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Let's plan your event

4.6 | 109 reviews

Describe your gathering, and we’ll get back to you the same day with menu suggestions and a tailored quote.

Phone
(877) 789-4377
Email
info@paloaltocateringcompany.com
Phone hours
Mon–Fri 7a–6p
Sat 9a–5p
Sun 10a–3p
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What details should I include when requesting a catering quote?+

Share the event date, complete address, estimated guest count, event type, preferred meal time, desired service style, dietary needs, and any rentals or florals you are considering. An approximate budget is also helpful, even when some details are still being decided.

Can I request a proposal before the attendance is final?+

Yes. Use your best current estimate. The proposal can be revised as attendance becomes clearer, although major changes may affect food quantities, staffing, rentals, equipment, and pricing.

What happens after I submit the contact form?+

The team reviews your date, location, guest count, menu preferences, and service needs. You may receive follow-up questions, recommended options, or a preliminary proposal. A straightforward drop-off order may also be directed to online checkout.

How quickly will Palo Alto Catering Company respond?+

We aim to respond promptly during published business hours. Response time can vary with inquiry volume and event complexity. Providing complete information helps us assess availability and prepare useful recommendations without unnecessary back-and-forth.

Does submitting an inquiry hold my date?+

No. A contact form, conversation, or preliminary quote does not reserve the event. The booking is confirmed only after the required agreement, deposit, or checkout process has been completed.

What is required to officially book an event?+

Yes. We'll send the catering contract once you approve your quote. For orders over $3,000, a 50% deposit is needed to hold your date. The remaining balance is due 10 days before the event.

Can I revise the guest count or menu after booking?+

Yes. You can update the guest count and menu through the 10-day deadline. Requests submitted later may not be accommodated.

When should I use the form instead of ordering online?+

Use the form when you need help choosing food, estimating quantities, coordinating several meal periods, or managing complex dietary requirements. It is also appropriate for weddings, full service, staffing, rentals, florals, bar service, multiple locations, or challenging venue access.

Can I request a quote before choosing a venue?+

Yes. Provide the city or general area and note that the venue is not final. Pricing and logistics may remain preliminary until the exact address is known because parking, travel, loading access, staging space, and setup windows can affect the plan.

Which venue details help you price the event accurately?+

Share information about parking, loading zones, security procedures, elevators, stairs, long carries, kitchen or staging space, water and power access, setup windows, outdoor conditions, and firm cleanup deadlines.

Can you help estimate how much food my group will need?+

Yes. Tell us the guest count, event duration, meal time, service style, and number of dishes you are considering. Quantity recommendations differ depending on whether the food is a complete meal, a reception, or light refreshment.

May I ask for recommendations within a specific budget?+

Yes. Share either a food budget or an approximate total event budget. This helps the team recommend an appropriate menu and service format and show how staffing, rentals, florals, and other choices affect the overall investment.

Can San Francisco Peninsula offices request recurring catering?+

Yes. Recurring breakfast, lunch, or boxed-meal schedules may be available for Palo Alto, Stanford, Redwood City, and Mountain View businesses. Provide the expected frequency, approximate quantities, dietary needs, preferred delivery times, and building-access information.

Can one inquiry cover several delivery locations?+

Yes. List every address, meal quantity, requested arrival time, and on-site contact. Each delivery location must meet applicable minimums, and additional delivery charges may apply.

How should I report dietary restrictions and allergies?+

List the exact number of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or other special meals required. For allergies, identify the specific allergen and affected guests so the team can review options and preparation limitations.

Can I request wedding catering through the general contact form?+

Yes. Include the date, venue or city, estimated attendance, and whether you prefer buffet, family-style, or plated service. Mention any interest in appetizers, cake service, bartenders, rentals, florals, coffee, or tea.

May I request florals and rentals without knowing every item yet?+

Yes. Describe the overall event, desired look, guest count, venue, and approximate budget. For florals, share colors and inspiration. For rentals, note what the venue already provides and what may be missing.

What should I do if my event is less than 72 hours away?+

Contact the team immediately with the date, address, quantity, menu needs, and desired arrival time. Last-minute availability is not guaranteed and depends on kitchen capacity, staffing, inventory, and the delivery schedule.

Who should be listed as the event-day contact?+

Choose someone who will be reachable when the delivery or service team arrives and who understands the access plan. For weddings or events where the host will be occupied, list the planner, venue manager, office administrator, or another responsible person.

How do I contact the team about an existing proposal or order?+

Use the contact information associated with the booking and include the estimate or order number whenever possible. Communicate changes involving timing, guest count, delivery instructions, menu selections, or venue access as soon as possible.