BALL ‘N BISCUIT FAQs
We’re sure you have a lot of questions! If we missed something, just give us a call at 414-962-9779 or email ballnbiscuitcatering@gmail.com.
GETTING STARTED
How and when do we start?
The first thing you should do is set up an in-person meeting or tasting with us. We also do phone meetings, and are very comfortable working with out-of-town clients. The earlier you contact us the better! We are often booked a year in advance for prime weekends.
We think we should be the first ones contacted when you’re planning an event. We handle events all the time and can save you money on rentals and other aspects of your event.
How do we prepare for our meeting?
Make a list of basics:
- How many people will you be serving?
- Where will your event be held? We’re happy to suggest venues if you don’t yet have one!
- What is your budget?*
*Many clients are apprehensive about stating their budget, but it is so helpful for us to understand what you want to spend per person to host your event. Budgets vary wildly, and if we don’t have a good idea of your budget, it’s very difficult to help you determine your menu. We can make something work no matter your budget. Just let us know!
How do tastings work?
We do tastings Sunday and Monday nights in the fall and winter by appointment only. We recommend booking a tasting January – April. Once wedding season starts (May – November) we do tastings on a week-by-week basis as our time allows. During wedding season, another option is to sample food we are preparing for a booked event to get a sense of our menu.
Tastings are $20 per person. We credit this charge back on your final bill if you choose Ball ‘n Biscuit as your caterer and spend at least $1,000 on food.
To prepare for a tasting, send us a list of interests and we will pick 5 to 6 items for you to try. You may have up to four guests, and please feel free to bring wine or beer to your tasting. Make it fun!
Will you tentatively hold a date?
No. All dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. We will, however, let you know if someone else asks about a date we know you are interested in and give you an opportunity to book. If we don’t hear back, we’ll assume you found someone else.
THE FOOD
How do I decide on the menu?
Take a look at our menu and let us know what appeals most to you. We can help you pull a cohesive event menu together based on your choices, as well as a tasting menu. We are very flexible with our menus and will always be honest about what choices will work with your number of guests and budget.
How do I order for children?
Typically, we suggest that two children ages 5 – 10 be counted as one adult. Children under 5 we don’t count at all. We can also prepare a children’s menu, just ask!
Do you prepare items to meet dietary requirement, sensitivities, or allergy restrictions?
Yes! Please discuss food allergies or dietary restrictions with us. We have an extensive vegan and GF menu, and are happy to accommodate any dietary requirement you may have.
How is your food presented and served?
- Passed hors d’oeuvres – This option works well for any event. Either as a pre-dinner appetizer or as the sole service of the party, they are easy to hold in your hand, don’t require utensils, offer variety and are easy to serve. Keep in mind that wait staff will be needed to pass the hors d’oeuvres, which may increase your staff estimate.
- Stationary hors d’oeuvres – A great choice for open houses or receptions where guests arrive intermittently or move around within your venue.
- Buffet – A popular service choice, this option helps keep staff costs minimal and is a good way to offer a variety of menu choices.
- Family style dinners – We offer family style service where guests are presented with smaller platters of food which are shared among groups of 8-10 guests.
- Plated dinners – We offer plated dinner service where guests are served an individual dinner of their choice.
Do you provide alcohol and beverages?
We can provide coffee, bottled water, and soda at an additional charge. We do not provide any alcohol, though we do have licensed and insured bartenders who will help you with your bar needs and set up. We highly recommend that you review the alcohol policies of your rental facility before signing a contract with them.
PAYMENT & FEES
What is the minimum order for Ball ‘n Biscuit Catering?
If you would like to pick up your order, or have us drop off, the minimum order is 10 guests or $200. Do inquire if you don’t meet this criteria, however, as we can be flexible if our schedule allows.
How does your menu pricing work?
The prices listed on our menus includes food and preparation. These prices do not include tax, delivery service, staffing or other associated costs. Prices are based on your number of guests.
Do you offer any discounts?
We are happy to provide a 3% discount on food costs for active Teachers and members of the military and veterans.
How much do you charge for staff?
Our staff members earn $15 per hour + gratuity; chefs earn $25 per hour + gratuity.
How do we handle tips?
We require that you tip bartenders via a tip jar, or that the host(s) tip them at the end of the evening.
What is your deposit requirement?
Our deposit requirement is 25% of the total food cost or $500.
The remaining balance is due one week prior to the event.
Do you charge cake cutting or corking fees?
We charge a cake and pie cutting fee for desserts not made by us: $50 per 100 people. We do not charge a corking fee.
Do you have a delivery charge and boundaries?
Your charge will be based on distance and varies from $35-$50+.
What methods of payment do you accept? We take cash, check or PayPal (3% fee). We will be taking credit cards shortly. Send PayPal with 3% fee payments to ballnbiscuitcatering@gmail.com.
What is a facility fee?
Some venues charge caterers a facility fee. This is often a percentage of your food cost or a per guest cost. This cost is part of your bill. Caterers often increase their food costs to cover facility fees, but we prefer to let you know exactly what this charge is. Make sure you check with your venue/s about this charge.
STAFFING & SERVICES
Can you help us set the table?
Yes, we’d love to. We provide specialty table setting and decor rentals through our sister business Table of Contents Vintage Rentals. Ball ‘n Biscuit clients receive a discount on rentals!
Can you provide servers, chefs and bartenders?
Yes, we are capable of providing all necessary staff to set up, run and break down your entire event. Family-style and plated dinners require more servers and staff.
What does your staff wear and how many staff do you recommend having?
Our staff arrives attired in all black. We are informal, but we are neat, clean, courteous and professional at all times! We recommend one to two servers per 50 guests for buffet and station styled events. We will add a few more for family style, plated and passed services. If you have bar service for 100+ guests we recommend 2 bartenders to serve wine and beer, or 3 if you are serving specialty drinks or mixers.
LAST-MINUTE DETAILS
Do you accommodate last minute orders?
We prefer 48 hours notice for all orders to ensure product availability. However, we will always do our best to accommodate last minute orders, so please contact us.
When is my final guest count due?
Final guest count is due 2 weeks before your event. We will do a check in at the 30 day mark to see where you are at. at the 30 day mark you must have your menu finalized. We can be a little flexible with this, depending on your menu, the size of your event, and time of year.
What if we cancel?
All cancellations must be in writing. The following cancellation fees will be charged against your deposit. The deposit is non refundable.
What if we unexpectedly cancel due to weather or another unforeseen event?
A wedding insurance policy can reimburse you for money you can’t get back if the day is canceled because a storm shuts down airports or a burst pipe floods your venue, etc. There’s coverage for lost or stolen wedding jewelry, and damaged or missing gowns. If the photographer doesn’t show up or the pictures are damaged, policies may pay to reassemble the wedding party and restage the ceremony so new photos can be taken. There’s also coverage for military deployment and liability, which some venues require in case someone gets hurt. Policies can be bought for as little as $95, depending on how much is being spent on the wedding.
OUR BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS
How long have you been catering?
We started catering in 2006, and have over 20 years of experience working in bars and restaurants. Maria has been a small business owner for more than 20 years. You’re in good hands!
Can you give us referrals from others who have used your services?
We’d be happy to supply you with referrals for our services.
Is Ball ‘n Biscuit fully insured and licensed?
Yes. We are happy to provide you with our insurance and licensing documentation.
Ball 'n Biscuit Catering 