Catering Experts

Q: Can you accomplish our vision at our venue? 

• We customize our service to meet/exceed your expectations (within reason, of course).

• Upon booking, we’ll issue you an online portal with an event personalization planner that’ll let you tell us exactly what, how, when, and where you’d like our service.

• Additional options, beyond the scope of our routine service, are available at additional cost; otherwise, we’ll gladly coordinate with your event planner (if you have one).

Q: HOW MANY WEDDINGS DO YOU cater PER YEAR?

• With literally tens of thousands of successfully catered events & wedding receptions, you're in good hands!

• Typically, we cater around 125 weddings per year, with up to 2-4 weddings or around 1,000 guests at the same time.

Q: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? 

• Since 1974!

• That's a longer than and more reputable than most!

Q: DO YOU HAVE MY DATE OPEN?

• While prime dates close quickly, we cater around two to three weddings at a time, so check your date’s availability here.

• To hold/secure your date, simply make a non-refundable retainer (deposit) of only $750.

Q: HAVE YOU catered EVENTS AT MY LOCATION?

• Yes, very likely, with over 400+ locations:

  • Meadow Barn

  • Emerald Pines Barn

  • Laurel Ridge Barn

  • Riverview Barn

  • Museum of Visual Materials

  • Granite Springs Lodge

  • Canton Barn

  • Old Courthouse Museum

  • Summit Events Hall

  • Harrisburg Event Center

  • Isaac Walton

  • 5 Oaks

  • Sanford Hospital & Clinics (most all regional clinics, main hospital departments & administration, and research)

  • Avera Health (most all regional clinics, main hospital departments & administration, and research)

• If you're a vendor and would like us to cater at your facility, let us know.

Q: Are you licensed? WILL I NEED ANY PERMITS FOR MY EVENT? IF SO, WILL YOU HANDLE OBTAINING THEM?

• We are registered, licensed, and permitted to do business in the state of South Dakota, county of Minnehaha, and city of Sioux Falls and are typically permitted to operate anywhere within South Dakota without additional licensing/permits. Additionally, we are typically afforded the courtesy to conduct isolated/infrequent transactions to neighboring states without additional registration/licensing, provided such transactions and do not meet that state's Economic Nexis.

• You shouldn’t need any additional licenses on our end; please discuss it with your venue.

• Beer, wine, and spirits: If you would like us to serve/tender for you, we'll do so with applicable permitting.

Q: WILL YOU PROVIDE A BANQUET MANAGER TO COORDINATE THE MEAL SERVICE OR AN ON-SITE COORDINATOR WHO WILL RUN THE ENTIRE EVENT?

• We always provide an experienced catering manager that will stay at your event for the duration of catered services.

• We work closely with wedding coordinators or host/hostesses.

Q: Do you have liability insurance?

• Yes, we are insured. Most venues have our insurance on file.

• In fact, most venues have been added to our insurance as an additional insured for added security and protection.

Tableware & Equipment

Q: WHAT TYPES OF LINENS, GLASSWARE, PLATES AND FLATWARE DO YOU PROVIDE?

• Options include:

  • Premium sugarcane paper tableware (green/biodegradable)

  • High quality, disposable tableware

  • Real China plates & metal flatware (+~$5 per person, including table bussers)

  • Or, check out Ideal Wedding & Event Rental

Q: DO YOU HANDLE RENTAL EQUIPMENT SUCH AS TABLES, CHAIRS, ETC.?

• We specialize in meal service; check out Ideal Wedding & Event Rental

Q: CAN YOU PROVIDE PRESENTATION UPGRADES SUCH AS CHAIR COVERS, LOUNGE FURNITURE, CHIAVARI CHAIRS, ETC.?

• We specialize in meal service; check out Ideal Wedding & Event Rental

Q: WHAT DÉCOR DO YOU PROVIDE FOR APPETIZER STATIONS OR BUFFET TABLES?

• We include standard premium disposable trays, please check out our pictures on social media and on our website for details.

• Check out Ideal Wedding & Event Rental for more elaborate setups

Q: CAN YOU ASSIST WITH OTHER ASPECTS OF THE WEDDING LIKE SELECTING OTHER VENDORS, EVENT DESIGN? (E.G. SPECIALTY LIGHTING, ELABORATE DÉCOR, THEME EVENTS, ETC.)?

• Our focus is meal service.

• We’d be happy to refer you, check out our preferred vendor page.

• If you're a vendor and would like to be listed here, let us know.

Policies

Q: HOW MUCH OF A DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO HOLD MY DATE? 

Make a non-refundable retainer (deposit) of $750 to hold your date!

Q: ONCE WE BOOK WITH YOU, HOW QUICKLY CAN WE EXPECT A CONTRACT? HOW DO YOU HANDLE CHANGES?

• It should be available immediately. Your event is considered booked once the retainer payment is made and contract is signed by the couple and any other parties.

• Changes may be made as follows before the event:

  • Additions: 10 days subject to availability

  • Menu Changes & Invoice Subtractions: 90 days

• Final guest count is due 10 days before your event

Q: WHAT IS THE LAST DATE BY WHICH I CAN GIVE YOU A FINAL GUARANTEED GUEST COUNT?

• Your final counts of all Event attendees (Headcount) & number of desired servings are DUE 10 (TEN) DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT

  • From the number listed on your original Estimate/Invoice, Your Final Servings count may not drop by more than 10% and Your Final Headcount may not increase by more than 30%.

  • On a case-by-case basis, We may permit You to increase Your Headcount beyond this limit at additional cost. You cannot drop below the listed minimum.

• We provide exactly the number of Servings You order.

  • ORDER 5-10% MORE SERVINGS THAN YOUR FINAL HEADCOUNT so You do not run out of anything or into costly backups.

  • Always inform us of changes in your guest list—even after you've given us your final count.

Q: What are your payment schedule?

• $750 non-refundable retainer at signing (applied toward balance)

• Half of estimate (rounded to nearest $500) at 6-months before event (or balance if less; if less than 6-months, due date is half way between booking & event date)

• Balance at 3-days before event

• Any remaining balance due before food served at event

• Due dates are from the date the payment is processed (not postmarked)

Q: WHAT IS YOUR REFUND OR CANCELLATION POLICY?

It's our hope that you don't have to cancel, however we understand that things happen and sometimes these things are just meant to happen.  That said, we have to make sure we're covered because chances are we've had to turn someone else away on account of your booked event.

• BEFORE 6 MONTHS: 100% refund, less the non-refundable retainer

• 6 MONTHS–90 DAYS: You pay 50%; We waive/refund the other 50% of your most recent estimate/invoice.

• AFTER 90 DAYS: Event is non-refundable. You promise to pay Your entire balance, even if no goods are furnished. If You would like to obtain/donate goods, We will retain 25% of goods for Our lost ability to market ourselves in front of others.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY? DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

A cash/check discount is built into all prices; we have to pass credit/debit card processing and rewards program fees on to you.

• Cash & Check: preferred

• Card Payments subject to a cash discount reversal and online convenience fee and can be made on our payments page.

• Additional costs may be required if your payment is late, dishonored, or made in a way not expected of you.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON CLEANUP?

• Since event venue policies vary from location to location, we have several options available based on the level of service we've provided:

  • Standard Buffet Service: we’re responsible for the buffet table and our staging area

  • Plated Table Service: we’re responsible for removing tableware from tables

     

Q: Do I get to keep leftovers?

• If there are extra servings, typically We will have it announced or offer it to Event attendees.

• We'll bring several bags/containers for Your leftovers.

  • If You would like them in something else, please the containers in the facility's prep kitchen with a note.

  • For food safety reasons, we advise You to discard all leftovers from the Event—even those We set aside for You—as improper handling of consumable goods and leftovers may lead to poisoning and other health hazards. You are welcome to take the leftovers; consume at your own risk.

• Optionally, we’ll gladly donate any leftovers for you, if you’d like.
  

Q: What is the ratio of servers to guests?

• Buffet: 1:50-75

• Served: 1:12-20

Q: How will servers be dressed?

Standard black collared shirt, pants, and closed toe shoes, unless otherwise specified. Staff may have logoed or non-logoed aprons, as deemed necessary by catering staff. Staff are permitted to wear shorts to outdoor events when the temperature will exceed 70 degrees.

Q: How much time do you require for setting up and breaking down my event, and are there extra fees for this?

Coordination with other service providers and access to your venue is necessary to complete the service. We need to have reasonable access to Your venue, typically no later than ninety (90) minutes in advance of Your desired start time for the first serviceable item, and up to ninety (90) minutes after the end of the last serviceable item to clean up. No extra fees unless as any extra work/time/effort is included in the price of your event.

Absolutely Delicious

Q: DO WE HAVE TO WORK OFF A PRESET MENU OR CAN YOU CREATE A CUSTOM MENU FOR OUR EVENT?

• We can do preset OR custom menu (at additional cost)

• Everything is customizable

• Food packages are available, please refer to our current catering menu for details.

Q: GIVEN MY BUDGET, GUEST COUNT AND EVENT STYLE, WHAT FOOD CHOICES WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

• We specialize in "absolutely delicious" food

• Our most popular catered items are Asiago Chicken, Herb Roasted Pork Loin, and Angus Roast Beef Medallions

Q: DO YOU DO FOOD TASTINGS? IS THERE AN EXTRA CHARGE FOR THIS?

• Yes, we provide a food tasting for the couple & up to four guests/parents

• Additional guests (maximum of 10 people total) are $10pp

• Tastings are free for events with 150+ guests; or $75 for less than 150 guests

Q: IF I HAVE A SPECIAL DISH I’D LIKE SERVED, WOULD YOU ACCOMMODATE THAT?

• We’ve prepared numerous dishes from recipe

• Once, we were requested to recreate a brides great-great-great grandmother's Pirozhki (runza) recipe

Q: DO YOU USE ALL FRESH PRODUCE, MEAT, FISH, ETC.? CAN YOU SOURCE ORGANIC OR SUSTAINABLY FARMED INGREDIENTS?

• Most of our meats are secured from the Midwest

• Upon special request, we can secure certified organic, sustainably farmed goods, and similar dietary preference items at additional cost.

Q: CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS? SUCH AS Gluten, Dairy, VEGAN, ETC.

• We are able to accommodate most needs

• NOTICE: Like most restaurants, our kitchen is a common-source kitchen and therefore, through preparation and handling, it cannot be ensured that menu items do not contain ingredients that might cause an allergic reaction. Order with caution. All items are subject to our disclosures, notices, and warnings at the bottom of this page.

Q: CAN YOU DO THEME MENUS (E.G. BARBECUE, LUAU, ETC.)?

• Yes, we’ve done several theme weddings:

  • Picnic/Backyard BBQ Grill-Outs

  • Tex-Mex

  • Breakfast in the PM

  • Italian Pasta

• Typically, we provide food and standard table decorating. We will gladly accommodate any special requests or special equipment you’d like us to use.

Q: IS CUTTING & SERVING WEDDING CAKE AVAILABLE?

• Absolutely!

• In order to properly staff for the event and cover costs, we offer several options for your consideration. Please inquire for specific pricing details.

Q: DO YOU OFFER PACKAGE UPGRADES SUCH AS CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS, ICE SCULPTURES, CAPPUCCINO MACHINES OR SPECIALTY DISPLAYS?

• Check out Ideal Weddings & Events. They’re a great vendor to work with!

• We’ll refer you to an ice sculptor or secure one for you, on your behalf.

Note on Vendors: all items, prices, and specifications are subject to vendor's current availability, pricing, terms, and are subject to change and vendor's discretion and without notice.

Pricing

Q: HOW'S YOUR PRICING BROKEN DOWN? ARE THERE ANY FEES THAT WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

• No surprises. We’re up front on fees.

• Base price (see current menu) + any desired add-ons (see current menu) + standard 17% staff gratuity (+10% on Thurs-Mon Weekends containing a holiday]) + applicable sales tax

Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN COST BETWEEN PASSED APPETIZERS AND APPETIZER STATIONS? 

• Typically, our sensible appetizer pricing remains the same!

• Plus about ~$4 per guest (to extend servers' time to include appetizers).

Q: WHAT’S THE PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUFFET AND A SIT-DOWN plated MEAL?

• Typically, our sensible meal pricing remains the same!

• For standard plated table servers, ~$5.99 per guest

• Elevated table service may be available at an additional cost

Q: IF WE HAVE A BUFFET, ARE THERE ANY STATIONS THAT COST EXTRA, LIKE A CARVING STATION?

Typically, $2 per guest ($100 minimum) for any/each staffed station (price for dedicated staff only, not including food)

Q: IF MY EVENT RUNS LONGER THAN CONTRACTED, WHAT ARE YOUR OVERTIME FEES?

• Overtime charges rarely occur.

• Both standard buffet and plated table services include 2-hours of wages for our staff members (beginning at our arrival). If your event requires our staff to stay longer, we must cover their wages by passing along $0.99 per guest, per half-hour ($50 minimum per half-hour)

• For every $2,000 in purchased goods and services, we can allocate up to 1 hour of time dedicated to conduct tasting(s) and consultation(s) with you, communicating with you, and organizing the event.

• While this is almost always more than enough time, you may need to purchase additional time or hire an Event Planner or Coordinator if Your Event requires detailed or extensive planning.

Q: HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR CHILDREN’S MEALS?

• Under normal circumstances,

  • If plate is not taken, free (typically those under 3)

  • If plate is used, regular price (it’ll balance itself out with overeaters)

• If your group will have an abnormally significant number of children, let us know and we can work with you to come up with a smaller portion/special menu for them

Q: HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR VENDOR MEALS?

• We don't charge you for our staff or our hired help to eat, which we may allow them to do so (out of sight).

• If there's extra food, we'll share! But, please understand that we're not prepared to feed an army.

  • Events less than 50 people, we'll make a judgement call on a case-by-case basis

  • Events larger than 50 people, we may offer up to two free facility-personnel meals.

• If your contracts requires you to feed vendors (such as DJ, official, etc.) please let us know and we can work with you on pricing.

Q: DO YOU DO WEDDING CAKES? IF SO, IS THIS INCLUDED IN THE PER-PERSON MEAL PRICE OR IS IT EXTRA?

• As much as we'd like to tell you yes, our pastry chef's specialty is restaurant-based desserts. As such, we would be happy to refer you to a wedding cake vendor.

• Our pastry chef can easily accommodate rustic desserts, apple crisp, cheesecake, bars, bread pudding, etc.

Beverages

Q: DO YOU PROVIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND BARTENDERS? SPECIALTY COCKTAILS?

We offer beer, wine, and spirits. Please visit our bar service page for more details. You'll find that our prices are extremely competitive; downright reasonable actually.

Q: WHAT BRANDS OF ALCOHOL WILL BE SERVED?

We can secure any type of beer, wine, and spirit legally permitted to be sold in South Dakota.

Q: At the bar, CAN WE PROVIDE THE ALCOHOL AND YOU PROVIDE THE LABOR?

Yes, we call this a hosted bar. Please visit our bar service page for more details. You'll find that our prices are extremely competitive; downright reasonable actually.

Q: What is THE cost of the CHAMPAGNE TOAST AFTER THE CEREMONY AND WINE WITH MY MEAL?

Absolutely!  In order to properly staff for the event and cover costs, we can offer champagne or wine at our low price or for a small corkage/bottle charge for self-purchased beverages. Please note that minimums apply. Please inquire for specifics.

Q: do you serve non-alcoholic beverages?

Certainly!  Non-alcoholic drinks are a good idea. Check out our catering menu for pricing and details.