How to Select a Caterer for a Special Event

Our team has decades of experience catering events in Skagit County and beyond! We are known for personalizing the menu of your special event, like the cold seafood bar we create for the Seafood and Wild Game Dinner at the Skagit Rotary Auction. The wide variety of fresh seafood and shellfish, combined with the wild game accompaniments, has become the centerpiece for this incredible annual event and is a demonstration of Chef David’s creativity!



Weddings are another event we frequently cater. Each wedding is unique to the couple, and we love being involved in making it a day to remember. We offer to cook a family recipe as part of the wedding menu. If the bride’s grandma made a special potato dish on Thanksgiving, for example, we can build that dish into the menu. Guests love the personalized touch, and it means a great deal to the couple to have that piece of family history included on their wedding day.

Corporate events join teams together to celebrate a successful year, retirements, work anniversaries, or holiday parties. Enlisting a caterer for these events elevates the experience for the team and boosts morale. We work with your event planners to host groups of all sizes and show your appreciation for your team.

Ready to hire a caterer for your next special event? We hope you’ll consider us for your next wedding, party, or special catered event. We are an upscale steak and chop house with experience catering all types of celebrations. Reach out to start planning your next event!




Chef David puts the finishing touches on the cold seafood bar at the Skagit Rotary Auction

The Max Dale’s Unique Touch



What are the extra services needed to round out your event? Consider services such as:
  • Bar service
  • Cake cutting
  • Event planning
  • Coffee service 

Questions:
  • Do you provide bar services, and can you supply alcohol?
  • Can you handle rentals for items such as tables, chairs, and linens?


8. Additional Services

A lot of logistics go into planning a special event. Your caterer should work with you to accommodate your needs. First, decide if you will require the caterer to travel to you or if you want the event to be held at the restaurant. For events at a different location, understand their previous experience with the venue. For events at the restaurant, assess the parking situation for guests and take a look at the event space to ensure it meets your needs. 

Questions:
  • What is your policy on setup and cleanup?
  • Have you worked at our chosen venue before?


7. Logistics

Timely communication is critical to having a positive experience with your caterer. Assess their responsiveness to your inquiries and how well they communicate. You want a responsive caterer who handles your event with ease. A dedicated point of contact will help avoid miscommunication while planning your event.

Questions:
  • Who will be our main point of contact throughout the planning process and on the day of the event?
  • Can you provide a detailed contract outlining all services and costs?


6. Communication

Of course, it’s important to know if they are available on the day of your event. We recommend booking caterers several months in advance, particularly if you’re seeking a wedding vendor or booking during a busy season, like the holidays. We also recommend checking their ability to handle last-minute changes. Will it be an extra fee? Are they able to accommodate?

Questions:
  • Are you available on the date of our event?
  • How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies?
  • What is your cancellation policy?


5. Availability

Does this caterer fit your budget for the event? Understand their pricing structure and if there are any additional costs within the contract. Common examples of additional fees include:
  • Service charges
  • Corkage fees
  • Overtime charges
  • Late fees

Consider what is included in the package and if they can provide additional elements, such as linens and tableware, for an additional cost.

Questions:
  • What is included in your pricing and what can be added for convenience (linens, tableware, etc) for an additional cost?
  • Are there any additional fees we should be aware of (service charges, overtime fees, etc.)?
  • What is the payment structure? (deposit, pay on date of service, etc.?


4. Budget


Decide whether you need a plated dinner, buffet, family-style service, or food stations. This depends on the type of event for which you’re hiring a caterer. Check if the caterer offers or specializes in your preferred service style.

Questions:
  • What service styles do you offer (e.g., buffet, plated, family-style, food stations)?
  • How many staff members will be present at the event?
  • What will the staff wear?



3. Service Style


Ensure your caterer offers a wide range of menu options. Some caterers allow you to choose from their regular menu, while others have a separate catering menu. Additionally, some will have preset menu packages, with appetizers, main courses, and desserts already chosen. 

We always offer to personalize the event menu, particularly if you have a family recipe you’d like to incorporate into your special day. 

Questions:
  • What menu options do you offer?
  • Can you accommodate special dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.)?
  • Can you create a custom menu based on our preferences and theme?
  • Do you offer tasting sessions, and if so, is there an additional cost?



2. Menu Options and Customization

The best caterers have experience in the type of event you’re planning and a positive reputation in the community. Check online reviews for the feedback they’ve received from their catering services.

Questions:
  • Do you have experience catering the type of event I’m planning?
  • Do you have any suggestions to enhance my event, given your experience?



1. Experience and Reputation

When figuring out how to select a caterer for your gathering, there are some considerations. It’s completely normal to ask questions before hiring a caterer; in fact, we encourage it! These factors and interview questions will help you choose a caterer who can meet your expectations and contribute to the success of your special event.



8 Considerations When Hiring a Caterer



There are many types of special occasions that benefit from the services of an experienced caterer. Each event requires careful planning and consideration to align with your vision and, hopefully, exceed expectations for your guests! 

These are events for which we frequently offer catering services:
  • Weddings or rehearsal dinners
  • Corporate events
  • Birthdays
  • Reunions
  • Religious ceremonies
  • Graduations

No matter the type of event you are planning, a high-caliber caterer will help relieve the stress of hosting and providing your guests with a great experience.





When to Hire a Caterer For Your Special Event

Organizing a special event? Creating the right menu is an important part of planning a special occasion, so it’s important to understand how to select a caterer who shares your vision. With decades of experience creating personalized menus, we understand what types of celebrations benefit from enlisting an experienced caterer, things to consider when hiring a caterer, and questions to ask during the hiring process. At Max Dale’s Steak and Chop House, we provide a unique touch to every party we cater.



A bountiful appetizer spread featuring classic favorites and contemporary flavors to elevate any event.

Craft Cocktails

Special Events

Scratch-Made Cuisine

Exceptional Experiences

  "A go-to place for special occasions. The food is delicious - the atmosphere is intimate with padded high back booths and soft lighting. Perfect for a glass of wine and conversation. Be sure to make reservations a week or two in advance if you plan to have dinner on a holiday, such as Valentine's Day."

Jennifer McGill

"The atmosphere is intimate with padded high back booths and soft lighting."

  "I took my son, daughter and her homecoming date here for dinner and it was absolutely delicious.

We had the bread appetizer, our entrées and dessert. Nothing disappointed. My scallops were cooked absolutely perfectly, and the crème brûlée was delicious."

Mallory Jordan

"My scallops were cooked absolutely perfectly"

  "Another customer who thinks that this is among the BEST places in town. Kelcie was superb and attentive. Wow. She sets the bar for helpful and joyous.

My weekday prime rib had a wonderful crust, and was perfectly cooked. Couldn't think of anything better until I tasted hubby's rib eye steak with a mushroom demi glas. OMGood. Love the decor and peaceful ambiance."

Jaye Lill

"My weekday prime rib had a wonderful crust, and was perfectly cooked."

  "My wife, 3 kids, a friend and I went here for the first time Saturday night. We walked right in and got a table with no wait!

The food was delicious, the service was amazing! Chef Peterson is an old friend and made a special Calamari dipping sauce for us (if you know you know). We will be back for more of this Skagit Valley treasure!"

Joshua Simplot

"The food was delicious, the service was amazing!"

  "Best gourmet meal out lately. Hit every note. Prime rib, melt in your mouth. Best cocktails, raspberry lemon drop, Havana nights, wow!! The salmon special, can't even describe all of the flavors and textures. Brussel sprouts, cranberry, and capers. But the piece de resistance, the pumpkin lava cake. You won't forget that very soon!! Haven't written a review in awhile. This place is worth it. Service was amazing. Atmosphere is so nice. Every table has a very private feeling."

Julia

"The salmon special, can't even describe all of the flavors and textures."

4:00 pm - 9:00 pm MON-SaT
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm SUN 

4:00 pm - 9:00 pm MON-SaT  |  4:00 pm - 8:00 pm SUN 

Dinner Service Seven Days a Week