$4000.00 That is the average price for a 2 Entree buffet using standard disposable dinnerware, service charge, local delivery & tax using $16 per person menu for 200 guests. Some lower. Some higher.

Costs are determined by the menu selected, number of entrees & side dishes, level of service, logistical challenges, rentals, wether it be served with disposables or china, buffet or plated meal, appetizers before dinner and staffing fees for full service. And let's not forget tax. So you can see until we have a complete idea of the full package it's impossible to determine a price. However, discussing your event with our event planners is the final avenue to determine your price. We reserve the right to determine the correct staffing / service charge based on your event.

Can You Supply the Alcohol & Bartenders for My Event?

Yes, but only in Kentucky. We have complete packages for any type of bar you would like. We even have an LED lighted portable bar available for rent if needed - $250. We provide our own bartenders when our bar service is ordered. We DO NOT provide bartenders to events when we are not doing the bar.

Are You Insured?

Of course we are. And that's a very important question to ask any perspective caterer. Most venues require a certificate of insurance presented to them before " a caterer " is allowed in their facility. Most venues have ours. If not we can provide a certificate to them.

Can we Come in for a Tasting?

Absolutely! As a matter of fact we encourage it. This is when you can sample some of our most popular items, meet the people who you will entrust for your event & leave with an "approximate cost" of the event. 

Feel free to request certain menu choices for the tasting but remember, they are only suggestions and may not be on the buffet when you arrive. We can not provide our complete menu for tasting. If you like what you sample, I'm sure you will like it all! 

This is not a time when we will finalize ALL the details for a complete estimate. We will have you fill out a Taste Sheet and gather more information so we can e-mail you an updated estimate based on what you have told us on your sheet. We schedule group tastings at our location as needed and you are under no obligation. Call 859-689-4030 or email  john@lotherscatering.com to RSVP.

We limit the number of guests per group to up to 4 guests.

How Much is the Deposit?

$500.00. This not only holds your date but also the pricing for up to 8 months. This cost is subtracted from your final payment.

Does not apply to Corporate Events.

When Do we Have to Have Our Final Menu, Guest Count & Payment to You?

"For weddings", 2 weeks prior. We recommend not finalizing details too far out because we all know there will be changes. Unless there would be significant details we need to know, such as changing from disposables to China, 2 weeks is all we need for your final menu. However, feel free to finalize whenever makes you comfortable. Final payment is aboslutely due at this time. Advanced Final payment does not apply to corporate or social organizations.

Do You Add Gratuity to My Bill?

Buffet Style Service, no. Gratuity is never added to your buffet bill. We leave it entirely to the host's discretion. It is not expected but graciously accepted for a job well done.  

China Buffet Style Service, no. However due to the heavy amount of work involved with China, it is encouraged. 

Plated Meals, yes. A minimum of 18% is added to all plated meals.

Can we Make Payments in Installments?

Yes. Feel free to mail in a check in any amount at anytime or stop by our Hebron location. We simply apply it to your invoice and email you a current balance. Remember, final balance is due 2 weeks prior to the wedding.

Do we Have to Pay the Same for Kids? Can we do a Separate Kids Menu/Buffet?

We charge 2 for 1 kids under 6. Discuss with our planners if China is being used. If you have 20 kids just order for 10. Kids over 6 will still take a plate of food which has to be accounted for to ensure we don't run short at the end. 

A separate kids buffet can be arranged but with additional set-up and service charges. Approx. $300 in preparation, set-up & service charges, plus kids menu price.

If we Order 2 Entrees, Does That Mean Everyone Gets Both?

No. Not with buffet service. We also don't just split choices 50-50. After 44 years of doing this we have figured half of the people will take both. So for instance, for 100 guests we will need to prepare 150 servings. Then we split that amount based on items chosen. This also goes when ordering more than 1 potato, vegetable or salad. Plated service is priced accordingly if you choose a duet.

Appetizers Before Dinner?

It is common to have assorted fruits, cheeses & raw vegetables set out 1 hour before dinner if you are going to have the bride and groom eat first. We do this two ways; platters that feed approx. 50 people each are $95.00. We also can decorate and set a station. This charge is $3.75  per person. Many other station appetizers or passed appetizers are available. Discuss with your even planner.

Do You Buss the Tables?

For disposable events with a basic crew of 2 or 3 attendants, we will buss as we can depending on other services you may have requested such as cake cutting, etc. As soon as they are able to break away from servicing the buffet they start clearing plates. This usually is quite sufficient. China events have already been planned for clearing. If this is a great concern additional service charges may apply to handle bussing differently. Discuss with your event planner.

Can I make Changes to Your Menu?

Yes. Our menu is only a guide to inspire your wants & needs. Feel free to create a menu of your dreams. Everyone has a favorite family recipe. If there is something you do not see on our menu, share it with us. We like to be inspired too! All menus must be finalized 2 weeks prior to the event. Feel free to make as many changes as you wish up until then. Corporate orders do not apply to this deadline.  

Vegetarian & Dietary Concerns?

Our planners will work with you to suggest options based on how many vegetarians you are planning for. We can either make the buffet vegetarian friendly or put together an a la carte dish just for a few. Guests are welcome to call us for allergy concerns and we will discuss our ingredients and text them a photo of product ingredient labels.

Do You Remove Garbage From the Venue?

No. If your venue should require us to handle this there will be an additional service charge added. Very seldom does this occur.

What Time do You Arrive to the Venue?

We always want to be sure your buffet is set-up before your guests arrive. If you are not occupying the room we arrive approx. 1 hour before the event begins. However, if we need to arrive earlier due to a wedding in the room or logistical challenges, we will. An additional charge may occur depending on circumstance

Do We Need to Provide the Buffet Tables? Linens and Linen Napkins for the Guests?

Yes. We will bring buffet table linens & everything needed to set-up and service your buffet on the tables you provide. If you would like us to bring tables for the buffet a rental fee of $12 will apply. However, the guest table linens & cloth napkins can be rented from us. Our planners will discuss colors and amounts with you. Non floor length linens $9 each. Cloth napkins $0.85 each, Linens & napkins can be arranged for you to pick up days in advance for you to have time to set-up your venue. Rental fee does not include set-up or pre-setting of napkins. This service can be arranged for additional service fees. Discuss with our planners.

How Long do You Keep the Buffet Open?

We like to give everyone a chance to come back for more, so about 20 minutes after the last guest goes through the buffet. Additional timing can be discussed based on your event. An open house all day for instance.

Can You do a Captain's Call?

Yes, we can as long as this service has been discussed and planned for in advance. This may affect your service fee based on timing and staffing. 

Do You Pack up the Leftovers for us to Take Home?

Yes. We are happy to leave the food behind. We pack it bulk in aluminum pans. However, you may not want everything and have to deal with it at the end of the night. We don't want to burden you. Communication with attendants that night is helpful to all.

How Many People can you Acommodate?

We are equipped to handle as few as 25 people all the way up to 5000 or more. No job is too large. When handling large crowds we come and do a site inspection and then determine what equipment is needed. After review we arrange, deliver and set-up a complete mobile kitchen, refrigeration & sanitary stations with all we need to perform the event.

How Far Will You Travel?

Depending on the type of catering and venue, no place is too far. We've catered in Louisville, Lexington, Dayton & even as far as San Diego for a rehearsal dinner on the beach. Based on site, location is endless. Of course service & delivery charges increase.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

Events that are cancelled less than 120 days of the event, 100% of the deposit is non-refundable due to jobs we may have already declined due to your event.