PLANNING YOUR MENU
Variety is good, but steer clear of too much variety. Ordering one of many different dishes may result in certain items running out before your guests can try it and having too much left over of other items. We suggest limiting your buffet to three entrees maximum and planning for guests to try each dish.
How long is your event? If your event is a quick meeting or gathering, less items are needed. If your event is to last several hours it is best to plan on more than one course. But in general, we suggest the following:
- Appetizers before a meal: 2-3 pieces per person/per hour
- Appetizers as a meal: 5-6 pieces per person/per hour
- Chilled Salads: 4 ounces per person
- **Hot Side Dishes: ** 3-4 oz per person; can vary based on number of sides
- Pasta as an entrée: 6-8 ounces
- Pasta as a side dish: 3-4 ounces
- Lunch Entrée: 4-6 ounces
- Dinner Entrée: 6-8 ounces
- Dessert: 3-4 ounces
- Rolls/Breads: 1-2 per person
If planning a cocktail party, we suggest a minimum of 6 different appetizer choices.
If ordering sandwiches, we suggest planning for 1 & 1/2 sandwiches to 2 sandwiches per person as some people may take one and others may take two.
Several dishes that we offer are prepared without Gluten. However, we are not a certified Gluten Free facility and cannot guarantee any item we produce will be gluten free. Because of our open air environments, there is a strong risk of cross contamination.
Many of our products are prepared without nuts or dairy - however; please be advised that the products are produced in a facility that contains these products - risk of cross contamination is possible.
Understand your demographic - Dietary Restrictions? Children? Different tastes than yours?
ORDERING & PICKUP QUESTIONS
Plan ahead! Once you know of your party's date, be sure to give your caterer plenty of notice. Deliveries book up quickly and chefs must plan for your meal in advance to ensure the best quality! Also note that when ordering Dave’s prepared foods online, most products require a minimum of 48 hours notice. Full Service Catering is date driven and we only book a certain number of events by date and recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
You can pickup your catering order at all 10 Dave's Locations. Upon entering the store, please go to customer service and they will handle getting your order for you.
When choosing your pick up time, give yourself enough time for travel and set-up. If food is arriving well before guests are eating be sure you have enough fridge or oven space.