FAQ's about CateRIng
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
Frequently asked Questions about how catering works.
We know you have several options in the Greater Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek area when it comes to catering and we want to show you why Fat Mike's Bbq should be at the top of your list. We pride ourselves on the details, our professionalism, and of course our GREAT FOOD! On top of that, our experience in the industry can save you a lot of hassle when it comes to
feeding large groups.
These frequently asked questions can help alleviate a lot of stress when it comes to catering events. Let us handle the food so you can simply relax on the big day that is so important to you. Whether you're celebrating a wedding, remembering a loved one, or congratulating a new graduate, Fat Mike's Bbq has you covered.
Here are some catering questions and answers to help you navigate catering for any event around SW Michigan:
Q. Self Serve or Full Service?
What's included and why one vs the other?
Self Serve
offers a more budget friendly approach to catering while still providing great food and buffet set up. With our packages you get everything you need for guests to feed themselves:
Self serve packages include (no minimum):
Set Up of Buffet (delivery fees apply)
Buffet Supplies: chafers, sterno, serving utensils
Dinnerware: disposable plates, utensils, napkins
Meats
Sides
Sauce, Pickles, Onions
Brioche Buns
Supply Pick Up
Self Serve is great for:
Grad Parties
Corporate Parties/Lunches
Celebrations of Life
Casual Meals for Groups of 20-100
ADDITIONALLY we offer A la Carte Packages to build your own catering with exactly what you want and need!
Full Service
is perfect for handling large events from beginning to end. We handle logistics, service and clean up!
Full Service packages include (minimum order applies):
Direct Logistics Planning with any Venue or Residence
Set Up of Buffet and/or Appetizers
Buffet Supplies: chafers, sterno, serving utensils
Dinnerware: disposable plates, utensils, napkins
Meats
Sides
Sauce, Pickles, Onions
Brioche Buns
Full Service to Your Guests and Seconds (when appicable)
Clean Up of Buffet
To Go Containers
Packaging of Your Leftovers (if applicable)
Complimentary (2) meals for the Guests of Honor to eat later (packaged to go)
Self Serve is great for:
Weddings
Large Corporate Events
Fundraisers
Formal Meals for Large Groups over 100
Q. What is the Difference Between Self Serve Buffet & Drop Off Catering?
A. Drop off catering is FOOD ONLY - think restaurant delivery. This a great option for those that simply need the food and nothing else and comes in disposable pans for easy clean up!
Self Serve Buffet catering includes buffet set up and supplies to hold food hot. We offer additional assistance with set-up, chafing dishes, and serving utensils.
Q. How Does Catering with Fat Mike's Work?
How do I inquire, order, and What happens next?
A. Let's breakdown everything from questions through a full timeline of how we handle your event catering:
Inquire & Order:
Contact Us for a QUOTE:
Contact us through any of our website contact forms (click here for one!)
Email us your questions or inquiries: fatmikesbrisket@gmail.com
Text or Call Us: 269-220-0957
Pay Deposit to Hold the Date:
Choose which quote works for you!
You do NOT need your final guest count right away and you will still be able to make menu changes
Pay a non-refundable deposit to hold your date/time. We send this online for easy CC payment.
We secure your date on our calendar!
Periodic Check-In's
We will periodically check-in and confirm details and logistics when it's time:
4-5 weeks prior to your event date, we will request your meal start time and coordinate any delivery logistics.
4 weeks prior - we will CONFIRM your final guest count, LOCK in the menu items, and send the invoice for the balance payment. Once the balance payment is made, we can make limited changes, if at any.
1 week prior - we will re-confirm all details as we know some things can still change.
Day of - we will arrive at the specified set up time to unload and set up (appetizers) the buffet.
SELF SERVE BUFFETS: Most events we return a few hours later to pick up the supplies This is arranged a few days prior or the day of, depending on the venue/event itinerary.
Q. What Does Catering Cost with Fat Mike's Bbq?
A. There is a wide range of costs ($10-$35.95/person) when it comes to catering which relate to how much food and how much service you require! We have options:
A la carte ordering: by the pound and by the item.
Meats, Sides, Buns, Sauce (food only): averages $10-16/person
Self Serve Buffet Set Up packages vary by meat choice.
Ranges from $12-$25.99/person that includes two meats, sides, buns, cornbread, buffet supplies and MORE!
Full Service Packages vary by meat choice.
Ranges from $22.95-$35.95/person that includes two meats, sides, buns, cornbread, buffet supplies SERVICE, CLEANUP, to go packaging and MORE!
Q. Do you offer Appetizers or Pre-Made Items?
A. YES!! We have SEVERAL appetizers to choose from that help round out any catering event as well as fun pre-made menu items that allow for any grab-and-go meal or snack size dish to pass!
We offer a range of appetizer items from light menus like veggie trays and fruit platters to heavier apps like mini tacos, rib candy, or our own Fat Mike's Meat & Cheese tray!
For events that need snack size items or grab and go meals we offer foods like wrapped Texas Size Tacos, Bbq Mac & Cheese Trays, Sandwich Bars, or Individually Packaged Meals.
Q. Do you offer catering for Tailgates or smaller parties?
What do you recommend for special events like football watch parties, birthday parties, or a dish to pass?
A. We can help with that! We offer Party Packages that are perfect for tailgating, casual lunches or get togethers, or just a easy grab meal for business gatherings or easy lunch delivery.
We would recommend these for smaller groups, typcially speaking, with no need for chafing dishes but can modify to accomodate big groups as well.
Taco Packs with side and homemade green salsa and chips
Bbq Sandwich Pack (build your own) with sides and toppings
Bbq Mac & Cheese Trays with your choice of meat and toppings on the side
Click here to see packages
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