How To Hire Kosher Caterers

Anyone who follows a Kosher diet style will need to know how to hire Kosher caterers at some point. Whether the occasion is a bris, a bar mitzvah, a wedding or sitting chivah after a funeral, Kosher food offerings should be available. Learning how to hire Kosher caterers is not difficult, if you know where to look and the questions to ask.

1. Ask the congregation members of your local synagogue who they have used to cater Kosher functions. The best guide for any kind of service is always a personal reference from people who have used and are pleased with the service. Ask what kinds of food and drink selections were available, and how the service flowed. If you're comfortable enough, ask how the Kosher caterer selected compared in pricing to others interviewed. Try to get at least two names of local businesses to interview.
2. Contact and interview at least two catering businesses dealing in Kosher food. Ask details about their business practices such as where they get their Kosher meats and drinks, what their lead time is for head count and what is the cancellation policy. If you want to know if they're really strict in their Kosher offerings, ask what kind of condiments are offered for the table (for example, if there is meat on the table, there shouldn't be butter offered. Instead, they should use margarine).
3. Contact the references (they should be expecting your call) and ask about the food and service. Ask what was the best Kosher selections offered and which they would pass on next time. Ask details about any waiters they remember whom they might suggest so that you can ask for specific names when you sign the contract.

Tips:

If you're new to the community or don't have anyone to ask for references, head down to your local Kosher market and check the bulletin board for a listing of Kosher caterers. Since the market deals with Kosher foods, it's logical that the bulletin board will have advertisements for Kosher caterers.

You may also contact any synagogue in the area and ask to speak to the Rabbi regarding Kosher caterers he's familiar with. He should be able to give you a list of at least two qualified caterers to contact. You can be comfortable with his selections as the food brought into synagogues is generally of the highest Kosher standards.