People are sending us emails saying that caterers won't do a tasting unless they book the wedding.
Insert a video of me shaking my head....
We all know how competitive the wedding catering market is on many levels.
Our team has always believed that competition is the best way to keep things moving forward.
As a food trucker, we compete against all the traditional caterers, but also against a stigma -
Food trucks only serve street food.
In hearing that not only some traditional caterers, but also some of my fellow food truckers won't do a tasting makes me wonder a lot of things - None good.
Here is my honest opinion.
Absolutely do not do business with those people.
You are a number, a spoke in a wheel, nothing more than a dollar amount to them.
We are in the business of serving food to people - We love it, that brings us joy and happiness.
Apparently the joy is not shared by all. Perhaps some are just too busy to hear all about your big day and what you would like the food setup to entail.
When you reach out to a wedding caterer, don't ask if they will do a tasting - Insist.
Our catering team shoots for 2 proteins, 2 sides and an appetizer - Switch the appetizer and side count if you are planning a heavy cocktail hour setup.
This is just like meeting your potential partner - This is a date as well as an interview.
The tasting is a great time to go over service styles, the options for the appetizer course and how changes will affect pricing. We all know that most caterers love to do the old bait and switch setup-
If you change from a Non Premium to a Premium Appetizer, get your wallet out.
What the hell is a premium appetizer? Did it go to graduate school?
If you are going to spend more money, you better be able to taste and decide.
Don't get me wrong, I understand spending some more money for a higher end product.
I could drive a Mercedes and tell you pretty quick that I love my Subaru, but there is a difference.
Without driving, the cars look pretty well the same.
As a food trucker, I want to meet the clients personally. We invite them to our house to break bread, to hear their story and to learn more about them as a couple. We eat, drink, they even meet our Great Dane - If Roxy doesn't approve, the deal is off.
Last week we had a couple come up from Brooklyn with their wedding planners. We shared recipes on braising chicken thighs, I heard all about the amazing fishmonger they prefer to use for the seafood on the menu and we made some great friends. This is the human element that cannot be achieved via email or by looking at a brochure.
If a wedding caterer will not do a tasting because that is their policy, I am sure they have a reason.
None of the potential reasons make a damn bit of sense to me, but I am sure they have a reason.
When we decided to write a blog about food trucks and weddings, I wanted to make sure that people could use it as a resource.
Keep in mind that many caterers can do a great job of preparing and serving the food at your wedding. Just imagine how much peace you will find when you see the equipment to be used, meet the catering team and taste the food that will be on your wedding menu.
There are times for settling, this is not one of them.
If you have any other questions about tastings, please reply on the blog or email me here -
www.wanderingdago.com
Thanks -
Brandon
Chef/ Owner - Wandering Dago Food Truck & Catering
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