FAQ

What do you do with leftovers?

We donate them to Oakland Potluck.

How many events will you be doing while you are catering our reception?

At SYR every client is important to us, so we only do ONE event at a time.

What happens if you or your staff runs into traffic problems on your way to the event site?

At SYR we stress proper planning and preparation for each event we do. We always plan for bad traffic and rarely encounter it as a problem because the bulk of our business is close to our office and kitchen.

Does your Executive Chef come to the event?

Yes, our Executive Chef, Matt Wyss, will be at your event cooking hot foods on site & supervising the kitchen.

Will the person we work with throughout the planning stages be at our event?

Yes, Marcie Wyss, company co-owner and an event coordinator with over 25 years experience works with you throughout the planning process and is there on the day of your event to bring it all together.

Will a company owner be at our event the whole time?

Yes, we work “hands on” at every celebration.

What happens if someone gets sick?

Matt and Marcie have fully trained assistants who can take over.

How do you keep your prices so affordable?

We own all of our tableware, glassware and linens thus we do not have to pay high rental fees. We cook from scratch using fresh unprocessed mostly organic foods. We pass these savings and high quality on to you.

Other caterers say their prices are higher because they offer more services. Can SYR also “do it all”?

Yes! Desserts, flowers, specialty rentals, music, espresso bars. We can provide whatever you need.

Do you ever use temporary staff?

We never have and we never will. By only doing one event at a time it allows us to have our well trained, happy and competent staff at every event.

If you don’t charge a mandatory gratuity how is your staff paid?

They are paid a high hourly wage. If you wish to tip them it is just icing on the cake. Most of our staff has been with us for over 10 years.

Will you give us a couple of different floor plan ideas for our event?

Yes, we love looking at an empty room and coming up with different ways to make it work best for a reception.

What do your serving pieces look like?

White ceramic bowls, silver platters and pitchers. No plastic or industrial bowls, pitchers or chipped and worn serving ware will be used at your event.

Will our guests be able to go to the buffet a second time?

Your guests will be surprised the food is like a fine restaurant meal and will often have “seconds” or even “thirds.”

Why do your clients choose your company?

Our food has been called “the best food in Berkeley.” But besides our food, clients are impressed with our professionalism and service before as well as during the event. We book fewer events than most companies so each event is important to us. We quickly return your phone calls and answer any questions you might have. Please ask photographers, DJ’s, event site
managers and other vendors for recommendations, we have a wonderful reputation.

Do you charge for corkage or cake cutting?

No, we provide these services at no extra cost.

More Questions? Contact Us.