Frequently Asked Questions
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If your question isn't answered below, then please fill in the form here and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Where are you located?
We are a mobile catering service based in Sunbury, Melbourne. We travel within a 30km radius of Sunbury including all Northern and Western suburbs of Melbourne and North West country areas. If you are located outside these areas please contact us regarding your catering needs. Travel fees may apply outside of the 30km radius.
What facilities/ equipment do you require?
We can work out of any kitchen that has an oven, sink, bench space and power. On occasion we have worked with just a pie warmer instead of oven. We will bring all other cooking equipment, utensils and serving platters with us in our portable catering kits.
What do I need to provide?
The Guests to feed, otherwise Absolutely nothing! The beauty of finger food catering is there is no need for plates or cutlery. We will provide serving platters, serviettes, and dipping sauces.
How much food should I order?
Our base menus all include 9-11 pieces per guest, the amount we have found to be perfect for an afternoon or evening cocktail party. You then have the option to add on to these menus if you think guests will come with large appetites, wish to cater a substantial meal, or for special occasions such as weddings.
We have sliders, individual fish & chip cones, tacos, sandwich boxes and so much more……. If you happen to have any food leftover we will leave it in disposable foil trays (often appreciated later on in the night!).
Do you cater for dietary requirements and allergies?
Yes! We cater for majority of dietary requirements and allergies. Please advise us of these dietary requirements as early as possible.
Can I customise my order?
Whilst we have carefully curated the menus to suit most tastes we understand that personal preferences will vary so the short answer is Yes! We will work with you to include any preferences you have or dietary requirements. Surcharge may apply depending on choice of item for substitution.
How much do you charge per head?
The cost will depend on your menu choice and guest numbers.
Check out our menu page for our range of menu options including optional add ons. We are very price competitive yet do not compromise on food quality or service.
Our prices are subject to change at any time. Written quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of email. Once you book in with a deposit your price is locked in.
Unfortunately quotes older than 30 days are invalid unless you have followed through with a booking and current rates will apply.
Can I make changes to my order if my guest count changes?
Initial bookings are usually made well in advance and guest numbers are often approximated.
If your guest numbers change you may make changes to your menu up until 2 weeks prior to your event and will be charged accordingly.
What sized events can you cater for?
We cater for events of 30 – 200 guests. If you are expecting more than 200 guests please contact us so we can discuss your catering needs.
We do not offer a full catering service for less than 30 guests, however please consider one of our catering boxes or grazing options.
How many staff will I receive?
Staff are allocated as to the number of guests and menu ordered. One staff member stays in the kitchen continually cooking while serving staff work on a ratio of serving 50-80 guests each.
Generally, the following staffing allocations apply:
- 30 to 40 guests: 1x staff (cook only, with the option to add a waiter)
- 50 to 90 guests: 2x staff (a cook and a waiter).
- 100 to 150 guests: 3x staff (2x waiters)
- 150 to 200 guests: 4x staff (3x waiters)
- Additional servers are charged at a rate of $185 per staff member.
What time frame do you operate within?
Staff will be at your venue for 3-4 hours (until food service is complete and the kitchen is clean).
You tell us what time you would like the first food served and we will arrive at your location 30-45 minutes prior to that time to set up and start preparing your food.
Every event is different, depending on the number of guests you have, how hungry they are, whether extra food has been ordered.
Due to these factors, food service can run anywhere between 1.5-4 hours.
If you have a specific schedule to follow please let us know and we can plan the food service accordingly. Following the conclusion of food service hosts often conduct speeches while staff begin to clean up.
Following speeches we will serve desserts and/or cut and serve your celebration cake if you have one (provided there is time remaining within the 4 hour maximum staff shift).
We will then leave your kitchen looking like we were never there!
I’m a little hesitant having outside caterers come in my home, do you have the relevant registrations?
Rest assured, we are Council registered, and all staff hold a food handling certification. We take the utmost care in your kitchen and are also covered by Public Liability Insurance.
What happens in the event of a cancellation?
A significant amount of preparation and cost goes into each of our bookings. You are also booking our services for a particular date at the exclusion of other potential bookings.
As such in the case of a cancellation we have implemented the following policy:
A minimum of 50% deposit to be taken upon confirmation to secure your booking.
Payment must be received within 72 hours of invoice issue date.
Any changes to your booking must be finalized 14 days prior to event date.
Any cancellations within 7-14 days of event will incur forfeit of your deposit. Cancellations less than 7 days will forfeit the full invoice amount.
If more than 14 days’ notice is provided, the booking deposit can be credited towards another event within 6 months of the original event date.
Alternatively, you may wish to be issued a refund, less admin fee of $100.
Thank you for your understanding.
Any other questions? Simply send us an email hello@pumpkinandsage.com.au we will be happy to help!