Photo by SLO Town Studios
We at Phil's Catering have put together a dozen or so our our most frequently asked questions in hope that they will answer some of the questions you may have as well. If they don't, please do not hesitate to ask us your questions as we enjoy conversing with our clients and potential clients.
Who’s Phil?
N# 1 asked question!
Phil “Philbert” Vierra is Gary’s Dad
Gary Vierra is the founder of Phil’s Catering Service
Gary started his catering business in 1986 and named his catering business after his father
Dad loved to cook
Philbert E. Vierra
1947-2011
What is the best process for getting to know more about your catering company and what service your company offers?
- Send us an email or give us a call! We're happy to chat with you and answer frequently asked questions and tell you more about our services and menu.
- Request a quote.
- Schedule a tasting
- Request a sample contract to review
I need to work with a budget.
We're happy to work with clients that are operating on a budget! We can guide you to more cost-effective menu and service options. No matter the budget, we will provide excellent food and service.
Is the cost of cake cutting included in your all of your wedding quotes?
Sure does!
Does Coffee service come with the Cake cutting service?
Yes, we provide coffee with all the accoutrements.
Is the cost of the champagne toast included in all your wedding packages?
Yes. The champagne toast is served with disposable champagne glasses and the open bottle will be placed on the guest tables. A champagne pour is available for an additional fee.
Do you offer a cheaper meal option for our photographers, DJ and other wedding venders or how does that work?
When you give me your final head count, count your vendor’s in separately as they do get a reduced meal cost.
Food Tastings
Our Food Tastings are held in Atascadero and are by appointment only. Your tasting is for 2 people but other guests are invited for an additional fee. The tasting will be of any 3 items of your choice. Most tasting will take up to 30 minutes but you should plan on another 30 minutes to review your services, rentals and or other details of your reception. Your tasting is complementary but there will be a $30.00 fee for Appointment Reschedules or Cancellations. Please double and triple check your calendar before scheduling your tasting.
What is the average additional cost for using rental China & Glassware per guest?
Depends on the dinner service and amount of stemware you select.
Rentals + extra service staff will average between $6.00 to 12.00 per guest
How many guests does the average bottle of champagne/wine serve?
6 guests
Is there an opening fee per bottle of champagne?
No
Can we add a Signature drink to our Bar service?
If a client wishes to provide 1 or 2 signature drinks that are 100% ready to serve there is no additional charge.
Do you have liquor liability coverage?
No, the client or site must supply this coverage, if required.
Do you have a set menu? Can the menu be modified?
We work with our clients to create custom a unique, custom menu that fits their needs and the needs of their event.
How many appetizers per person do you generally account for (we love appetizers)?
The Catering industry calculates that the average appetizer serving per guest is 3 servings
Will the appetizers be served by staff or at a station?
That is up to the client and the type of appetizers they select. We suggest a combination of passed and stationed appetizers.
Do we have to have our guests choose an entree on their RSVP?
Only if you have a plated dinner service.
If your service is a buffet style service there isn’t a need to ask your guests which entrée they wish to have. We estimate 45% of your guest will chose chicken and 55% will chose steak and or a combination of the two. If you feel this ratio is incorrect please advise and we will adjust
Do you provide vegetarian meals and if so what do charge?
Yes, we provide meals for a variety of food sensitivities. We're happy to discuss the various options available.
À la carte vegetarian option – how does this work? How do the vegetarians get their meal?
The chef will be at the end of the buffet line and the vegetarian guest can request their vegetarian entree at that time.
What type of meal do you offer Vegetarians?
Here are a few ideas: Stuffed portobello mushrooms, eggplant tagine, or baked vegetable pasta with a bechamel sauce
I am not certain about my guest count to estimate for my tables, chairs…rental needs, how do couples usually deal with this dilemma?
Most clients will estimate their guest count at max and match their rentals with that number; this will ensure that all rentals are secure and then adjust to the final guest count when you know what that number is. Your final guest count is due 14 days prior to the date of your event.
Do you provide linens?
Yes, we sure do! We have linens in white or ivory.
Do you set the tables with the dinnerware?
Yes, if requested.
Will you put floral arrangements out on the guests’ tables?
Yes, we can set centerpieces out on your guest tables for you but other decorations i.e. party favors, place cards may have an additional fee associated with your final service cost.
Are you a licensed caterer?
Yes. Business licensed for the City of Atascadero where our main kitchen facility is located.
Do you have a County Heath inspected kitchen?
Yes, we are a County and State inspected facility.
Will your company do a site check if requested?
Site Checks conducted three weeks prior to the date of your event are FREE. Site Checks conducted less than 21 days prior to the date of your event cost $50.00
How much advance time is needed to confirm a reservation?
Even though we are capable of catering up to 3 events a day our popular wedding dates are booked 6 months to one year in advance. If your date is available we require a deposit and signed contract to book your event.
What is your policy for leftover food?
A. We bring extra food to feed staff and we don’t want to run out.
B. SAFETY FIRST, SECOND...If the conditions are right leftover food may remain with the client:
A. An indoor event is a safe environment
B. Site has refrigeration or client provides a cooler with ice
C. Client provides LARGE food containers (Tupperware: Aluminum pan with lids)
D. What food that is to be left to the client will be determined by the Chef
What is your cancellation policy?
Loss of full deposit
When is the final guest count due?
16 days prior to your date of event
When is the final payment due?
14 days prior to your date of event
What is the policy for payment, cash, checks or credit cards?
We accept cash, check, Venmo, and credit card payments. Please note that there is a 3.5% processing fee for card transactions.
Is the production fee included in your proposal the same thing as gratuity (I understand tips are separate)?
The production fee covers our overhead costs, such as:
1) The preparing of your proposal, supplies and food for your event.
2) A food tasting and site check
3) The cost of our kitchen facilities & catering vehicles needed for your event.
Gratuity is NOT included in the production fee. The gratuity goes directly to the staff catering the event and is much appreciated.
You charged us 8.75% tax for everything, but that is more than the tax in our area.
We base sales tax from our business location in Atascadero in San Luis County and that is the California Tax Law.
Do you have any recommendations for where our wedding guests can stay locally?
Certainly! Next door to our kitchen is the beautiful Atascadero Lodge. Check it out here: https://www.philscatering.com/vacation-rentals-owner/atascadero-lodge/