As a farmer-owned, full service catering and events company with years of experience bringing exceptional food experiences to life, we understand that choosing the right caterer is one of the most important decisions in your event planning process. Your caterer doesn't just provide food—they become a key partner in creating memorable moments for you and your guests.
To help ensure you find the perfect caterer for your next celebration, corporate gathering, or special occasion, we've compiled this essential list of questions every client should ask before making their decision. After all, the difference between a good event and an unforgettable one often comes down to the details.
Experience & Background
Q: How long have you been in the catering business?
A: At Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events, we bring over 15 years of experience running some of the country’s busiest restaurants to every event we cater. What started out as a request from guests to cater their own special events has blossomed into a full service catering & events company. Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events has done it all – from private chef experiences to weeknight events at the Library of Congress.
Q: What types of events do you typically cater?
A: We've proudly catered everything from intimate dinner parties to large-scale corporate functions, elegant weddings or galas to casual family reunions. Each event type requires different expertise, and our versatile team excels across the spectrum whether you need comprehensive event design and planning, including venue recommendations and oversight, rentals, and entertainment; restaurant-trained service with a full bar, handcrafted cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course seated meal; buffet or family-style service; simple drop off catering with or without set up and clean up; and everything in between.
Q: What makes your catering company different from others?
A: Being farmer-owned isn't just part of our business model—it's the heart of our identity. Our journey began in partnership with American family farmers, giving us a unique perspective that informs everything from our thoughtful sourcing to menu design. Our direct relationship with American family farms means we have unparalleled access to the freshest, high-quality ingredients available. This connection to the land allows us to create dishes with exceptional flavor while supporting agriculture in our community and country.
Menu & Culinary Approach
Q: How do you source your ingredients?
A: As a farmer-owned company, our ingredients come directly from our farmer-owners and sourcing partners. Our carefully cultivated network of producers share our commitment to quality and sustainability. This approach allows us to guarantee freshness while still holding true to our mission.
Q: Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences?
A: Absolutely. We believe everyone deserves an outstanding culinary experience regardless of dietary needs. Our chefs can create delicious options for guests with allergies, vegan or vegetarian preferences, gluten sensitivities, and other dietary considerations—all without compromising on flavor or presentation.
Q: Do you offer menu tastings before the event?
A: Once we have started collaborating on an event, we will work closely with you to develop your menu. This may include menu tastings at our catering kitchen or in one of our restaurants. We will work to ensure you have a true sense of our culinary style and service options.
Customization & Flexibility
Q: How customizable are your menus?
A: As a scratch-made, thoughtfully sourced enterprise, we pride ourselves on our choices and options to customize menus to suit our customer needs. We do offer carefully crafted seasonal menus as starting points and have worked with clients to incorporate family favorites, menus that reflect a cultural heritage, or unique food experience that help to tell your story. Our culinary team welcomes collaboration and creativity!
Q: Can you work within specific budget constraints?
A: We believe exceptional catering should be accessible at various price points. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your budget openly and honestly, and work with you to create options that deliver maximum value without sacrificing quality.
Q: How do you handle last-minute changes?
A: Events are dynamic, and we've built flexibility into our operations. Options to change menus or guest counts will be written into your contract and depend on the size and scale of your event. In general, our experienced planning team works closely with clients to find solutions that preserve the integrity of your event while addressing unexpected developments.
Final Thoughts
The right caterer becomes a true partner in your event planning journey, bringing both culinary expertise and logistical know-how to ensure your vision comes to life. By asking these important questions, you'll gain valuable insights that go beyond what's on the menu to understand how a catering company operates and whether they're the right fit for your needs.
At Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events, we welcome these questions and conversations. We believe that when clients are fully informed and confident in their choice of caterer, it creates the foundation for truly extraordinary events.
Ready to start planning your next event? We'd love to answer these questions and more. Contact us today to begin the conversation about bringing your vision to the table.