What you get with a local kitchen, and what to check elsewhere.
Each page lists what Upper Crust includes, the questions to ask any other option, and where the other option is the better choice.
Buffet, trays or boxed lunches: which fits your event
For 20 guests, boxed lunches are $290, a buffet menu is $379.80 and a tray order with plates and chafing dishes is $270.99, all before tax.
Ordering from a local caterer vs a catering marketplace app
An app lists many caterers in one place. Ordering direct gives you one kitchen and one phone number. A 40-guest pulled pork spread here is $312 before tax.
Club store party trays vs a caterer: what changes at 50 guests
A club store tray is quick and sized for big groups. At 50 guests, five caterer trays here come to $326 before tax, with counts and choices in writing.
Catering vs cooking for a party yourself: cost and time for 50 guests
Cooking yourself usually costs less cash. Trays for 50 guests here come to $558 before tax, with no cooking, so the real choice is time and risk.
Catering vs grocery store party platters: what you get for the price
A store platter is often the cheaper pick at 10 guests. At 30, a caterer's trays come with a written quote: a cold spread here is $276 before tax.
Local caterer vs restaurant chain catering: how the two differ
A chain brings a familiar menu and many locations. A local caterer brings one kitchen and one planner. Boxed lunches here are $14.50 each, 20 minimum.
Catering vs restaurant takeout for a party of 30
Takeout is fine for a small group and a short fuse. For 30 guests, a tray order here is $442 before tax, written in advance with serving counts.
Drop-off catering vs full-service catering: what each costs and includes
Drop-off has no service charge and needs 3 days. Staffed events add a 20% charge, servers at $35 an hour and a $50 fee, with 14 days' notice.
Local kitchen vs an out-of-town caterer: delivery, timing and who answers the phone
A caterer near your venue has a shorter drive and a local number. A 40-guest pulled pork order here is $318 before tax, with delivery quoted at order.
A kitchen caterer vs a banquet hall's in-house catering
A hall's in-house catering is one contract. An outside caterer cooks in its own kitchen. An 80-guest staffed buffet here is $2,529.04 before tax and rentals.
What is in an Upper Crust quote, and what to check on any caterer's quote
Our quote lists food, staff, rentals, delivery and tax on one sheet, valid 14 days. A 40-guest tray quote is $490.98 before tax. Here is what to check on any quote.