FAQs

General

• What is full-service catering?

  We are considered a full-service caterer because we handle every aspect of your event from beginning to end, including staffing. We also offer drop-off catering and food service staffing in addition to our full-service options. Full service means we provide servers for the entire event, handling setup and breakdown at your venue. Many venues require this, but we can also offer full-service catering at private residences, ensuring the hosts don’t have to worry about setup or cleanup at the end of the night.

• How do I reserve my event date?

  We strive to make the booking process as simple as possible. To reserve a date, we require the following:

  • A signed catering contract
  • A deposit of 50% of the proposal total

  By signing the contract and submitting a deposit, you are securing our services for your event. We will check in with you at key milestones—1 year, 6 months, 3 months, 30 days, and 10 days before your event—and are always available if you need us. We also attend final walk-throughs at the venue.

• Can I host my event at my home, a clubhouse, or an office?

  Absolutely! We can transform any space into the perfect event setting.

Menus

• Do I have to select one of the menus provided?

  Our menus serve as a starting point for the planning process, but we are always happy to customize them to fit your event’s specific needs.

• Can I provide my own food at my event?

  Apart from special desserts, such as a wedding cake, we prefer to provide all food served at catered events.

• Can you accommodate special menus and food allergies?

  We can customize a menu to match your event’s theme or personal preferences and can avoid specific allergens without compromising quality. However, all food is prepared in a kitchen that processes allergens. Our gluten-free and nut-free items are carefully prepared using designated, sanitized surfaces and utensils. However, because we are not a certified gluten-free or nut-free kitchen, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination will not occur. Guests with celiac disease, nut allergies, or gluten sensitivities should be aware of these limitations.

• What service style options are available?

  We offer flexible service styles to match your vision. Some options include:

  • Plated: A traditional, formal service where each course is plated by our chef and served at guests’ tables.
  • Buffet: A self-serve culinary display where guests choose what and how much they’d like. Buffet attendants can be added for an enhanced experience.
  • Family-Style: Platters and bowls of food are placed on the table for guests to pass and share, encouraging interaction.
  • Reception-Style: Servers pass small appetizers to create a variety-filled, social dining experience.
  • Stations: Multiple small plate options served at different food stations, allowing for variety and entertainment.
• Do you provide and serve alcohol?

  Caterers in Colorado are prohibited by law from selling alcohol to clients. You must purchase alcohol separately, but our TIP-certified bartenders are happy to serve your purchased alcohol if the venue allows it, based on their specific liquor license.

• Are your bartenders TIP-certified?

  Our management team, captain, and bartenders receive TIP training and certification, which is recognized as the standard for safe alcohol service.

• Do you offer specialty drinks or accommodate special requests?

  Yes, we can assist with themed specialty drinks and wine pairings to complement your menu.

Pricing

• How much does your catering cost?

  Our catering pricing is completely transparent, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. When you receive a proposal from Colorado Catering, it includes all costs upfront, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

  Your catering proposal will clearly itemize the following:

  • Food
  • Beverage service (non-alcoholic)
  • Rentals (china, flatware, glassware, etc.)
  • Staffing/labor charges
  • Production fee (a fixed percentage of food and beverage costs)
  • Possible vehicle/mileage charges (based on location)
  • Possible trash removal fee (depending on the venue)

  We believe in upfront pricing, so there are no unexpected add-ons later. Our goal is to provide you with an honest, all-inclusive estimate so you can plan with confidence.

• What is the production fee?

  Most caterers charge a production fee (or similar charge) to cover the unique costs of bringing a full restaurant experience to your event. This includes equipment maintenance, transportation, non-billable administrative work, special kitchen expenses, and overall event coordination.

• Why can catering be so expensive?

  Catering is more than just food—it’s an entire experience. Our team dedicates extensive time and effort to creating a seamless event. Essentially, we build a restaurant at your venue, transport everything needed, and then break it all down and return it to our production facility.

  A well-executed event starts with a dedicated event designer who:

  • Plans and refines your menu
  • Coordinates vendors
  • Meets with you and your team
  • Documents every detail to ensure flawless execution

  In addition, we provide all necessary food service equipment, which requires maintenance, transportation, and replacement over time.

• How do you charge for staff?

  Staffing is billed by the hour.

  • A small number of staff members are billed from the time they check out food at our kitchen until they return and unload the truck.
  • Additional staff members are billed only for the time they are on-site at your event.
  • The number of staff assigned to each event depends on the menu, logistics, and service expectations.
• When are payments due?

  After paying the deposit, no additional payments are due until 10 business days before your event. At that time, the final guest count is required, the menu is finalized, and the full balance must be paid.