Frequently Asked Questions

How do you Charge?
The way we charge is a little different from a standard caterer. We charge a service (or cart) fee for your cart and vendor (server). This is for the server(s) time, the use of the cart and of course, the cost to get everything there and back. Then we charge depending on foods that are served or pre ordered. You can see our food pricing is reasonable since there is also a service charge. Please feel free to contact us for a current price list and menu. There is no charge or obligation for a quotation, so do not hesitate to call or email with your ideas and/or questions.

Why do you not have prices on your web-site?
There are two reasons why we do not. The first is, we used to have pricing on the web site many years ago and we would get calls from other parts of the country with orders (obviously not anywhere near where we service). The second and main reason is that catering is a personal service, we feel talking or at least an email helps to better answer your questions. Every event is different and we pride ourselves on our personal service and attention to each and every party or event. That is what makes us stand out!

How long have you been in business?
This is a great question to ask. I have found not everyone answers this honestly on the internet. We have been in business since April 1983. Yes 1983, and we have been owned and operated by only one person, Brad Orenstein..

Why use The Gourmet Vendor Inc?
We believe we have nearly perfected the Cart Catering Concept over the past 30 plus years. (since 1983) Many other companies have come and gone over these years and we have remained. We believe that giving the Best Service, with Professional Staff and Excellent Foods for every event is what has helped our longevity. We strive for perfection at every event we cater. We are and treat our service as a Catering Service, not a rental company or a cart on the street corner.

I found another company that is less expensive.
As I said, there have been and will always be many companies that copy our services. This is a great compliment to us. So what they try to do is be less expensive. Usually they are not doing the same thing we do, but trying to make it appear that way. I believe that since you are making a party or event, this is not something you do daily, or even weekly, you need to look at all details. Since you are taking so much time, effort and expense to plan the party or event, you would want a reputable company with great experience, excellent foods, professional staff and clean exceptional equipment (carts). Saving a few dollars on this event and not getting everything you planned, and the best service, foods and equipment would be a shame. We have been in business this long because we do strive to make every event perfect. Our best advertising is word of mouth. I am sure if you ask friends, relatives or colleagues if they have heard of our services, there is a great chance they have.

What differentiates TGV from equipment Rental Companies?
Rental Companies and Amusement Companies do just that, rent, and they do that well. Many have added food stands or Hot Dog Carts. But they are not caterers and do not specialize in FOOD. We consider ourselves Caterers, just unique catering since we serve from our carts.

Do you just rent your equipment without your Vendors (staff)?
We do not just rent our equipment. Since our equipment must stay in perfect condition, we feel we need to maintain it and be with it. This way when you have us at a party, our equipment looks and works great. You do not have to worry if it will work, our staff handles it all.

The Internet?
With the internet there is great information, lots of information. Unfortunately anyone can say anything on their web-site or blog or posts. There does not have to be any truth to any of it. I suggest if you are researching do not stop there, ask around. Get recommendations from people you know and trust. On the internet, everybody is #1 or “The Best”.

Is my event too small for you to cater?
We handle any size event. We actually catered a Hot Dog Cart Party for a family of 4. It is not too small for us, but it may not fit into your budget.

Is my event too big for you to handle?
We have handled parties from 4 guests to over 10,000. Do not hesitate to talk with Brad about your needs or concerns.

Can you go indoors?
Yes, our carts can go indoors. They will fit through a standard 32 inch doorway. Some even less. Our limits are flights of steps. If there is a flight, we may need to do different, smaller or lighter carts (Just Call). Some carts need to cook outdoors, again just call with any questions.

Do you cater other foods that are not on your menu?
We work with many area catering companies and due to our relationships, it allows us to offer many options when needed. I am very honest and will tell you the best and most practical way to handle any foods. Please feel free to ask.

Do you need a deposit to hold a date?
Yes, we send contracts and require a deposit. In my experience, you should be careful of any service person that does not work with a deposit and paper work. You want to be sure that the date, times and equipment are all correct and spelled out for your event.

Does your calendar fill quickly?
Yes, since our catering is done with equipment and staffing, there are times we can be booked. So if you know you want our services, it is best to call and have a contract sent.

How many hours do you serve?
Our prices are based on 3 hours serving time. We arrive prior to the event to set up, then 3 hours of serving. We can do longer events; there is an additional charge for our time.

Do you rent Tables and Chairs?
No we do not. We have always believed to let the Rental Companies do what they do best. We are happy to give you names of companies in your area that do rent tables and chairs.

Do you rent inflatables?
No. Inflatables are a different business all together. I actually am certified by the state for inflatables, but we do not rent them. I am happy to help you in any way with questions or companies that do handle them. As I have said, we are a caterer and I believe as a caterer we should be the best as we can be at that. If we were renting inflatable items or carnival items, it would not allow us to concentrate on your food and service.

What type of parties do you cater?
We cater any type of party, from social to corporate. Over the last 3 decades we have pretty much done it all. If you have time, I have great stories about the more unique events and parties we have catered.

More Questions?
I am sure you may have some or will have some along the way. Never hesitate to call or email with any question you have. That is what is great about communication today, I am easily reachable. You are never bothering me with a question. I am here to help you make the party/event you want.