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Event FAQs
Answers to Common Catering Questions
Planning an event comes with a lot of questions, and we’re here to help. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about our catering services, process, and what to expect. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. is always happy to help.
How do you charge?
Our pricing is a little different from traditional caterers.
We charge a cart/service fee, which includes the cart, professional vendor (server), transportation, setup, and breakdown.
Food is then priced separately depending on what items are served or pre-ordered. Because the service portion is separate, our food pricing is very reasonable.
Please contact us for our current menu and pricing. There is no charge or obligation for a quote, so feel free to call or email with your ideas or questions.
How much does hot dog cart catering cost?
The cost depends on several factors, including:
Number of guests
Menu selections
Event location
Length of service
We are happy to provide a custom quote based on your event. Our goal is to provide great food, professional service, and excellent value.
Why don’t you list pricing on your website?
There are two reasons.
First, when we previously listed prices online, we received many inquiries from outside our service area.
Second and most important, every event is different. Catering is a personal service, and a quick call or email helps us understand your event and recommend the best options.
We pride ourselves on personal attention and customized service for every event, which is what sets us apart.
How long have you been in business?
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. has been in business since April 1983 and has been owned and operated by Brad Orenstein since day one.
In an industry where many companies come and go, we are proud to have served clients for over 40 years.
Why choose The Gourmet Vendor, Inc.?
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. has been owned and operated by Brad Orenstein since 1983, and we believe we have perfected the Cart Catering concept over the past four decades.
Our longevity comes from focusing on:
Excellent food
Professional staff
Clean, well-maintained equipment
Outstanding service
We approach every event as a full catering service—not simply a rental or food stand. Our goal is to make every event run smoothly and leave guests having had a great experience.
I found another company that is less expensive.
Many companies have tried to copy our services over the years — which we take as a compliment.
However, not all services are the same. When comparing caterers, be sure to consider:
Food quality
Professional staff
Clean, well-maintained equipment
Experience and reliability
Planning an event takes time and effort, and working with a reputable company helps ensure everything goes as planned. Much of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals, which we believe says a lot about our service.
What makes you different from rental or amusement companies?
Rental and amusement companies specialize in equipment rentals, and many do that very well.
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. is different because we are caterers first. Food and service are our focus, and our carts are simply the unique way we serve our catering.
Do you rent your carts without staff?
No. Our carts are always operated by our trained vendors (staff).
This ensures everything runs properly and that the equipment stays clean and well maintained. Our staff handles the entire setup and operation, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Is my event too small?
Not at all. We have catered events for as few as four people.
While we can handle small gatherings, the main factor is whether the event fits within your budget.
Is my event too large?
We have catered events ranging from 4 guests to over 10,000 guests.
No matter the size, feel free to contact Brad to discuss your event and requirements.
Can your carts be used indoors?
Yes. Most of our carts fit through a standard 32-inch doorway, so indoor setups are usually not a problem.
The only limitation may be stairs, as some carts cannot be moved up flights of steps. In those cases, we may use smaller carts or adjust the setup.
If you have questions about your location, just give us a call.
Can you serve foods that are not on your menu?
Yes. Through our relationships with other catering companies, we can often arrange additional food options when needed.
We will always be honest about the best and most practical way to handle your event.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. We provide a written contract and require a deposit to reserve your date.
A contract ensures that dates, times, equipment, and services are clearly outlined, giving both you and us peace of mind.
How far in advance should I book catering for my event?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for spring, summer, and fall weekends, which tend to fill quickly.
Because our service involves specialized equipment and trained staff, certain dates can book up fast. Reserving early is always the best way to secure your preferred date.
However, if your event is coming up soon, please still contact us. Depending on availability, we may still be able to accommodate your date.
How long do you serve at events?
Our standard packages include 3 hours of serving time.
We arrive before the event to set up and begin serving at the scheduled time. Longer service times can be arranged for an additional fee.
Do you rent tables, chairs, or inflatables?
No. We believe rental companies specialize in those services and do them best.
Inflatables and carnival equipment are also a completely different business. While Brad was state-certified for inflatables, we choose to focus entirely on catering so we can provide the best food and service possible.
We are happy to recommend trusted rental companies in your area if needed.
What types of events do you cater?
The Gourmet Vendor, Inc. caters both social and corporate events, including:
Corporate events and company picnics
Employee appreciation events
School functions and graduations
Private parties and backyard events
Community events and festivals
Birthday parties
Tenant appreciation events
Grand openings and promotional events
After more than 40 years in business, we have catered events from 4 guests to over 10,000 guests and just about every type of event imaginable.
More questions?
Please feel free to call or email anytime. We are always happy to answer questions and help you plan your event.
Our goal is simple: to help you create a successful and memorable event.
Corporate Catering FAQs
Answers to common business event questions
Do you cater corporate events and company picnics?
Yes. Corporate events are one of our specialties.
We regularly cater:
Company picnics
Employee appreciation events
Corporate lunches
Grand openings
Customer appreciation events
School and university events
Promotional and marketing events
Our cart catering setup creates a fun, interactive food experience that works especially well for corporate environments.
How many employees or guests can you serve?
We can cater events of almost any size.
Over the years, we have catered events ranging from small office lunches of 20 people to large corporate events with over 10,000 guests. For larger events, we simply bring multiple carts and staff to keep lines moving quickly.
How fast can you serve large corporate groups?
Our service style is designed specifically to serve large groups efficiently.
With multiple carts and vendors operating at the same time, we can keep lines moving quickly and serve large numbers of guests in a short period of time—which is ideal for corporate events with scheduled breaks or lunch periods.
Do you provide certificates of insurance for corporate venues?
Yes. We carry insurance and can provide Certificates of Insurance (COI) when required by corporate venues, office buildings, schools, or municipalities.
Just let us know what documentation your venue requires.
Can you set up at office buildings, warehouses, or job sites?
Yes. One of the advantages of cart catering is flexibility.
We regularly cater events at:
Office buildings
Corporate campuses
Warehouses and manufacturing facilities
Schools and universities
Outdoor company picnic locations
Our carts are mobile and can be positioned almost anywhere that allows access.
Can your carts be used indoors for corporate events?
Yes. Most of our carts fit through a standard 32-inch doorway, which allows us to serve indoors at many office buildings or event spaces.
If your building has specific requirements, we are happy to coordinate with your facility manager.
Do you handle employee appreciation events?
Yes. Many companies use our services for employee appreciation days, summer picnics, and team celebrations.
Cart catering creates a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that employees really enjoy.
How far in advance should companies book corporate catering?
For large corporate events or company picnics, we recommend booking several weeks to a few months in advance, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons.
However, if your event is coming up soon, please contact us—we may still have availability.
Can you customize menus for corporate events?
Yes. We can customize menus based on:
Guest count
Event style
Budget
Dietary needs
We will help recommend the best options based on your event.
Still have questions?
Please feel free to call or email anytime. We are always happy to answer questions and help you plan your event.
Our goal is simple: to help you create a successful and memorable event.
