Frequently asked questions

What kind of food does Heritage offer?

We work with clients to ensure our dishes complement their event. We specialize in modern American cuisine featuring locally sourced sustainable products. Sourcing from local farms ensures fresh seasonal ingredients. Our meat products come from our own farm in Central Wisconsin. With menus inspired by Heritage Tavern dishes, we look forward to wowing your guests with our presentation and flavor.

Does Heritage have my date available? / Do you have other catering events scheduled for that day?

We can service multiple events a day depending on the guest count and location. We will be sure to let you know if we will have more than one event on your date.

Does Heritage service/deliver to my venue?

Many venues require staff to be present for the duration of food service. Therefore drop off service is not always available. Our sales team will happily coordinate with you to get the right service for your event. We service the greater Dane county area, if your event it outside of this area please confirm with our staff that we are able to travel to your location.

Has Heritage ever catered at my location?

We cater at many spaces in the Madison and greater Dane County area and therefore are familiar the various nuisances of each space. If we have not been to your venue before, we make sure to reach out to the venue for their catering rules and regulations. We also make sure to visit the location at least one time prior to booking with you.

Can I place a hold on an event date?

Once we have sent you a proposal, you have a hold for two weeks from that date. If you need more time to decide, please let us know. If someone else is interested in your date, we will let you know immediately as it may affect your decision. If we do not hear from you within those two weeks, your proposal will be void, we can continue to work with you but you may lose your preferred date.

What does the Heritage team need from before my event?

We need a signed contract and deposit to confirm our services for your event. Once signed, we will finalize a menu and estimate staff and rentals. One month prior to your event we will set up a walk through with you and other important vendors to finalize day of details. Two weeks before your event we will need a final guest count to confirm your final balance due. Payment in full is due one week prior to your event. All relevant dates are listed in your contract.

How much space does Heritage Catering need for set up?

We will need a parking spot for our cooking trailer and refrigerated van. We will also need a designated area to prep and plate your meal, as well as an area to bus used dishes and glassware. We will work with you/your venue to determine the best set up.

Will the catering staff be there to fully service the meal (serve, clear, refresh, etc.)?

Our responsibilities will be food focused. We deal with all set up and tear down of our equipment and food service items. Our staff would be happy to help with other day of tasks if they are clearly discussed beforehand. Some requests may result in additional Heritage staff.

Do you provide china dinnerware, silverware, glassware and coffee cups?

We are a full service caterer! We can provide food, staff, rentals, and bar product. We are happy to provide any or all of these items for you. This includes linens and other specialty rentals.

Where is the food prepared?

We have a mobile kitchen with two ovens, twelve burners, and two fryers that accompanies us to each event May- October. This allows us to prepare your menu on site and serve each dish at its freshest. It has twice the cooking power of Heritage Tavern, and allows us to make meals for your guest count quickly and with ease. If your venue has an adequate kitchen, we can certainly work in that space instead.

Will there be enough food for everyone?

We charge per person be it a buffet, family style, or individually plated event. This ensures everyone has enough food every time.

How much time is needed to set up?

We ask for two hours to set up and one hour to break down. This is an average, some events may require more or less depending on the scale of service and guest count.

Can the catering staff set up before the ceremony?

We schedule for our staff to be completely set up before guest arrival. Each event is different and has different needs, our sales team is happy to suggest the best option for you.

Does Heritage serve beverages?

We can provide all aspects of your bar. Product (alcoholic and N/A), glassware, set up, and staff. We also offer specialty drinks, self serve water stations, coffee, and tea.

Do you have Liability Insurance?

Yes, we have general, auto, and liquor liability insurance policies that cover our staff on and off site.

What is the dress code of the wait staff?

We dress in all black and wear denim aprons.

Does Heritage require a Security Deposit? If so, how much?

We require a down payment equal to 50% of your estimated costs. Your deposit paid will be credited to the final invoice.

Does Heritage Catering offer Tastings before Events?

Once you have created a menu with our sales team, we would be more than happy to host you at Heritage Tavern for a tasting. There is $50 charge per person, that is credited to your final catering bill. You do not need to have a tasting to book your event.