Bill Hansen Catering

FAQs

What does being a full-service caterer mean?
A full-service caterer offers a full range of menu options, while also making the arrangements for every “catering” aspect of your event - your custom menu and bar selections, basic or upscale rental items (linens, chairs, flatware, glassware, and china). A well rounded full-service caterer will also offer unique venue options, interactive centerpieces, iron chef competitions, or even interactive buffets.

At Bill Hansen Catering we know that your events demand excellence in food and service. As a full-service caterer we create menus appropriate to your taste preferences, budget demands and theme considerations. The "sample menus" you will find on this website are only an initial indication of the variety of food and services we offer our catering clients. What is the process for planning an event?
Before you contact any vendors regarding your event, there is some information that every vendor needs to know in order to help you create a successful event.
1) What is the date of your event?
2) What time of day would you like your event to be held?
3) How many people do you anticipate to have at your event?
4) Do you have a location selected?
5) How much money are you willing to spend for this event?

These are all important questions that need to be answered, and by answering each of them before you contact any vendor your planning process is well underway, and will not be quite so overwhelming. How far do you travel to cater an event?
We cater throughout Southeast Florida, Miami-Dad, Broward and Palm Beach counties. In this period of rising gasoline prices, a fuel surcharge applies to all events and will be included in your proposal. Please note too that labor costs will increase with increased travel time. More distant events may also involve special truck or van rental fees. What size of events do you cater?
We cater for parties as small as 20 or as large at 10,000. When do I need to reserve a date on your calendar?
We book parties as far out at 12 months or as quick a one week. How do I make a reservation?
To reserve our services for your event, please contact your sales person or the main office. We require a deposit that is a percentage of the total proposed catering balance at the time of signing the contract. Can you recommend a site for my party? Is there a fee for that service?
Being in South Florida since 1980, we have built relationships with many available event spaces. We have created a venue guide with over 100 venues in tri-county Southeast Florida. Our sales staff is happy to assist you in locating the perfect venue for your event. There is no fee for this service. I may need a tent. Can you provide one?
Absolutely, we have access to any size tent. Clear top or white, with sides or without, draping, flooring, and staging. I would like to have an event with a specific theme. Do you supply decorations and    other items to suit the theme I have in mind?
As a catering company we excel in the culinary and service aspects of your event, keeping our focus on making sure your menu is a culinary experience you will savour forever. Being in business here for over 20 years, we have several excellent décor companies that we are happy to refer you. Some of my guests are vegetarian. How will you accommodate them?
We offer vegetarian options on all of our menus, and even bring a couple with us to every event, just to be safe. I'm not too confident when it comes to selecting the best wines for my party. How    can you help me?
We have a close relationship a Sommelier who has trained our catering staff on wine compliments, and he is always just a phone call away for the wine connoisseur. Can you recommend a baker for a wedding cake?
Yes, depending on the location of your wedding reception we have cake design companies close by. Do you provide flowers?
We have several excellent floral/décor companies that we have worked with over the years and we are happy to pass along their information with complete confidence. Do you provide entertainment services?
We have several excellent entertainment companies that we have worked with over the years and we are happy to pass along their information with complete confidence. What beverage services do you provide?
Our specialized liquor license and insurance allows us to serve alcohol at your event anywhere in Florida. Full bar services can be provided for parties large and small. We are one of the only off-site caterers in Southeast Florida to have this type of liquor license. Can I provide my own beverages?
Yes, however we charge a corking fee when we serve alcohol supplied by the client, and there is also a fee for mixers and appropriate glassware. Do you provide shuttle service or valet parking?
We have several excellent valet and shuttle service companies that we have worked with over the years and we are happy to pass along their information with complete confidence. What can I expect to see in your proposal?
Our proposals are very detailed and include the menu options, rental items, labor, service charge and sales tax. How are labor costs determined?
Labor costs are determined by the length of your event as well as the number of guests attending. Are any gratuities included in either my proposal or final bill?
The standard service charge in Southeast Florida for catering services is 20%. Gratuities above that are wholly at the discretion of the client. When do I need to decide on a final guest count? What happens if that number goes    up or down shortly before or the day of the event?
•  Your final guest count guarantee (which cannot be reduced), along with    your final payment is due 72 hours prior to your event.
•  If your guest count increases after the final guarantee, you will be charged    accordingly for the additional guests.
•  We prepare food for the number of guests guaranteed Do you have a contract? What does it include?
•  In order to secure your date, we request a non-refundable catering deposit    in the amount of $________.
•  Your final guarantee (which cannot be reduced), along with your final    payment is due on ________.
•  If you guest count increases after the final guarantee, you will be charged    accordingly for the additional guests.
•  We prepare food for the number of guests guaranteed
•  Prices quoted are based on a minimum guarantee. If your guest count    drops, your price per person is subject to change.
•  Additional non-refundable deposits and their amounts are due as follows: DateAmount of Deposit
•  Please make Checks Payable to Bill Hansen Catering.
•  All prices are subject to a 20% service charge and 6% sales tax.
•  All prices quoted are already reduced by 4% for payment by cash or check.    In the event you choose to pay by credit card, please add 4% to the total    invoice.
•  We regret that we cannot be responsible for you or your guests’ personal    property brought into the event. We request that you take your personal    belongings with you upon conclusion of your party.
•  Any additional costs for naming parties as “additional insured” will be added    to your invoice. Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes, we have a $1 million liability insurance policy Do you require a deposit?
We require a non-refundable deposit that is a percentage of the total proposed catering balance at the time of signing the contract. Do you accept credit cards?
We prefer payment by check, money order or cashier’s check.