Find all the answers you need about booking with the Buffalo Catering Company for your next event.
CATERING FAQS
I’m interested in learning more about your catering services or booking The Buffalo Catering Co. for my upcoming event. What’s my first step?
Simply fill out the Request a Quote – click here. Please complete our catering inquiry form, ensuring you include any relevant information you may have at that time. Once you have submitted those details, a member of our team will reach out to you to review your event details, share an initial estimate, or answer any questions you might have for us!
What does full service include?
Our full-service packages include staffing for setup, service, and cleanup to fully support your event. Our goal is to handle all the details that come with hosting a successful gathering so that everyone—including you—can relax and enjoy the occasion.
We recommend scheduling staff to arrive at least an hour and a half before your event and remain for one hour afterward. This timeline may vary depending on factors such as the venue, travel distance, and additional setup/cleanup needs (e.g., tables, chairs, or specialty items). These staffing hours will always be included in your initial estimate.
The Buffalo Catering Co. brings years of trusted experience in managing and executing events throughout the WNY area. We take pride in thoroughly reviewing all day-of details with our clients to ensure every event is set up and executed to our high standards. All event staffing costs will be clearly outlined in your catering estimate and final invoice.
What’s an administrative fee? What does that include with my full-service event?
The administrative fee is a standard charge applied by all catering providers, with industry rates typically ranging from 18–25%. Our administrative fee is based on the complexity of your event’s setup and the level of service required.
This fee covers the behind-the-scenes costs associated with planning, coordinating, and preparing your event—expenses that are not itemized within your catering order.
Does the administrative fee cover gratuity? Is there any automatic gratuity included?
Gratuity for our event staff is not automatically included, as we believe it should always reflect your personal appreciation for their service.
If you’d like to include a gratuity ahead of time or have it added to your final invoice, we’re happy to take care of that for you—just let us know your preference.
I’m interested in booking your catering services for my upcoming event but am unsure of my menu selections. Do you offer menu tastings?
Once your initial estimate has been prepared, we offer menu tasting appointments to help you finalize your meal selections. Tastings are held in our catering kitchen and include your choice of three (3) entrées and three (3) side dishes.
Each tasting is designed for two guests and is priced at $80, with payment due at the time of your appointment. This fee helps cover food costs and our chef’s preparation time.
If you choose to book The Buffalo Catering Co. for your event, the tasting fee will be credited toward your final catering invoice.
After your order has been confirmed, please submit your final menu selections at least 14 days prior to your event date.
I have more questions….
Awesome – we’d love to discuss more! Give us call us at (716) 873-4000, email us or or fill out our brief Contact form.
