Dear Prospective Client:

Thanks for considering Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering for your special event. These pages are filled with commonly asked questions and our catering policies. However they represent only a starting point. Our commitment to you is to customize menus for any occasion, small or large. You will find that we offer fresh ingredients, thoughtful service, creative preparations and presentation. We would be pleased to help you design a menu for your next event. If we can offer you more information or if you would like to make an appointment, please call Butch Scott at 662-801-9140 or via e-mail: taylorcatering@bellsouth.net

 When Selecting a Caterer

When selecting a caterer you may wish to inquire if they will provide the following:

• Health Department Permit to Operate
• Business License and Sales Tax number
• Liability Insurance for Food
• List of References – ask to see testimonials from past clients
• Detailed and thorough proposals – no surprises on the big day
• Compliance to your requests and budget – different options for any budget
• Promptness in returning e-mails, calls and sending Information
• On site food preparation – will the food be re-heat or prepared fresh

Arranging and Reserving a Date

Even if the date of the event is only tentative, please make arrangements with the catering office so that we can at least get you on our books. In the event another client requests the same date, we will finalize all the details of your special event and require a 25% deposit to hold that date. Any cancellations and final changes, including the customer guarantee count, MUST take place at least SEVEN business days prior to your function. Charges may be incurred if you make any cancellations or changes after that time. If you do not contact us with a final count within the THREE business days before the event, we will prepare for the estimated number and charge accordingly. To insure the accurate communication of information we prefer to work with one person in the planning of your event.

Guarantee Policy

The guaranteed number is the established minimum number for billing purposes on all catering functions. If fewer guests attend than guaranteed, you will be charged for the guaranteed number. If the number of guests attending exceeds the guaranteed you will be charged regular charges for the extra guests. Unexpected guests cause last-minute stress on everyone and embarrassment for us and the host. As a general "rule of thumb" for a wedding reception you can estimate the number to be 60% of the total amount invited. Remember each invitation usually invites at least two people. We reserve the right to substitute other available food and services if necessary when the guaranteed number of guests is exceeded or when the guaranteed number is received less than THREE DAYS prior to the event.  It takes a lot of work on your part to get your guests to RSVP.  A few weeks before your event go over your guest list and start eliminating the ones that you know are coming.  For the rest pick up the phone or send them an e-mail asking if they are going to attend.  It's a lot of work but it will pay off in the end.

 Food and Beverages

All Federal, State, and local laws with regard to food and beverage purchases or consumption are enforced. Guests may not bring any food or beverage of any kind, with the exception of wedding cakes UNLESS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE. Taylor Grocery prepares your menu selections based on the guaranteed number of guests.  "What happens if there is left over food? Since I am paying for the food, can I take whatever is left?"  Due to Health Department regulations (storage and temperature) and liability insurance concerns leftover food will be disposed of.  However, we will pack a "traveling basket" selection of food for the bride and groom that has been stored properly.

Staffing

Taylor Grocery provides buffet host and hostess at no extra charge. The buffet host responsibility is to keep the buffet replenished with fresh food and service the buffet area. For a buffet it is recommended that for every 100 guests you have 2 service staff and if you are having a served dinner you need 2 servers for every 40 guests.  The cost for the service staff is $15.00 per hour per staff person with a minimum of 4 hours.  The hours covered by this charge are the actual hours of the event and 2 hours prior to the event and 1 hours after the end of the event.  For example if your event lasts 4 hours than you will be charged 7 hours for the staff. We do offer Wedding Cake cutting services please see below under Wedding Cake and Groom's Cake Service   

Bar Service

Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering does not provide or serve alcoholic beverages. We do have preferred alcohol providers we work with. Please contact our staff for a list of preferred providers.  

Food Displays

For events that require special food displays there will be an up charge depending on how elaborate the food displays are.

 Reserving a Location

It is your responsibility to reserve a location. We can provide a list of venues in the Oxford area if needed. Most venues will require you to arrange for tables, tablecloths, chairs, glassware, plates and other equipment needed; this includes tables and tablecloths that our catering department will need for serving food and beverages.  Our catering department can assist you with the rentals or will handle it for you.

 Price Quotations

Price quotations, verbal or written, are subject to change up to 30 days prior to your event, due to fluctuations in food costs or increased costs of operation. All food and beverages served will be charged a 7% Mississippi sales tax. In the case of extensive set up and clean up requirements needed of Taylor Grocery’s staff, a fee may be applied to the bill, to cover those hours of service.    

Why is there an Up charge for Parties Less Than 100 Guests?

It takes the same amount of staff to prepare food for 10-99 guests.  The cost of the food covers staff preparation costs and that cost is spread over a minimum of 100 guests.  If your party is less than 100 guests there is an up charge added to cover the cost of preparing the food and the facility for your event.

Wedding Cake and Groom's Cake Service

For $1.00 per person (minimum $100.00) we can cut your cake and provide clear plastic plates and forks and small plain white napkins.  For an additional $2.00 (minimum $100.00) per person we can supply 6" clear glass plates and silver plated forks. Tents, Tables, Chairs, China, Silverware, Coffee Urns, Etc. are among many items that also can be arranged. 

Payment

All catered functions must be settled the day of the function unless prior arrangements have been made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, cash and checks. 

Menus

Please remember that we will customize any menu for you. If you have a favorite not listed please ask, chances are we can do it for you. Please click on the menu button to view our suggested menus.

Email: taylorcatering@bellsouth.net

Phone: 662-801-9140

Call today for a free, no obligation consultation
Taylor Grocery Special Events Catering
P.O. Box 4
Taylor, Ms. 38673
Catering Services 1-662-801-9140
Store 1-662-236-1716
taylorcatering@bellsouth.net