Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Catering

Since my decision on Saturday to choose a new caterer, I've found two I'm interested in (Dreamland BBQ and Stapleton Catering). I've contacted them both and here's what I have so far:


Stapleton Catering
www.cliffstapletoncatering.com

Menu
  • fried chicken fingers with dipping sauce
  • whole roasted pig with jezebel and bbq sauce (carved by chef)
  • macaroni and cheese
  • potato salad
  • sweet tea
  • rolls

Grand total including servers, utensils, plates, napkins, cups, etc: $1524

PROS
The person I've been speaking with has been nice and helpful.
They are on the list of recommended vendors at the Five Rivers.
I have a friend that has attended an event catered by them and said it was yummy.

CONS
They don't have tastings! :(
I'm back and forth about having a whole pig on site. A little creepy, right?
Oh, and did I mention they've said there is NO WAY I can taste the food?!

Dreamland
www.dreamlandbbq.com

Menu

  • ribs (20 slabs)
  • pulled chicken
  • pulled pork
  • mac & cheese
  • baked beans
  • potato salad
  • garden salad (with assorted dressings)
  • sweet tea/ unsweet tea/ lemonade
  • banana pudding

Grand total including servers, plates, utensils, signature barbecue sauce, sliced white bread, buns for pork & chicken, pickles, wet-wipes, and bibs: $1318.00

PROS
I've eaten their food and LOVE it! I often find myself craving a smoked chicken sandwich!
Dreamland is a southern barbecue favorite and known state-wide for their ribs.
Lots of food for the money!

CONS
So far, they've been difficult to get in touch with at times (I attribute this to the fact that they're a popular local restaurant).
There's no deposit, contract, etc! (What if they don't show up?)
They're not a normal "wedding" caterer. They do more of the football game type events. This could be considered a pro and a con...right now it's more of a con considering the first two cons I've listed.

I guess I'll sleep on it for a little while. I have plenty of time...but, the sooner the better! ;)


2 comments:

  1. Hmm, tough decision. I'm in the process of finding a catering company as well and the one I like best will charge us 75.00 just for a tasting. I thought that was crap! However, they've been great in all other aspects. In my opinion, the company that gets back with you fast, communicates well and has a contract is important!! My vote is number 1...good luck!

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  2. Lindsey,

    Thank you so much for commenting on my blog! Your words ring so true! I think I'll even post about your comment, brides need to hear that!!

    About your caterer, if you read back on my blog you'll hear about the importance of a caterer that knows weddings... even if its down home BBQ, the food doesn't matter, what's being served doesn't matter...what matters is Good Food, Professional Service.

    This local resturant, might be popular, and been in business for over 150 years, but what if, just what if, they go out of business 2 weeks before your wedding. I didn't say that to scare the beejezzzus out of you, it actually happned to one of my clients with a resturant that had been open for over 100 years and she insisted on using them - no contract - no business- no food!

    Scary!

    If you insist on using the resturant, who's food you love. Think about getting event insurance, at least it'll cover your financial'ness if something happens.

    Just my 10 cents!

    Best of luck to you, and I look forward to following you!

    XXOO!
    Melissa

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