FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much will my party cost?
Pricing is determined by best accommodating the specific needs of the event and desires of the host. Plate Perfect aims to give the best food, service, and planning, tailored for each client and event. Location, guest count, and additional services (linens, flowers, china place settings), all add to the total cost.
Why is off-premise catering more expensive than in-restaurant dining?
Many components of offsite catering require additional time, labor, and resources that move beyond the kitchen of a full-service restaurant. Delivering the meal to you in a safe method, setting the room, and hiring staff to manage the meal is much more costly than on site dining. Planning in advance with our sales team will organize the event details and location, making it feel seamless for you and your guests.
When should I contact Plate Perfect about an event?
To provide thorough service, please contact Plate Perfect in the beginning stages of your event to reserve a tentative space on our calendar. As the date becomes definitive, we ask for a signed contract and a deposit to lock in your event. Casual corporate events can be handled with 48 hours (24 hours’ notice requires approval); more complex events should consider 3-12 months prior to the event date. Popular dates during busy seasons do book quickly.
What menu packages are offered?
We offer menu pricing dependent on a per-person basis.
Is gratuity included?
Kindly notice 10% -25% gratuity is included based on event setup style and food and beverage total.
What forms of payment does Plate Perfect Catering accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and company or personal checks. At this time, we do not charge for credit card transactions.
Deposits of 30%-50% for social events will be due with a signed contract. Full payment is due the week prior to your event. Please review your specific contract for payment details.
What is the cost of delivery?
Delivery charges vary based on location, event type, and set up style. The average delivery fee is between $35 and $85 in the Charlotte area.
Is there a cake cutting fee?
There is no cake cutting fee. Please communicate your desert choice with your Plate Perfect contact.
Is full bar service an option through Plate Perfect?
Plate Perfect holds an off-premise license for spirituous liquor, beer, and wine, we are happy to offer full bar services. Many venues offer their own bar options or have a relationship with a separate bartending company. We love to partner with Bartenders Plus or Carolina Craft’s on Tap.
What happens to left-over food?
We are glad to package leftovers provided that the food is handled and held in correct safe-zone temperatures and proper storage is immediately available. If food safety is compromised, the leftover food will be disposed of.
How many staff will be working an event?
The number of staff members for an event will vary depending on location, menu, and venue logistics. The number of staff will be determined after a discussion of the specific vision of the event and outlined in our detailed catering proposal.
In addition to food, what other charges can I expect?
Staff, if requested, upgraded place settings, delivery fee, equipment fee, and taxes will be outlined in the detailed catering proposal.
Are your menus online?
Our catering menus are not online due to the changing costs and availability of some products and ingredients. We recommend contacting an Event Specialist, or filling out an online inquiry form, to discuss an appropriate menu for your event. We currently have 5 lunch and dinner menus, one from each restaurant concept. We also offer 2 breakfast menus, 2 sandwich menus, appetizers, desserts, and bar menus. All with delicious choices to fit any event.
Can you cater at our venue?
We work with a variety of venues in the greater Charlotte area, and partner with a short list of favorites. If you are interested in a venue we have not worked with before, we will need to approve specific catering requirements with the venue manager before drafting a proposal. We are happy to share our list recommended venues with you. Please note we cannot draft a proposal until the venue is booked.