FAQ’S

Q: How far in advance should I make arrangements with my caterer?

A: As soon as possible is best to secure your event date and time. However, at Pinelli Marra Fine Caterers we may be able to accommodate you even on a short notice. Unlike most caterers we have 7 restaurants and a commissary which allows us to facilitate last minute needs.

Q: What menu style am I looking for?

A: Cocktail Party, Cookouts, Buffet, Stations, Plated Sit Down Dinner and Drop Off delivery self-service events.

Q: What service style am I looking for?

A: Full Service, Partial Service, Delivery and Set-Up.

Q: How many guests will be attending?

A: You will need an estimated guest count to begin with. The final guest count can be given 2 weeks prior to your event date for served events and 1 week for a delivery event.

Q: What time of day is the event? How will this affect the type and quantity of food served?

A: The time of day and day of the week will make a difference in pricing. Be sure to ask your salesperson these types of questions.

Q: Will I need rental equipment? Can my caterer provide this?

A: Pinelli Marra Fine Caterers can provide china, glassware, place settings, tables, chairs, linens and more.

Q: Does my caterer have a liquor license?

A: Pinelli Marra Fine Caterers is licensed and fully insured by the State of Rhode Island
to vend and serve alcohol at our events.

Q: Where will my event be held?

A: PMFC can recommend many venues throughout the state or suggest ways your home or office e can work for an event site.

Q: Can I provide my own alcohol?

A: Yes, you can purchase the alcohol for your event. We are not allowed to release alcohol to you or your guests after an event. You will need to make arrangements with your salesperson for picking up your alcohol at our commissary after your event. We do charge for liquor liability insurance and a handling fee for handling your alcohol

Q: Who is responsible for the centerpieces at the end of the event?

A: PLEASE delegate someone to be responsible for the centerpieces for your event.

Q: What if I have guests with special meal needs?

A: We are able to provide special meals for your guests for Celiac, Lactose Intolerant,
Kosher Meals etc….our culinary team will work with you or your guests on specific meal plans for your event.

Q: How long can we serve alcohol for at our event?

A: R I general laws allows us to serve for 4.5 hours at an off-premise event.

Q: What does the staff look like?

A: Our staff wears a White Shirt with a black tie and black pants and shoes. Our Culinary team wears appropriate attire.

Q: What information should I have available when inquiring about an event I’m planning?

A: An estimate of the number of guests you plan to invite, a date and the type of location you are considering is helpful. The parameters of your budget are also important. Keep in mind the time of day influences the amount of food necessary, and consequently the cost of your catering.

Q: Will the quotation I am given be all-inclusive?

A: PMFC will send you a written detailed proposal based on your inquiry and meeting with our sales team. As full service caterers, we can fulfill many needs besides the food, including, rentals of glassware, tables, chairs and lines, service staff, valet parking, special décor packages and referrals for vendors and venues.

Q: My schedule is very busy or I live out of the state. Do I have to have a meeting in person to make my catering arrangements?

A: We do like to have personal meetings as it give you a chance to meet with a salesperson face to face, however, we can arrange for a conference call with one of our full-time sales professional where we review your expectations for your event to get the details we need to send you a proper quote. Remember, each event is different and unique and we want to get your ideas and expectations in the plan.

Q: Do you charge a cake cutting fee?

A: Unlike other caterers we are on-site already and you are paying for the labor so we DO NOT charge a fee for cake cutting.

Q: Do you do wedding cakes?

A: No, we can refer you to a vendor on our list that bakes cakes. A cake is tough to deliver in a van packed with all of your food and equipment for your event.

Q: Can we sample the food?

A: Yes, we host a professional Chef menu tasting at our commissary in Warwick on certain days of the week. A weekend is very difficult as our culinary team is catering events. Most tastings occur earlier in the week and in the early evening hours. When we are catering your event you would want us to focus on your event and not a future customer. Tastings are free to the client and should not have more than 4 guests. After 4 we charge $50.00 a person to cover our costs.

Q: Is the gratuity included in the price?

A: For off-premise events we do not include a gratuity on our invoices. We feel gratuities are to your discretion. Suggested tip ranges from $20 -25 for a drop off delivery to $30 -50 a person for a served event with staff. Event Coordinators can be given more as the supervisor on-site.

Q: Do you require a deposit to book your services?

A: A non-refundable deposit is required to book and hold an event date and time. The required deposit is based on the amount of your party. We accept most major credit cards and personal checks for deposits. We will send you a contract to review and sign as a confirmation for us to cater your event.

Q: Do you meet us at the venue for a walk-through?

A: Yes, as part of our services we schedule a walk-through at the venue where our salesperson hands you over to the event coordinator who executes events. The walk-through is usually the week of your event. At the walk-through we will review your table and linen needs, bar services, timeline for event, ceremony if on-site and menu.

Q: What if I need A/V at my event?

A: We work with three A/V vendors and we can work with you on your A/V needs.