Serving Dinners

[sandynn]

I don't think it would be worth your time, effort and ingredients for less than $20 pp. I did it once for $16 pp and that is when I learned it was not enough.
If the group is a work group, they most likely can afford it especially if the company is paying for it..

You are so right. For dinner at a wonderful bed and breakfast (private dinning you know) would be about $25 per person. This is a ton of work and your time is a big thing. I would rather rent two nights and make way more in the end. Here you have to have a commercial kitchen to serve anything except breakfast. If they want wine you have to have permit for that. My friend had a bed and breakfast with no commercial kitchen and they sent her a nasty letter to stop doing teas or lunches. She was counting on those for extra $$. Just food for thought so to speak.

 

[sandynn]

I don't think it would be worth your time, effort and ingredients for less than $20 pp. I did it once for $16 pp and that is when I learned it was not enough.
If the group is a work group, they most likely can afford it especially if the company is paying for it..

I don't know how to get rid of what I sent twice. Sorry

 

[1linda]

OK, first of all a holiday dinner does not mean ON Thanksgiving or ON Christmas - it probably is a dinner party in the holiday season. I know OH allows this so she is OK with rules - in fact Socks knows the rules in Ohio better than anyone.
As for price: $25 to $30 per person, set a maximum number of plates X tax + gratuity = Total; and that is what the charge will be to the person who books the party. IF they want to make each couple pay their share, that is the booking person's problem. No add-ons at the last minute and no cancels. Treat it like a reception would be - total head count by X date and that is the priice paud in full minimum of 1 week before event. (do not buy supplies until money is in your hot little hand!)
Just my 2 cents worth..

I totally agree with your thoughts. Make sure that each person with a reservation pays, and make it quite clear no extras. I had a CEO bring an extra person once. Just showed up, no warning. Pretty hard when all plans were made to find enough food to feed.
One thing that has not been mentioned is that you also pay insurance, utilities, etc. Do not just plan on food costs. If the word gets out in town that you are doing such meals, you might have more business than you want.
I vote $25-$30. IF THEY DO NOT WANT TO PAY THAT MUCH, SO BE IT.
Is it OK to serve alcohol or do they need to provide their own.

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

You are nicer and more unique. Don't undersell yourself. In fact, here is an idea - if you have any little bow ties, those lads can usher ladies to the restroom etc and make a few quid!

 

[YellowSocks]

Can't serve alcohol, but doubt this group would want it.
Here's my "competition"
University catering: http://www.ashland.edu/catering/documents/catering.brochure.pdf
priciest... probably $20 for a full meal, plus 12% plus tax
Nice restaurant w/ private rooms: http://www.pumphouseministries.com/dmenu.html
very nice... dinner buffet $20 inclusive, plus 18% plus tax
Local caterer w/ room available: http://www.celebrationsbysallie.com/dinners.htm
has a room... $7.50 to $20 inclusive, plus tax (tips not included but appreciated)
Two other links:
Lunch only: http://www.ashland.edu/accentroom/
Lunch $10
Sunday Brunch Buffet $16.25
Place without a room that caters: http://www.fergysonmain.com/site/menu.html
(No prices)
ETA: Another B&B http://www.bbonline.com/oh/winfield/menu.html
Three Tier Tea: $17
Lunch: $13.50
plus tax and tip
This was a useful exercise... $20/pp plus tip and tax is the going rate for our nicest places. If they want to go cheaper they can go to see Sallie.
I think I tend to think of myself as less "elegant" but the reality is they would have a private facility, and a homey, non-industrial one all decked out for the holidays.
Thanks for your input and help!
=)
Kk.

 

[Penelope]

Can't serve alcohol, but doubt this group would want it.
Here's my "competition"
University catering: http://www.ashland.edu/catering/documents/catering.brochure.pdf
priciest... probably $20 for a full meal, plus 12% plus tax
Nice restaurant w/ private rooms: http://www.pumphouseministries.com/dmenu.html
very nice... dinner buffet $20 inclusive, plus 18% plus tax
Local caterer w/ room available: http://www.celebrationsbysallie.com/dinners.htm
has a room... $7.50 to $20 inclusive, plus tax (tips not included but appreciated)
Two other links:
Lunch only: http://www.ashland.edu/accentroom/
Lunch $10
Sunday Brunch Buffet $16.25
Place without a room that caters: http://www.fergysonmain.com/site/menu.html
(No prices)
ETA: Another B&B http://www.bbonline.com/oh/winfield/menu.html
Three Tier Tea: $17
Lunch: $13.50
plus tax and tip
This was a useful exercise... $20/pp plus tip and tax is the going rate for our nicest places. If they want to go cheaper they can go to see Sallie.
I think I tend to think of myself as less "elegant" but the reality is they would have a private facility, and a homey, non-industrial one all decked out for the holidays.
Thanks for your input and help!
=)
Kk..

I think I tend to think of myself as less "elegant" but the reality is they would have a private facility, and a homey, non-industrial one all decked out for the holidays.
Thanks for your input and help!
=)
Kk.

You are still more elegant that the nicest 'restaurant' in town. Casual elegance is still elegance.

 

[MTLLodge]

You are nicer and more unique. Don't undersell yourself. In fact, here is an idea - if you have any little bow ties, those lads can usher ladies to the restroom etc and make a few quid!.

You are nicer and more unique. Don't undersell yourself. In fact, here is an idea - if you have any little bow ties, those lads can usher ladies to the restroom etc and make a few quid!

Cute ideal!

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

We were involved with the tour of homes for the historicial society - fundraiser. The ladies were knocking our door down and would come in and say "We heard about the <insert the B&B name here > girls! Where are they?"
They were in the paper as the official tour guides. That is where the bow tie idea came from. They would be a big hit, the little gentlemen.
But they have to endure being hugged on and cheeks pinched. LOL!