FAQ

Frequently Asked Catering Questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked catering questions to help you find a credible caterer for your wedding or next event. We’d highly encourage you to ask these questions to any catering company so you know exactly what to expect preceding the event and on the day of the event.

Can Lettuce Cater arrange a tasting of the specific foods we’re interested in prior to hiring for our event? We offer complimentary tastings and believe it is an important step when choosing a caterer.

How are the food costs determined? Is it itemized pricing or is there an all-inclusive flat rate? There are many different ways catering companies charge for their services, food, beverages and dinnerware. Lettuce Cater likes to keep it simple and stress-free with package pricing which includes the staff, food, dinnerware, coffee and cake cutting.

What is Lettuce Cater’s average price range? For full service weddings our package pricing starts at $24 per person, additional cost would be tax, 20% service charge and delivery/ set-up fee of $100 to $195. Some venues will charge a catering fee that the caterers are responsible for collecting and paying, this fee is the client’s responsibility.

Does Lettuce Cater have printed price sheets for food selections? We can email the entire appropriate menu for what the bride and groom are envisioning.

What will Lettuce Cater provide for the meal in addition to the food? We provide everything necessary for dinner service, flatware, water goblets, water carafes, dinner plates, salad plates, coffee cups, salt and pepper shakers, cakes plates and forks.

Do we have to rent tables, place settings, and other equipment? Linens for napkins and tables are available for rent. We also have wine glasses, champagne flutes and charger plates available for rent. Tables, chairs, centerpieces, draping, tents, chair covers and many more items are available through rental companies

Who is the main contact at Lettuce Cater? The main contact person is Owner Brian Rubenzer

What is the contact’s role and how will they be involved during our event? Our owner Brian Rubenzer will guide you through the process and make sure all the details are on the paper work. She will do a final walk through of all the details 2 weeks before the wedding and at that point everything is locked in and final payment is due. Brian will go over everything with the lead server, set-up person and the chef and he is available the day of if anyone has questions.

Will Lettuce Cater be working any other weddings on the same weekend, day, or time as mine? Depending on the size of a wedding or how involved it is will determine what else we can take on that day. We don’t take more than 3 for one day because that is what we are equipped to do with staff and dinnerware. We will turn down events once 2 or 3 are booked for that date.

How soon in advance should we plan to book the caterer for an event or wedding?It is very important to book your date as soon as you can and don’t put it off until months before your wedding. Clients typically book caterers 6 to 12 months before the date. In some cases the clients have no choice and had to book a caterer as early as 3 weeks before the date. As long as we are available we have no problem catering the wedding.

Does Lettuce Cater handle all table settings? We take care of the table set-up and have no problems helping with lighting candles, menu cards and favors.

Will Lettuce Cater put out place cards and favors? We leave the center pieces and place cards up the family or florist. Some center pieces are very time consuming and can really set things back. We can have staff arrive earlier to help with center pieces and other décor and additional fees will apply.

Will Lettuce Cater provide wait staff? Yes, we hire and train qualified servers.

What will the waitstaff wear? Our standard uniform is white shirt, black tie, black pants, black shoes, apron, and name tag.

How many servers would you recommend for the size of my wedding? The way we determine how many servers are needed is 1 server per 25-35 guests. A wedding of 150 guest with a plated service would have 5-6 servers and 2-3 chefs

Will Lettuce Cater be willing to include a recipe we provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer with some sort of sentimental significance? Yes, we have the ability to accommodate almost any type of cuisine or recipe. We may outsource certain items that we are not familiar with. For example we had an Indian wedding that wanted Tandoori Masala and to ensure that we had it exactly as our clients envisioned we purchased the marinade sauce form a reputable Indian restaurant. If we have a request for a family recipe we will test it several time to make sure it’s perfect for the big day.

Can Lettuce Cater prepare vegetarian, kosher, kids, or halal meals for just a few of our guests? Yes, we have the ability to accommodate almost any type of cuisine. Please ensure you communicate this to our Owner.

Where will the food be prepared? Lettuce Cater has a certified commercial kitchen where everything is prepared. We deliver the food hot right before dinner service. We do bring burners and ovens to finish on site to ensure the best quality possible

Does Lettuce Cater work with fresh (not frozen) food? We use fresh local products when available. We only use Hereford Beef from a farm in Wisconsin. Our produce is mostly locally grown and distributed from Northwestern Produce Company. We use the finest products available through Sysco like white truffle oil, black truffle salt, veal demi glaze and honey smoked salmon.

Does Lettuce Cater have a license? (This means the business has met health department standards and has liability insurance) You should never get food from an unlicensed caterer. In order to get a license the kitchen is inspected every year by the health department to make sure food is properly handled and stored. We also are required by Anoka County to have a certified food manager at all times. Our Chef at Lettuce Cater is certified and registered through the state and in order to do so to have to pass several tests which include food safety and sanitation.

Can Lettuce Cater provide alcohol? We do not carry a liquor license nor do we have insurance to cover anything alcohol related. We generally stay away from serving any liquor because of the liability. We highly recommend Complete Beverage

How will Lettuce Cater arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? You can see examples of our presentation on our Facebook page, our website food gallery, and our wedding brochure. Please contact Lettuce Cater at 651-755-4798 for a brochure.

Can we speak to any of your previous clients? We respect our client’s privacy and would never give out a number or email. The best way to get feedback from our previous bride and grooms are viewing our Testimonials page where we post our customer comments and testimonials as we get them. It is also very important to read reviews online. There are several discussion boards featuring our catering services- probably the most commonly known one is The Knot. See here for our page on the Knot

Does Lettuce Cater also do wedding cakes? We don’t provide wedding cakes but have a close relationship with local bakeries such as Buttercream Bakery, Muddy Paws and Coco Fig.

Do you charge a cake-cutting fee? No, we do not charge a cake cutting fee.

What are some of your favorite menu items and top suggestions for a wedding meal? I really love our butler passed appetizers and for a plated entrée our award winning Filet Mignon and the Minnesota chicken.

Do you have any particular style of food or special menu items that you specialize in? Our chefs are extremely talented and stay on the cutting edge with new trends. We are known for our presentation and flavors. I would say our style is French-Asian.

How does the cost-per-person of a buffet compare to that of a sit-down dinner? Buffets are more affordable than sit down and require less staff and different food items. Contact our sales office for specific pricing.

Does that cost-per-person just cover the food, or are charges such as staff, rentals, and linens included? The cost per person is for food, staff, dinnerware, coffee and cake cutting.

What service costs are included and what costs are additional? We provide servers from start to finish and gratuity comes from the 20% service charge. There is a delivery/ set-up fee and will vary depending on the event and location.

Do you provide linens, glasses, plates, silverware, tables, chairs, serving pieces, and decorative flowers for trays? We include all dinnerware and serving pieces needed. Tables, chairs and décor are the families’ responsibility.

What color and style of linens, glasses, plates, and accessories are available? We use white plates with a wide edge, stemmed glassware, and innovative flatware. Linens are available in many different styles and colors depending on where you rent them from.

What types of food does Lettuce Cater offer for hors d’ouerves? Please see our Menu’s page

What types of food does Lettuce Cater offer for the main course? Please see our Menu’s page

When will I need to finalize the menu? 2 weeks before wedding date

When will Lettuce Cater need a final head count? 2 weeks before wedding date

What is your cancellation policy? If you cancel you will lose your deposit.

How much is the deposit and when is the final balance due? Deposit is $1000 and final payment is due 2 weeks before wedding date.

Will you be available on my wedding date? Contact our sales office for more information regarding your specific wedding date.

Are you familiar with my wedding site? See our list of preferred vendors for vendors and venues we’ve worked with in the past. Contact us for any questions relating to vendors.