Here you will find the answer to many of your questions.
We are glad your here...welcome!
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer Service?
Yes. To help make your event a memorable occasion, we offer Bella Cucina servers. Uniformed, pleasant, and efficient, they will assist with your event so you can relax and enjoy it. Our servers bring chafing racks, unique serving trays, etc. We also provide décor for the buffet table. We do ask that you provide the base tablecloths. Our staff handles the buffet set up and provides food warmers to keep backup food hot. We clear tables and are happy to assist with dessert at no extra fee.
Service timing begins when we arrive and includes: loading, arriving early to set up, serving, clearing tables, passing items, assisting with dessert, cleaning the buffet and our workspace, unloading, and often doing dishes when we return to the shop.
Server Fee: $150 per server with a 4-hour minimum.
We will determine the number of servers needed for your event.
There is a 2-server minimum.
Larger events typically require approximately 2 servers per 50 guests.
Service outside of Joliet also requires a travel fee per server, depending on distance.
Servers must be paid in cash upon arrival the night of your event.
We cannot accept service payment on a card, as servers are outsourced. We currently do not add a gratuity to the service bill. Tipping is optional and greatly appreciated.
We work hard to make your event seamless & special.
Do you offer “Delivery Only”?
Absolutely! Our delivery service includes delivery to your destination and the setup of food purchased from Bella Cucina in the pans they arrive in. Once received, it's your responsibility to keep it warm. If sitting out more than 30 minutes, we recommend using chaffing racks w/sterno We have sets available for $19.99 each or you can use your own (see below). If you’re using your own chaffing racks have them ready with water in the water pan and opened sterno underneath before we arrive. A delivery cost applies to all deliveries.
The cost depends on destination/difficulty of the delivery. We strive to be exactly on time
to the second but sometimes "life happens" so we ask you allow a 10–15 minute margin of error when choosing your delivery time just in case.
Fees & Payments
Cash or check payments are preferred
Payments must be received prior to, or when we arrive to cater your event. We will collect it at the beginning of the event, so as not to bother you once your event is in full swing.
Checks are made to: Bella Cucina Catering
Card payments
are made at the time your final count is due (10 days prior to your event). At this time we do not charge a service fee for credit cards, though this may change in the future.
Venue Fees
Please be advised, If your venue charges us a catering fee, you are responsible for it and pay it directly to the venue.
Buffet Service and Remaining Food Policy
Buffet service differs from plated meal service. Buffet menus are prepared in quantities intended to ensure full service throughout the event. For food safety and liability reasons, buffet food may not leave the premises with guests or clients. Any remaining food remains the property of the caterer and will be removed from the venue by the caterer at the conclusion of the event.
Taxes & Gratuity
9.75% sales tax will be added to all food purchases. We do not automatically add a 18-20% gratuity like many other caterers. Tipping is optional & greatly appreciated.
Do you do Tastings/Meetings?
We currently do not offer tastings. Every inch of our little shop is an operating kitchen and we simply do not have room. We can supply references if you would like.
Do you work with Rentals?
We currently do not provide or work with rentals/real dishes.
Are paper goods included?
Paper goods are included in the pricing of all menus except Sweet Endings & Hors D'oeuvres. Our Elegant Dinner Buffet Menu includes:
Clear upscale plates & eating utensils wrapped in a thick linen-like napkin.
You are welcome to pick up the paper goods before your event to set it up early.
The plates/silverware at each seat looks nice.
You are also welcome to use your own upscale disposables
Our breakfast, cold lunch buffet & lunch/light dinner menus include:
white disposable plates and eating utensil packets that include a fork, knife, napkin and s&p.
If you would like to upgrade to clear acrylic plates and silverware wrapped in a thick linen-like napkin there is a $2.50 per guest fee.
We can supply paper goods for the following costs
Dessert: Upscale clear acrylic plate, napkin and fork $35.00/per 50 guests
Appetizer buffet: Upscale clear acrylic plates & napkins $60.00/per 50 guests
Appetizer Passing | Napkins Only $20.00/per 100
Chaffing Sets: rack, water pans and 2 canned heat | $19.99
Additional Info
_We do not currently book events more than 12 months in advance.
_ To ensure proper ordering, your menu must be finalized 2 weeks before your event.
_ To ensure proper staffing & execution the guest count is due 10 days prior to the event.
_All prices & menu items are subject to change with no notice.
_ We currently only cater weddings at venues.
_Appetizer orders for weeknights or evenings require a $500 minimum order.
_Some of our hot and cold appetizers are best when baked or assembled by you or a Bella Cucina server. We are happy to help you make the perfect selections for your event.