FAQ
Frequently Asked Question
► Are you insured?
We are fully licensed and insured for product and liquor liability up to five million dollars. Our staff is covered by worker's compensation.
► Do you provide tastings?
Yes, our Executive Chef is happy to prepare a selection of menu items for your enjoyment when you come in to plan your event. Since we do not keep premium or non-seasonal ingredients on-hand for tastings, we must usually shop locally for ingredients at retail stores. To off-set some of our out-of-pocket expenses, we charge $20.00 per person for tastings. If you sign a contract with us, we will deduct 100% of the tasting charges from your balance due.
► Can I make up my own menu or make changes in your menus?
Absolutely! We love to help you create a special menu just for your party! All of the menus on this website are completely customizable; you are welcome to make any additions or changes you prefer.
► Can you provide for vegetarian and special dietary needs?
We have wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and other special needs menu items. When you come in to plan your event, we will discuss your dietary needs and suggest a menu that will be suitable for you and your guests. Please tell us if we need to consider food allergies.
► How far in advance should I reserve my date?
Wedding receptions typically book 4-12 months in advance. Corporate events usually have a shorter lead time. If we're available, we can provide corporate lunches with a 48 hour notice. We suggest reserving your date as soon as it is confirmed. Summer weekends and all dates in December fill very quickly.
► Do you have children’s prices?
Yes. Children 5 to 10 years old are 50% of the adult price FOR FOOD ONLY Children 4 and under are free, but are counted for seating.
► Do you provide rental items such as linens, silverware, glassware, tables, and chairs?
Yes. Not only can we arrange for the rental of the usual party items such as tables,chairs, linens, china, glassware and silverware, but we also have access to fine china,crystal, and specialty linens. We can also arrange for larger items such as canopies,stages and dance floors. Your rental count for items will be different from your guest count.
► Do you provide wine or liquor?
At Bando’s we do have an on premise wine and beer permit. With our license, only 501 c organizations can apply for a cash bar permit for your event. . You can however purchase wine and Beer from our 215 N. 11th location and give products away. We can provide you with recommendations on where to find the best buys and offer suggestions on selections. Must be in Jefferson county only
► Do you provide bartenders and servers?
Yes. Our bartenders and servers are trained, professional, and just plain nice! We carry full liability insurance for both food and alcohol service. As a general rule, you need to allow one bartender per 100 guests for beer and wine bars and one bartender per 75 guests for full bar service.
► Do you have a corkage fee if we supply the beverages?
No. We will open and serve beverages you supply at no additional charge. However, your liquor provider is responsible for ice, and ice chests.
► Do your servers wear uniforms?
Our trained, professional staff is attired either in black and white uniforms or in all black uniforms. They are professional, neat, and always ready to help!
► Do you charge extra to cut the wedding cake?
Yes, you will need 2 staff persons that are paid an hourly wage.. Smaller events our staff can multitask so this might not be necessary.
► Do you set up and clean up?
We offer 2 types of catering. Full service with event planning is when we will dress and set the tables, clear the tables, and clean the service/kitchen area, leaving it as we have found it. If you wish us to set up and breakdown the tables and chairs there is an additional fee. Dinner service is when we will bring our chafers and serve behind the buffet line for 1.5 hours and then take our equipment and leave your event. This is the most economical catering. If you want additional staffing to clear tables, we can add that to your contract.
► How many servers will be needed at my event?
For full service/event planning catering:As a general rule, we provide one server for every 40 people at a buffet. We provide one server for every twenty people at a sit down dinner. However, the server ratio depends on how formal or complicated the event is and may be reduced or increased, depending on these factors. A lavish six-course, sit-down dinner may require one server per 10-12 guests or a very simple buffet many only require 1 server for 50 people. Using your event details, we will recommend the minimum number of servers required based on our experience. Our goal is to make your event run smoothly; therefore we have a two server minimum for events.
► Besides the cost for food, what other charges can I expect for a catered event?
When we provide your customized menu, we list of all of our estimated charges in order to provide you with a complete proposal. In addition to the per person price for food we include the following in each proposal:
• 20% catering fee
• Cost of rentals (that we obtain on your behalf)
• Labor charges for service staff (cake cutters}
• Sales tax
► What does the catering fee cover?
The catering fee offsets labor and administration costs such as dishwashing, packing for your event, shopping for food, clean up, site visits, working with rental companies, etc. The catering fee is not a gratuity and is subject to state and local tax laws.
► Is a gratuity (tips) included in your bill?
Gratuities are not itemized in the bill (unless directed to do so by the client), nor are they required. They are, however, graciously accepted by our staff for a job well done. We do not put tip jars on bars for private parties and weddings.
► What is 'drop off' service?
We bring a buffet to you, set it up and return later to pick up non-disposable serving items. There are no servers. A delivery & pick-up fee is charged. This option works best for informal corporate events and informal parties of less than 30 people. Delivery/pickup charges without staff begin at $50 for Beaumont and 75.00 for Mid-county and Orange.
► Do you provide paper goods, china, linens, or chaffing dishes for drop offs?
For drop offs, we include quality paper plates and plastic eating utensils. We also provide linen for the buffet and will set up any necessary chaffing dishes. If you prefer china and silverware, we will be happy to make arrangements, however these items require that our staff be present at your event.
► Do you have a price list?
Some of our corporate menus include prices. However, most of our event menus are custom designed for a specific event and a particular client. After a briefconversation with an event coordinator, we will prepare a personalized proposal for your budget. The factors that affect the price of an event include the number and kind of menu choices, number of guests, length of the event as well as number of servers required. We try our best to accommodate your budget. Our goal is to give you the fairest pricebased on your specific needs.
► How can I compare quotes from two different caterers?
In the catering industry there are a variety of ways to present a bid to a client. For example, some caterers include only the price of food in the per person cost, others include food and service, others include linens and/or china in the per person charge. It is important when comparingbids from two or more companies that pricing for all of the necessary items are included in both quotes for an accurate comparison. It is equally important to understand and see the portion size that is bid out for your event. In addition, equipment to present your foods and the safety of your food including transportation and holding of foods at an event are extremely important.
► How do you charge for labor?
We charge for our staff by the hour, based on a five hour minimum per staff person. We do our best to estimate the amount of time that our staff will be needed for your event. However, since many variables exist, the final cost is based on the actual time worked. For large full service events, we require an Event Manager to oversee staff and ensure the coordination of a successful event.
► What are the Hourly rates for your staff?
• Event Manager @ $30.00 per hour
• On-Site Chef @ $40.00 per hour
• Bartender @ $25.00-30.00 per hour
• Server @ $25.00 per hour
• Kitchen Staff @ $25.00 per hour