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Prime Buyers Guide Catering Companies

How to Find Good Caterers in Solano County CA

Considering the wide range of foods, prices and services available, finding the best caterers in Solano County for your event can be overwhelming. Catering companies specialize in different aspects of food and party services, so it pays to be sure they are right for your special event. Whether you want the caterers for a catered dinner for a special occasion, or snacks for a party, read on for information on how to find the best caterers for you in the Fairfield and Vallejo and Solano County CA.
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Updated July 3, 2008

Top 10 Catering Companies in Solano County

Merchant & Main Grill & Bar
(707) 446-0368
349 Merchant St
Vacaville, CA 95688

Areas Served: Solano, Vallejo, Fairfield CA, Vacaville, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon CA, Allendale

Creekside Cafe & Catering
(707) 448-8131
3021 Alamo Dr
Vacaville, CA 95687

Areas Served: Vallejo, Fairfield CA, Vacaville, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon CA, Nut Tree, Elmira

Martera Banquets
(707) 446-2626
600 Orange Dr
Vacaville, CA 95687

Areas Served: Fairfield CA, Vallejo, Suisun City, Vacaville, Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista

Chef To Go Catering
(707) 301-7683
Vacaville, CA 95688

Areas Served: Fairfield CA, Solano, Benicia, Vallejo, Vacaville, Allendale, Dixon CA

Tormey's Catering Deli
(707) 469-8676
5139 Quinn Rd
Vacaville, CA 95688

Areas Served: Solano, Vallejo, Fairfield CA, Vacaville, Suisun City, Dixon CA, Liberty Farms, Benicia

Chef Jakes Movable Feast Inc
(707) 469-6331
Vacaville, CA 95688

Areas Served: Fairfield CA, Solano, Vacaville, Benicia, Suisun City, Dixon CA

Taqueria El Tejaban: Catering
(707) 451-9252
871 Merchant St
Vacaville, CA 95688

Areas Served: Solano, Vallejo, Fairfield CA, Vacaville, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon CA, Rio Vista

Creative Touch Catering & More
(866) 293-0362
167 Marina Drive
Vacaville, CA 95687

Areas Served: Benicia, Solano, Suisun City, Fairfield CA, Dixon CA, Vacaville, Rio Vista

Paradise Valley Catering
(707) 421-2234
3990 Paradise Valley Rd
Fairfield, CA 94533

Areas Served: Solano, Vacaville, Fairfield CA, Vallejo, Dixon CA, Allendale, Benicia, Suisun City

Your Delight Caterers
(707) 422-0761
518 Marigold Dr
Fairfield, CA 94533

Areas Served: Solano, Vallejo, Fairfield CA, Vacaville, Suisun City, Dixon CA, Benicia, Allendale

Updated September 24, 2008

How to Find Good Caterers in Solano County CA 

Why caterers? Because, everybody loves a party. Unless, of course, you're the host and you spend the party chasing ringing timers all over the kitchen while desperately trying to keep a crowd of people from succumbing to starvation. If you're tired of cleaning up after guests and missing your own big party, maybe it's time to throw in the towel. There is a long list of caterers in Solano County to take over a multitude of tasks for you, from serving the hors'd'oeuvres to washing the dishes. And with an impressive variety of themes and culinary specialties, you can be sure that you don't have to sacrifice quality to stay out of the kitchen. Read on to find good caterers in Fairfield and Vallejo and the other cities of Solano County who can keep you and your guests sated and happy.

Good Caterers in Solano County CA Perform Numerous Services
Caterers in Solano County offer such a suite of services that they become just as much a part of the event as the celebration itself. These local Solano County caterers can tailor their services to enliven your party or event. Many of the caterers in Solano County provide fine catering for a full spectrum of events, from black tie galas, to luaus, to Western hoedowns. Most Solano County caterers also serve the standards, such as pasta feeds, breakfasts, luncheons, family-style gatherings, harvest parties, Texas BBQs, meetings, picnics, parties, or romantic dinners for two. Larger catering companies in Solano County might even host location shoots, weddings, corporate events, banquets, openings, reunions, or fundraisers. Often prepared by personal chefs, the food served by local Solano County caterers can be delivered, boxed and ready-to-heat or cooked on-site. If you'd like more involved catering services than the usual buffet, some local caterers coordinate and host elegant sit down meals, complete with hors d'oeuvres, entrees, dessert, servers, 5 star rated chefs on site, and custom designed menus. Many of these upscale caterers even have liquor licenses, so they can provide full bars and bartenders. As of late, more and more Solano County caterers have expanded their services to include event coordination, for which they may provide different games and prizes, such as volleyball, gunny sack races, or horse shoes. The caterers in Solano County can offer more than the old standards. Local caterers can integrate their specialty foods into your personal theme, giving you the freedom to be the life of the party.

Good Caterers of Solano County CA Can Create a Personalized Menu
The caterers in Solano County run the gamut in terms of tasty spreads they can prepare. As a buffet or individual platters, some of the different foods served by caterers include chicken, ribs, hand-made sausage, pulled pork, salads, steaks, turkey dinners, baked goods, tri-tip, salmon, and lamb. The catering companies may also provide oysters, vegetables, hot dogs and hamburgers, brisket, ravioli, prime rib, and pork cushions. Solano County Caterers can also accommodate different culinary specialties at your request, such as Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Indian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, Thai cuisine, soul food, Wine Country cuisine, Japanese cuisine, Peruvian cuisine, or even special diets. Since your menu can often be custom designed, you could even include deli selections or barbecue items. Food can generally be served in hot or cold buffet style, or as pre-arranged party trays. In addition to the array of foods, full service caterers might furnish tables, chairs, umbrellas, or canopies if needed.

There are Many Good Caterers in Solano County
In Solano County, catering is a large, popular industry. As the list of services expands to less common event accommodation, so does the list of available caterers and catering companies. The Prime Buyer's Report lists the top 10 caterers in Solano County as Merchant & Main Grill & Bar, Creekside Cafe & Catering, Martera Banquets, Chef To Go Catering, Tormey's Catering Deli, Chef Jakes Movable Feast Inc, Taqueria El Tejaban: Catering, Creative Touch Catering & More, Paradise Valley Catering, Your Delight Caterers. Other caterers who might service Fairfield and Vallejo and Solano County include Solano Bistro & Catering Inc, Dorotea Catering, Oh Taste & See Fine Catering.

Caterers in Solano County May be Good, But it Pays to Check
You should find out a little about the potential caterers before you conduct an interview. Anyone can start a catering business, but certain credentials and affiliations usually indicate a higher degree of proficiency, experience, or customer attention when it comes to catering services. Research caterers in Solano County through various media. The Prime Buyer's Report has located some catering associations and publications for Solano County caterers that we've listed in the article, "Key Resources To Find Caterers in Solano County."

Updated July 3, 2008
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How to Hire Caterers in Solano County CA 

Step 1: Describe The Catering Services Desired To the Potential Caterers
Explain the basic elements you want from the Solano County caterers. This includes a guest count, choice of food and any other goodies you've already thought of. The caterers can help you brainstorm.

Step 2: Answer Questions of the Caterers & Take Notes on the Catering Services
After your brief description of the desired catering serivces, the caterers should give you input on feasibility, suggested enhancements and a rough estimate for the catering services. Pay attention to the manner in which the catering companies do this. If they just hand you a flyer and moves on, the presence of the caterers at your event might be just as detached. So try and draw the potential caterers out with some questions about qualifications and experience in providing catering services. It might help to use the list below as a basis for your inquiries to local catering companies in Solano County.

How long have the caterers been providing catering services in Solano County?
How many catering jobs have the caterers completed in Solano County? Do the caterers specialize in the theme or cuisine I have in mind? If so, have the caterers provide some local references of similar catering services in Solano County.
Are the caterers licensed to serve liquor?
Do the caterers provide any furniture or themed props?
Do the caterers set up and/or clean-up?
What is the cancellation policy of the catering companies?
What is the required deposit for the catering services?
Will the caterers provide a written estimate?
Will the caterers provide a written contract?
How do the caterers determine costs?

If the caterers are enthusiastic about their field and the contribution they can make to your catered event, you can probably expect thorough and attentive catering services. At this point, if the caterers still seems worth your time, keep reading.

Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision of The Caterers
By now, you may have serious prospects of potential catering companies. But don't move too fast and just make the easy choice. Consider all of the interviews of caterers you conducted. The flashiest presentation isn't necessarily the best bet. Small catering companies might be able to provide comparable services at a lower price.

Step 4: Final Research on Caterers in Solano County CA
If you've chosen caterers, you know the benefits but you don't know the business. To be on the safe side, verify applicable credentials, such as business and food handling licensure, catering liquor licensure, and insurance. Also look for any reputable agency affiliations like Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.

Step 5: Make the Final Decision on the Caterers
Now that you're completely familiar with your caterers business practices and qualifications, you can comfortably set a date and sign a contract for the catering services in Solano County. Solidify your preferences and ask the caterers to provide a written and signed pricing, quality, and warranty agreement for all desired catering services. Reputable catering companies in Solano County should be happy to do this.

Updated July 1, 2008
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Key Resources for Good Caterers in Solano County CA 

Associations & Licensing for Caterers
ABC California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (www.abc.ca.gov)
ACEP Association of Catering and Event Professionals (www.acep.com)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CCFMA Convenience Caterers & Food Manufacturers Association (www.mobilecaterers.com)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
DHS California Department of Health Services (www.dhs.ca.gov)
ICA International Caterers Association (www.icacater.org)
NACE National Association of Catering Executives (www.nace.net)
SFM Society for Foodservice Management (www.sfm-online.org)
SF NACE San Francisco Bay Area NACE (www.sanfrancisconace.net)

Media & Web Publications for Caterers
Catering Magazine
Catering Update
Cater Source Journal
Chef
Event Solutions
Special Events Magazine

www.cheftalk.com
www.eventcateringideas.com
www.usabride.com
www.webfoodpros.com

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 caterers and catering companies in Solano County within the following zip codes.

94510, 94512, 94533, 94534, 94535, 94571, 94585, 94589, 94590, 94591, 94592, 95620, 95625, 95687, 95688 and 95696

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 caterers in Solano County within the following cities.

Allendale, American Canyon, Benicia, Birds Landing, Birds Lndg, Dixon, Elmira, Fairfield, Liberty Farms, Mare Island, Nut Tree, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Vallejo
Updated July 1, 2008
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10 Tips for Hiring Good Caterers in Solano County CA 

Write a Description of the Catering Services for the Caterers.
You'll be calling several different caterers in Solano County, so prepare yourself for them. Get your requirements in order so that you can consistently report them. To avoid any miscalculations, all caterers should hear the same thing. Then you can better judge which caterers respond most favorably to your event criteria and the catering services you desire

Let Your Caterers Guide You.
Don't be too set in your ways. Many caterers in Solano County have an abundance of extra features and catering services that could spice up your event. Take advantage of the caterers expert consultation and consider their full menu of options before you make up your mind.

Let Yourself be Pampered By The Caterers.
Most caterers in Solano County can provide the average buffet, but you can also find caterers who cook gourmet ethnic food, brings a wait staff, arranges games and contests, or any number of extra catering goodies. Instead of a simple get-together, your party could be an extraordinary catered affair to be remembered.

Get Several Estimates for Catering Services.
Depending on the scale of your event, caterers can be a costly component. In order to be as frugal as possible, shop around and get estimates from several different Solano County caterers who match your requirements.

Get the Catering Services Writing From the Catering Companies.
Particularly if your caterers are only one of many services you're hiring to accomodate your catered event, keep track of all dealings. Keep your own notes, but get all agreements for the catering services in writing as well.

Do Your Homework Before You Set a Date for the Catering Service.
Before you agree to any catering services, check that local licensing and insurance is current and valid for the catering companies.

Choose Certified Catering Companies.
There are some caterers in Solano County who have attracted special attention for their superior customer service. These Solano County caterers may have earned certain local recognition, such as Diamond Certification or positive mention in consumer targeted publications. If you seek out these exemplary catering companies, you're more likely to get the special touch your catered party needs.

Make Sure The Catering Companies Are Self-Sufficient.
Make sure you can rely on your caterers to independently run their operation. The last thing your want is to have to baby-sit a confused catering staff that was supposed to prevent you from having to deal with such things.

Stand By Your Contract For Catering Services.
You usually pay the remainder of you bill at the conclusion of the caterers services. If the caterers neglected to completely fulfill your signed contract or added extras you did not ask for, review the contract with the caterers. Do not allow your caterers to deviate from the original quote for catering services unless, of course, catering services that had been promised were overlooked.

Know Your Rights With Caterers in Solano County CA.
As a customer of catering services, you are protected by certain rights. Since you're patronizing caterers in Solano County, relevant legal information can be found at the Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.

Updated July 1, 2008
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Diamond Certified