Most people don't think about hiring a restaurant until they're hungry, hangry, or hosting a last-minute event. That's when bad decisions happen. Skip the panic and treat this like you're hiring for your kitchen — because you are.
1. Before You Search
Figure out the real job. Is this a weekly catering gig, a one-time wedding, or just feeding a crew for a month? The wrong type of place will either overcharge or underdeliver. Know your guest count, your budget range, and any dietary rules before you pick up the phone. Don't call saying 'I need food' — call saying 'I need 80 plated dinners for a Tuesday, max this per head, with two vegetarian options.' That's a conversation starter.
2. Vetting Candidates
Look at actual recent photos, not the website portfolio from 2019. Call a reference who hired them for a similar job, not their cousin's wedding. Ask how they handled a crash — someone ran late, a dish flopped, the AC died. If they laugh and say 'we just fixed it,' that's golden. If they blame the bride or the weather, walk. Taste their food cold, because that's how it shows up at your event.
3. Getting Quotes
Ask for a line-item breakdown. One price for food, another for labor, a third for equipment and delivery. If they bundle everything into a single number, they're hiding something — usually service fees or overtime. Get quotes from three places, but compare apples to apples. One quote might include linens, another might nickel-and-dime you for napkins. You want the total out-the-door number, not the teaser price.
4. Before You Sign
Read the cancellation policy and the substitution clause. If the menu says 'seasonal vegetables,' ask what replaces them when asparagus is out of season. Make sure the contract lists the actual person who will be in charge the day of the event, not just the owner who sold you on the tour. Get everything in writing, including the tip policy. A handshake might feel nice, but a signed paper saves the night.
Once you've narrowed down your options, compare local restaurants on RatingsNearMe to see how they rate with real customers, not just the ones who showed up for a free dinner.