Three Tips for Worry-Free Catering Deliveries

Now and then, we like to share tips on how you can make your catering delivery experience easier and minimize any potential issues.  Here are 3 tips that we hope you find useful!

1.  Schedule your delivery time appropriately
Did you know that just about everyone wants their food delivered between 11:15 & 11:45?  This is probably not news to you if you order catering frequently.  Restaurants and caterers do their best to accommodate as many orders as possible, so drivers likely will have multiple orders to deliver. Traffic, getting lost, delivery delays can all impact what time they show up for your delivery.

Please make sure you add in a time cushion for delivery and set-up.  15-30 minutes is recommended.  Also, if your meal isn't hot or you will be using chafers to keep the food warm, consider having it delivered a little bit earlier than you might otherwise request.  (Then if they are running a little late, you'll have an even bigger cushion so your meeting or event isn't negatively impacted!)

2a.  Include delivery instructions
Make sure the restaurant or caterer has all information they need for a successful delivery.  Are there any specific requirements to access your building or floor?  Are you going to be in the meeting or out of the office and not available to answer the phone if there is a delivery question or issue?

Please do your caterer a favor and make sure they know how to access your office if it's not straightforward and who to contact if there is a delivery issue.   If you may not be available during the scheduled delivery time, just include an alternate number and/or contact with your order.

(That's why Cater Nation has that nifty Driver Instructions box on the check out page!)

2b.  Include restaurant instructions
Be sure that the restaurant or caterer knows about your special needs!!  One of your colleagues is allergic to nuts?  They need to know!  Another HATES onions?  Tell them about that, too.  Someone has a gluten allergy or is vegetarian?  Request a special meal for them.

(And Cater Nation makes it really easy by giving you that handy Restaurant Instructions box on your check out page right below the Delivery Instructions box.  Of course, you can always list your special instructions per menu item, too!)

3.   Order in advance
Do you have a meeting coming up and want to use one particular vendor or have a certain type of cuisine?  Place the order as soon as you know about it, so you are on the restaurant's / caterer's schedule.  That way, there are no last minute surprises.  Finding out at the last minute that the restaurant has a private party that day and won't be accepting catering orders would leave you scrambling for an alternative.  (And likely very stressed!)

Also, be sure to re-confirm with the restaurant or caterer closer to your meeting / event date.  (Of course, if you choose Cater Nation, we will do the re-confirming for you!)

Do you have a another tip for worry-free catering?  If so, please share with us!