event? (You want this to be the case.)
7. Is the caterer working any other events on the same weekend, on the same day, or at the same time as yours? (You want to be sure they will devote sufficient attention to you. You may want to pass on a smaller outfit who indicates they have another job or two scheduled for that day.)
8. Does the caterer handle all settings of tables? Will they put out place cards and favors?
9. Will the caterer provide wait staff? How many would they recommend for the size of your event? What will the wait staff wear?
10. Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer with some sort of sentimental significance? Can they prepare vegetarian meals for just a few of your guests?
11. Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site facilities, or do you, the caterer, and the site manager need to make additional arrangements? If the caterer must bring in his or her own equipment, is there an additional fee?
12. Does the caterer work with fresh (not frozen) food (within reason of course)?
13. Can the caterer provide alcohol? Or can you handle the bar separately? If you can provide it, is there a corkage fee? How and when do you get the alcohol to the caterer? If the caterer will provide it, do they have an inflexible wine list, or can you make special requests? How is this list priced?
14. How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? Can you see photos of previous work displays?
15. For weddings, does the caterer also do wedding cakes? Can you use an outside baker if you desire? Is there a cake-cutting fee?
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only, and is not to be construed as a contract. Services and terms subject to change without notice.