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Prime Buyers Guide Catering Companies

How to Find Good Caterers in San Bernardino County CA

Considering the wide range of foods, prices and services available, finding the best caterers in San Bernardino 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.

The following research by The Prime Buyer's Report identifies the best caterers in San Bernardino County and issues related to hiring them.

Updated February 18, 2013

Top 10 Catering Companies in San Bernardino County

Impressions Catering
(909) 923-8030
1719 S Grove Ave # C
Ontario, CA 91761

Areas Served: Ontario CA, Upland CA, Chino CA, Rancho Cucamonga CA, Claremont CA, Montclair CA

Five Star Catering
(909) 944-5300
9350 Baseline Rd # E
Alta Loma, CA 91701

Areas Served: Ontario CA, Chino CA, Montclair CA, Upland CA, Rancho Cucamonga CA, Alta Loma CA

Stone Mountain Catering
(909) 463-6687
7576 Etiwanda Ave
Etiwanda, CA 91739

Areas Served: Rancho Cucamonga CA, Upland CA, Ontario CA, Etiwanda CA, Fontana CA, Hunter's Ridge CA

Empire Caterers
(909) 792-7886
PO Box 1151
Redlands, CA 92373

Areas Served: Redlands CA, Yucaipa CA, North Redlands CA, San Bernardino CA, Yucaipa CA

Bon Appetit Catering
(909) 748-8970
1259 E Colton Ave
Redlands, CA 92374

Areas Served: Redlands CA, San Bernardino CA, Riverview CA, Yucaipa CA, Loma Linda CA

How to Find Good Caterers in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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 Chino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino including corporate caterers in San Bernardino County who can keep you and your guests sated and happy.

Good Caterers in San Bernardino County CA Perform Numerous Services
Caterers in San Bernardino County offer such a suite of services that they become just as much a part of the event as the celebration itself. These local San Bernardino County caterers can tailor their services to enliven your party or event. Many of the caterers in San Bernardino County provide fine catering for a full spectrum of events, from black tie galas, to luaus, to Western hoedowns. Most San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County might even host location shoots, weddings, corporate events, banquets, openings, reunions, or fundraisers.

Often prepared by personal chefs, the food served by local caterers in San Bernardino County 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 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County CA Can Create a Personalized Menu
The caterers in San Bernardino 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.

San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County
Catering in San Bernardino County 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 these caterers in San Bernardino County: Five Star Catering, Bon Appetit Catering, Empire Caterers, Impressions Catering, Stone Mountain Catering. Other caterers, including corporate caterers in Chino, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino who might still serve San Bernardino County include: .

Caterers in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County through various media. The Prime Buyer's Report has located some catering associations and publications for San Bernardino County caterers that we've listed in the article, "Resources About Caterers in San Bernardino County."

 

 

How to Hire Caterers in San Bernardino County CA 

Step 1: Describe The Catering Services Desired To the Potential Caterers
Explain the basic elements you want from the San Bernardino 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
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 San Bernardino County.

How long have the caterers been providing catering services in San Bernardino County?

How many catering jobs like yours have they done?

Do the caterers specialize in the theme or cuisine you have in mind?

Can the caterers provide some client names and phone numbers as references you can check? (All caterers bearing the Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 symbol have already had client references called  by research staff at The Prime Buyer's Report so you don't have to.)

Do the caterers have a liquor license?

Are any city or county permits required for your event? If so, who is responsible for getting them, you or the catering company? If the catering company, is that cost included in their quoted price?

Do the caterers provide any furniture or themed props?

Do the caterers have liability insurance as protection for you? (All caterers in Alameda County bearing the Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 symbol have already shown proof of insurance to research staff at The Prime Buyer's Report.)

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 detailed written estimate? This is important because cheap caterers in San Bernardino County may not actually be less expensive but rather using cheaper food or less staff than another one. A detailed estimate will allow you to make exact comparisons.

Will the caterers provide a written contract?

How do the caterers determine costs?

Once the catering company has a detailed explanation of your event, ask the caterer what potential issues might arise that could change the cost they've quoted, and if any, by how much?

How well do the caterers know the staff that will be working your event? Are they well-known employees or do they hire temporary laborers?

Can the caterer prove that all the workers sent to your property are legally allowed to work in the U.S.? (All caterers in Alameda County bearing The Prime Buyer's Report—TOP 10 symbol have already signed an agreement to hire only documented workers.)

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. Consider all of the caterers you interviewed. The flashiest presentation isn't necessarily the best bet. Small catering companies might be able to provide comparable services at a lower price than large catering companies.

Step 4: Final Research on Caterers in San Bernardino 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 license, catering liquor licensure, and insurance.

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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino County should be happy to do this.  But don't let price be the only consideration. Cheap caterers in San Bernardino County usually aren't the best ones. And if the estimate from one catering company is so much less than others, there may be reason for concern.

 

 

Hiring Caterers in San Bernardino County CA 

Write a Description of the Catering Services for the Caterers.
You'll be calling several different caterers in San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino 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.

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

 

 

Resources About Caterers in San Bernardino County CA 

Regulatory Bodies & Trade Associations for Caterers in San Bernardino County
ABC California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (www.abc.ca.gov)
ACEP Association of Catering and Event Professionals (http://www.acep.com/)
BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
CCFMA Convenience Caterers & Food Manufacturers Association (http://www.mobilecaterers.com/)
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
DHS California Department of Health Services (www.dhs.ca.gov)
ICA International Caterers Association (http://www.icacater.org/)
NACE National Association of Catering Executives (http://www.nace.net/)

Media Related to Caterering in San Bernardino County
Catering Magazine
Catering Update
Cater Source Journal
Chef
Event Solutions
Special Events Magazine

 
The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the TOP 10 Caterers in San Bernardino County within the following zip codes:

91701, 91708, 91709, 91710, 91729, 91730, 91737, 91739, 91743, 91758, 91759, 91761, 91762, 91763, 91764, 91784, 91785, 91786, 92242, 92252, 92256, 92267, 92268, 92277, 92278, 92280, 92284, 92285, 92286, 92301, 92304, 92305, 92307, 92308, 92311, 92312, 92313, 92314, 92315, 92317, 92318, 92321, 92322, 92324, 92325, 92326, 92327, 92329, 92331, 92333, 92334, 92335, 92336, 92337, 92339, 92340, 92341, 92342, 92344, 92345, 92346, 92350, 92352, 92354, 92356, 92357, 92358, 92359, 92365, 92368, 92369, 92371, 92372, 92373, 92374, 92375, 92376, 92377, 92378, 92382, 92385, 92386, 92391, 92392, 92393, 92394, 92395, 92397, 92398, 92399, 92401, 92402, 92403, 92404, 92405, 92406, 92407, 92408, 92410, 92411, 92412, 92413, 92414, 92415, 92418, 92423, 92424 and 92427

 


Caterers / Catering Alta Loma CA

Five Star Catering & Event Alta Loma CA 91701

El Tio Alex Catering Alta Loma CA 91701

 

 

Caterers / Catering Apple Valley CA

2008 Creations Catering Apple Valley CA 92307

 

 

Caterers / Catering Barstow CA

K C Stir-Ups Catering Barstow CA 92311

 

 

Caterers / Catering Chino Hills CA

Always Aloha Catering Chino Hills CA 91709

Four Brothers BBQ & Catering Chino Hills CA 91709

Shamrock's Grill & Pub Catering Chino Hills CA 91709

 

 

Caterers / Catering Colton CA

Plaza Papagayos Mexican Catering Colton CA 92324

Island Breeze Caterers Colton CA 92324

 

 

Caterers / Catering Etiwanda CA

Stone Mountain Catering Etiwanda CA 91739

 

 

Caterers / Catering Fontana CA

Graystone Catering Fontana CA 92336

Miracle Catering Fontana CA 92335

Original Mobile Taco Grill Catering Fontana CA 92336

Panda Kitchen Catering Fontana CA 92337

Potters Bakery & Cafe Catering Fontana CA 92336

 

 

Caterers / Catering Hesperia CA

International Gourmet Catering Hesperia CA 92340

Happy Caterer Hesperia CA 92345

 

 

Caterers / Catering Moronga Valley CA

Catering By Design Morongo Valley CA 92256

 

 

Caterers / Catering Ontario CA

Grand Daddy's Burger Caterers Ontario CA 91761

Impressions Catering Ontario CA 91761

Jj's Catering Ontario CA 91761

LSG Sky Chefs Caterers Ontario CA 91761

Panda Inn Catering Ontario CA 91761

Traveling Gourmet Caterers Ontario CA 91762

 

 

Caterers / Catering Rancho Cucamonga CA

Accents Distinctive Events Caterers Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730

Baraka Blends Catering Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730

Leabo Foods Catering Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730

Simply Continental Catering Rancho Cucamonga CA 91701

 

 

Caterers / Catering Redlands CA

Empire Caterers Redlands CA 92373

Bon Appetit Catering Redlands CA 92374

 

 

Caterers / Catering Rialto CA

Copland Catering Rialto CA 92376

Mike & Dez Catering Q On Wheel Caterers Rialto CA 92376

 

 

Caterers / Catering San Bernardino CA

Elieth's Catering Service San Bernardino CA 92410

Royal Catering Co San Bernardino CA 92408

 

 

Caterers / Catering Upland CA

Gourmet Gourmet Caterers Upland CA 91786

 

 

Caterers / Catering Victorville CA

Gourmet On the Go Caterers Victorville CA 92392

Silvia's Caterers Victorville CA 92395

 

 

Caterers / Catering Yucaipa CA

Partners Pantry Catering Yucaipa CA 92399

 

 

Caterers / Catering Yucca Valley CA

Hero Catering Co Yucca Valley CA 92284