Frequently Asked Questions about
Spotlight Catering & our Services

General Questions 

 What cities or areas do you service?

We provide our catering & bar services all across the greater Tampa Bay region: north to Brooksville, east to Lakeland, south to Venice, west to the Gulf cities & everywhere in between! We do cater outside these regions, though, so simply let us know where your event is being held & we can tell you if it's an area we can service.

 There is no kitchen where my event is being held. Are you still able to cater it?

Yes we can! In addition to what we can prepare at our kitchen, we also have a mobile kitchen which allows us to cook some of your food right on-site. Please let us know where your event is being held when you give us your event details so we can address the logistics and any possible issues.

 Can I customize my catering package? I don't see one that has everything I'm looking for.

Absolutely! We will work with you to create the catering menu that suits you best. You can mix dishes from different menu packages, choose action stations, opt to select hors d'oeuvres only - basically you can pretty much create any assortment of items you'd like for your menu. We can also customize your package by adding bar services, rentals you need, and even entertainment & activities.

 Are there additional fees/charges not included in your packages?

Yes. A 7% sales tax will be added to all package sub totals, & there is a 3% charge for payments made by credit or debit card. Staffing, gratuity, & travel fees also apply, based on the size of your event, your subtotal & where the event is being held. These additional charges or fees will be noted on & calculated into your catering quote & contract. Important Note: Some venues charge their own, separate usage fee; please ask us about your venue, or inquire with them to find out if they charge an additional fee, and if so, how much it is.

 If my catering package is customized, will it still include the necessities like plates?

Yes, any catering menu you choose will include the basics: disposable plates, flatware, napkins, & buffet tables with linens. If you would like china & glass water goblets, or glassware for your bar package, those are an additional cost, but we do have all-inclusive packages that include these items. Rentals such as tables, chairs, & tents are also available for an additional cost. 

 Do you offer tastings so I can try items before I book you?

Yes, we are happy to offer our clients one complimentary private tasting for two, once you have received your catering quote. Additional guests (up to 5 total) are $20 + tax each. All tasting charges will be applied to your catering balance if you book with us. After you have received your catering quote, please request a tasting if you are interested & our sales manager will work with you to schedule it. Tastings are offered on Wednesdays between 2pm & 8pm, and are held at our office, located at: 8414 Camden St., Tampa, FL 33614.

 Do you require a deposit to hold my date?

Yes. For weddings we require an initial 10% non-refundable deposit at contract signing, 40% no later than 45 days prior to your event date & the final contract balance is due 7 days prior to your event. For all other events, we require a 50% deposit to hold your date & the remaining balance is due no later than 14 days prior to your event.

 How do I make my deposit & any subsequent payments?

You may bring your cash or check payment to our office, located at 8414 Camden St., Tampa 33604, or you may mail checks to P.O. Box 15481, Tampa, FL 33684. For credit card payments, we can email you a credit card authorization form for you to complete & either fax or email back to us. You may also make your credit card payment by phone: (813) 888-8995 (subject to a 3% processing fee).

 What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, personal checks, money orders, cashiers checks, debit cards & credit cards: American Express, MasterCard, & Visa. Sorry, we do not accept Discover cards. There is a 3% processing fee for all credit card transactions.

 When do you need my final guest count?

We require your final guest count at least 14 days prior to your event so we can prepare accordingly.

 How much time do I have to make changes to my menu?

Menus must be finalized no less than 14 days prior to your event so we can prepare accordingly.

 How far in advance do I need to book you?

If you know your event date, we always recommend you book to save your date as soon as possible. Particular months fill up quickly, & weekend days any time of year are especially likely to fill up. Once you have signed your contract & paid your initial deposit, your date is locked in & on our calendar.

 Are there any dates or holidays you do not cater?

We strive to cater any event, 24/7/365. There may be exceptions such as the size of the event (under 50 guests), its location, or if the date is already fully-booked.

 Is there a minimum number of guests required to book your services?

We generally do not book events of less than 50 people, but we often make exceptions & try to cater to everyone. When you complete our online inquiry form, please note the number of guests you anticipate & we will let you know if we can accommodate your event.

 If I need to cancel my event, what is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel your event, your deposit(s) will be applied toward the cost of any new event contracted with Spotlight Catering within 90 days of your cancellation. Cancellations must be made no later than 30 calendar days prior to your event for this policy to be valid. Any deposits made are non-refundable if your event cancellation is made less than 29 days prior to your event.

 How long is your food & bar service?

Our bar service is 4 hours. Hours of food service vary depending on the menu & event. Your Spotlight Catering sales manager will discuss with you the service hours of your specific event during your consultation.

 Can you provide me with any services other than catering?

Absolutely! We are a one-stop-shop, so we are happy to arrange event rentals you need such as guest tables, seating, linens, chair covers, china, tents - almost everything you can think of! We can also arrange entertainment services like a DJ, Emcee, & bounce houses. Just let us know what you need & we will include those items in your catering package quote.

 I'm interested in having a bar at my event. Are there any restrictions I should know?

Some event venues & locations (like public spaces) do not allow outside bar services or do not permit alcohol on the premises. Please inquire with your event venue or ask us. We have worked nearly everywhere & likely know which places allow outside alcohol or don't. If permitted, we can provide the venue with a copy of our Liquor Liability Insurance & Alcohol Permit.

 I'm planning on providing the alcohol at my event. Can I hire your bartenders to serve it?

For liability reasons, our staff can only serve alcohol if our company is providing it. If you are providing the alcohol, you can hire someone to bartend or allow guests to serve themselves.

 Do your services include cleaning during & after the event?

Yes. Our staff maintains all food stations throughout the event to ensure cleanliness & will bus tables during the event. Our staff is also responsible for cleaning their prep & kitchen area, removing trash, & breaking down & collecting most items rented through us such as china, chairs, tables, tents, etc. Please note that Spotlight Catering staff is not responsible for mopping, vacuuming, or cleaning restrooms.

 Is Spotlight Catering licensed & insured?

Yes, we have all licenses, permits & insurances that are required to prepare & serve food & beverages. And unlike most other catering companies, we also possess a Quota License, issued by the state of Florida, which allows us to provide alcoholic beverages state-wide. We can provide you &/or your event space or company with a copy of these if they are not already on file.

 What does your staff wear while working events?

Our servers, bartenders & captains wear black pants, black, long sleeve, button-down collared shirts, a black tie, black belt & black non-slip shoes. Our Chefs & culinary staff wear white or black Spotlight Catering-embroidered chef jackets. The jackets may be long or short sleeve, depending on whether they are cooking inside or outside & the season.

 Do you have kosher menu items?

We have plenty of menu items that are parve, & that do not contain pork or shellfish. Unfortunately, we do not serve kosher meats or Rabbinically prohibited foods.

 Do you have vegetarian & vegan menu items?

Yes we do. Your catering sales manager will be able to identify the vegetarian- & vegan-friendly menu items we offer.

 Do you charge a cake cutting fee?

No, cake cutting is included in all of our wedding packages & wedding catering quotes.