Posted by Carl Jones on March 04, 19100 at 10:38:07 :
In Reply to: food for an art gallery opening posted by michele on March 02, 19100 at 19:55:46 :
: I have been asked to do the food for an art gallery opening. They are expecting around 200 people but only have $400 as their budget. Any ideas on good inexpensive appetizers? I am planning on doing it buffet style so I am thinking mediterranean tapas- hummus, bruschetta, yougurt dip. Any other ideas out there or am I simply crazy to take this on?
You are nuts!
I tell people like that "I cant go thru the drive thru at McDonalds and buy 200 happy meals for your guests for 400.00. They will quickly understand and agree.
Tell them you can do cake and punch for that price and will charge them extra for a cake server and punch server if they would like.
Are you a licensed professional caterer with a foodservice permit Michele? If so, you cannot pay your basic costs for that.
Heck, I would hope to put 400.00 in my pocket after a reception for 200.. Tell them you will do it for 400.00 if they will buy all of the food.
I mean come on, most of these people attending make that much in 4 hours of work. Give me a break.
In their defense, they just are thowing out a budget figure, once they hear the McDonald's analogy they will quickly ask, "what could we do it for" If it is an afternoon open house with cake, punch, nuts, and fruit, it would be 800.00! Add 200.00 for each additional item provided and give them a suggested list. put the ball in their court.
If another caterer will do it for that price, LET THEM. You do NOT need unprofitable business!! and if they are Non Profit, I tell them that I am not, but will make them a special deal to cover my basic costs and overhead.
my hot button, obviously...
blessings,
carl