Frequently Asked Questions

Gotham Catering And Events Frequently Asked Questions About Catering, Wedding, Ordering, Budget , how to order, service options and more

Payment And Cancellation Policy?

Can I change my order once it has been placed?

We are usually able to accommodate changes made at least three days before your event. Let us know when submitting your order if you anticipate making any adjustments. Please note that we consider all orders final two days before the scheduled event date and are not able to make any changes after this time.

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel your order up to 24 hours before delivery at no charge. Because your order is always Custom-prepared, cancellation within less than 24 hours will incur a 50% charge, depending on the nature of the order. Same-day cancellations will Be Billed in full. Cancellations may not be left on our answering machine or by e-mail. Changes and adjustments may be made up to 12 hours before Delivery.

How do I pay for my order (private customers)?

You are welcome to pay with cash or a credit card (we accept all major credit cards), but we do not accept personal checks. We require a credit card to guarantee all orders. Payment is due two days before the pick-up or delivery time. We will charge your card two days before your event date. If we do not receive full payment two days before the pick-up or delivery time or are unable to process your credit card for payment, your order will not be fulfilled.

How do I pay for my order (corporate/institutional customers)?

we welcome corporate Charge accounts. Please call us for a corporate charge application or download the PDF copy of the application form. We accept most Major credit cards, cash, company checks, or Gotham Catering house accounts.

Gotham Catering is not liable for unauthorized orders. All deliveries charged to the house accounts must be made to the customer’s corporate address on file.

Exceptions must be PR-approved by phone. Special Event parties require a deposit. House accounts will be billed monthly.

EVENT MANAGEMENT?

Can you provide rental items for my event?

Gotham Catering works with the best party rental companies in the country. From the understated elegance of white china presented on a linen tablecloth to gilded plates and damask overlays featuring the most contemporary styles—we can provide a full spectrum of choices to complement the theme of your event.
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. We rent them for you without a markup.

Staff For Your Events

The recommended number of staff for your party will vary with the size and style of the event. Our outstanding team consists of waiter captains, bartenders, chefs, porters, hosts, waiters, coat check attendants, and valet services.
Our classic staff uniform is black pants, black shoes, a white shirt, white apron. If you have a special uniform request, please inquire.

Beverages Service

Gotham Catering can provide you with all your beverage needs such as soda, water, premium beer, wine, liquor, ice, and bar fruit. In addition, we can create customized drink menus and wine recommendations to fit any event.
Our bartenders and servers are trained, professional, and just plain nice! We carry full liability insurance for both food and alcohol services. 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.

Venue Location Service

we work with a variety of venues throughout the NYC and surrounding areas. We will gladly assist you in finding the perfect venue for your event

Floral Design And Decor

Flowers can be a sensational complement to your event and add a level of comfort and intimacy for you and your guests. Indiana has a handpicked group of top floral designers and suppliers throughout New York City that are appropriate to every style and budget.

Entertainment

From bands and disc jockeys to top-name comedy and theatrical acts, Gotham Catering can fill all of your event’s entertainment needs. You and your guests will be in store for an exciting experience that will be the perfect addition to your event.

Photography

Pictures can capture the most memorable moments of your event. Indiana maintains relationships with top photographers and videographers in New York City and can organize a wide range of personalized services.

Audiovisual Equipment And Service

Hearing and seeing is truly believing. Gotham Catering as access to a wide range of audio and visual technology providers to invigorate all of your guests’ senses. From the most intricate lighting to the most dramatic sound, the possibilities are endless.

Do you provide wedding cakes?

We can provide all types of cakes and cupcakes, but we specialize in simple, unadorned, delicious cakes. Many modern brides and grooms choose to eschew the traditional wedding cake for a personal-sized “token cake” (a small cake for cutting), in addition to another type of dessert for the guests.

What details of my event are handled by you?

Apart From Food, Any details that involve decoration, seating charts, flowers, non-edible party favors, gift tables, DJ & band coordination, party furniture and photography should be handled by our event planner.If you do not have a party planner, be sure to designate a point person at your event who can coordinate and oversee any malfunctions, seating problems, decor issues, lighting needs, etc. If you are a bride or groom, it is a good idea to designate someone else to handle the end-of-party financial details so that you can fully enjoy your special day.

Do you set up and clean up?

We will dress and set the tables, clear the tables, and clean the service/kitchen area, leaving it as we have found it

How many servers will be needed at my event?

As a general rule, we provide one server for every 25 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 may only require 1 server for 35 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 of food, what charges can I expect for a catered event?

When we provide your personalized proposal, we list all of our estimated charges to provide you with a complete proposal. In addition to the package per person price, we include the following in each proposal: rental upgrades or additions (that we obtain on your behalf), labor charges for service staff, and sales tax.

Do you provide paper goods, china, linens, or chafing 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.

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, and others include linens and/or china in the per person charge. It is important when comparing bids from two or more companies that pricing for all of the necessary items is included in both quotes for an accurate comparison.

What are the hourly rates of your staff?

Event Manager: $85 per hour
On-Site Chef: $75 per hour
Bartender: $55-75 per hour
Event Staff: $45 per hour
Kitchen Staff: $45 per hour

Are you insured?

We are fully licensed and insured for product and liquor liability up to five million dollars. Our staff are covered by worker’s compensation.

Can I make up my menu or make changes to 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 a 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.

Do you have children’s prices?

Yes. Children 5 to 10 years old are 50% of the adult price. Children 4 and under are free but are counted for seating.

What is the difference between Full Catering and Casual Catering options?

Full Catering: Our full catering is served buffet style. We will bring our buffet tables with linens, chaffing dishes, real plates and silverware, and all serving utensils. Pie and beverages (if ordered) will be served in high-quality disposable plates and/or cups. Our staff will stay throughout the service of the meal and will clear guest tables of plates and silverware when service is complete.

Casual Catering: We will bring all food in disposable pans. We will provide high-quality disposable plates and eating utensils. We will provide high-quality serving utensils such as tongs, spoons, and ladles. Our staff does not stay for service. We simply deliver the food for you to set up any way that you wish.

Are gratuities included in the bill?

Gratuities are at your discretion and are never added to your bill. Gratuities, if any, will be distributed among our catering staff at the discretion of our Catering Manager.