Cafe Common Ground

11/08/2024

Happy national cappuccino day!!!

10/21/2024

PSA: We can appreciate the need to stick to a budget, but some clients can be a little unaware of what is involved on our end when you hire us to cater your event.

When you hire a caterer, you're paying for several components that contribute to the overall service and rate. Overall, you’re paying not just for food, but also for the planning, service, logistics, decorating, and seamless ex*****on of the catering process, ensuring your event runs smoothly, looks aesthetically pleasing, and guests enjoy their meals.

PLEASE, take these things into consideration when hiring a caterer. Be REAL with your budget and don't ask a professional to minimize the value they literally and figuratively bring to the table.

Here’s a breakdown of what is typically included:

1. Food Costs
Ingredients: The caterer purchases the ingredients needed to prepare the dishes for your event. This includes everything from meats, vegetables, and condiments to specialty ingredients and beverages.
Menu Customization: Caterers often offer customized menus tailored to dietary restrictions, preferences, or event themes, which can affect pricing.
Tasting Sessions: Some caterers provide tasting sessions so you can sample the menu before the event.

2. Menu Planning and Consultation
Event Consultation: Caterers usually include time spent consulting with you about the menu, theme, and style of service (buffet, plated meals, etc.). This may include discussing food preferences, dietary restrictions, and budget considerations.
Logistics Planning: Caterers also plan the logistics of food preparation, delivery, and service to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of your event.

3. Food Preparation
Labor Costs: Caterers employ chefs and kitchen staff who are responsible for preparing, cooking, and assembling the meals. Depending on the complexity of the menu and the scale of the event, the labor costs can vary significantly.
Pre-event Preparation: This includes chopping, marinating, baking, cooking, and assembling various food items before the event day.

4. Delivery and Transportation
Transporting Food: Caterers ensure that the food is properly transported to your event venue, maintaining correct temperatures to preserve food safety.
Delivery Charges: Depending on the distance from the catering kitchen to your event location, there might be a delivery fee.

5. Event Setup
Tables, Chairs, and Utensils: If required, caterers may provide setup services, which can include setting up tables, chairs, linens, plates, cutlery, and glasses. Some caterers offer these items as part of a package, while others charge an additional fee.
Food Presentation: Setting up food stations, buffet lines, or plated meal arrangements is part of the caterer's duties, ensuring an appealing presentation.

6. Service Staff
Servers and Bartenders: Depending on the event, you may need servers or bartenders to provide food and beverage service to guests. This cost covers their time for setup, serving, and clearing.
On-site Chefs: Some events require on-site chefs to prepare or cook certain dishes fresh at the venue.

7. Cleanup
Post-event Clean-up: Caterers handle cleaning up after the meal is served, including clearing tables, washing dishes, and packing up equipment.
Trash Disposal: They may also handle trash removal and breakdown of any catering-related setup, ensuring the venue is left clean.

8. Additional Costs
Rentals: If you need to rent additional items such as ovens, grills, or drink dispensers, these costs may be added to your catering bill.
Taxes and Gratuity: Sales tax is usually added, and gratuity for the staff may be automatically included in the final invoice.
Coordination with Venue: Some caterers work closely with venues, handling permits, coordination, and venue restrictions (e.g., outdoor cooking).

We very much look forward to serving your catering needs and we are happy to answer your questions.
Verna & Jayson

Call now to connect with business.

10/20/2024

10/19/2024

When you do what you love, you love what you do! 💕 So much love went into the preparation of this feast.

We catered a beautiful event last Sunday in Lititz. We were told by the organizers that we are hired for the next ten years!!

09/08/2024

Hot peppers in oil for sale while supplies last.

Small container $10.00
Large container $20.00

Please text me at 484.529.3564 for pick up

Venmo, cash app, Zelle, cash, all credit cards

08/30/2024

Looking to host an unforgettable event without the stress of cooking? Let us take care of everything! Our catering services are designed to bring you delicious, high-quality meals that will impress your guests and make your event seamless.

Whether you’re planning a large gathering or an intimate dinner, we offer two convenient options:

1. **Full Catering Service:** We handle it all—from setup to service and cleanup. Our experienced team will ensure your event runs smoothly, allowing you to enjoy the occasion without worry.

2. **Delivery of Fully Prepared Meals:** Prefer to serve your guests yourself? We can deliver freshly prepared, ready-to-serve meals directly to your door. You get all the flavor and presentation, without the hassle of cooking.

From elegant appetizers to sumptuous main courses and delectable desserts, our menus are crafted to suit every taste and occasion. Let us help make your event memorable with exceptional food and service that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Contact us today to discuss your needs and let’s make your next event one to remember!

Additional services:
☕️🧁Assorted coffees and dessert bar

🍝🍽️ Pasta station

🍦🍨 Gelato and granita (Sicilian version of Italian ice) station

🥖🧀🧆🍇Appetizer and grazing tables

🍷🍷- Tuscan wine tasting tables or private events

🧀🥖 Assorted Italian cheese station

👨‍🍳Pasta making classes 🍝👩‍🍳

The possibilities are endless!!

Please contact us today for a price quote and for more information!

10/27/2023

Ohhhh what a night!!! We got to introduce Berks County to authentic Sicilian cuisine!!! It was a hit!!!

Next event is 12/10 from 1-4 pm at the IA club in West Reading. Hope to see you there!!

09/02/2023

Some old-school favorites

09/02/2023

It is not too early to start thinking about your holiday catering needs. Please reach out to us at 4845293564 to reserve your date!

We are also available for private chef, cooking classes, and customized stations at your event. (Coffee bar, Dessert bar, assorted food and appetizers stations)

06/21/2023

Want a Fun and unique party experience? Cafe Common Ground is now offering private cooking classes. Fun afternoon or evening learning how to make popular Sicilian/Italian dishes.

Includes:
All ingredients
All cooking utensils
Aprons and chef hats
The cooking class
The meal (an appetizer, the cooking class main meal, and dessert)
Clean up

Extras:
Photography

Not included:
Beverages & Alcohol are BYOB

Sample of classes being offered:
Homemade Ravioli
Homemade Taglatelli
Homemade Lasagna
Assorted Italian sauces
Chicken and beef Braccioli
Chicken cutlets
Chicken Roulade (chicken breast stuffed with gorgonzola and wrapped in bacon)
Chicken Marsala
Saltimbocca
Meatballs
And so much more!!

The price per person varies depending on how many people and which class you choose. Contact us today at 4845293564 for a quote and to schedule your class.

01/03/2023

Please help support our efforts to advocate for the autistic community.

Please share!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1384655561/unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee?click_key=6e47839500a9bd7b04f944e8c9fe59d3eba1346f%3A1384655561&click_sum=3dda6a40&ref=shop_home_active_2

12/18/2022

This mission is so much bigger than us….We have a whole community to take care of... Please consider making a donation. Any amount is appreciated. 💙

https://gofund.me/eb7897cf

Send a message to learn more

12/18/2022

Busy week 💕🙏
If you have a small (100 or less) catering event coming up and need an authentically trained Italian cook, 🇮🇹🍝 let’s chat!

11/25/2022

My apologies but I’m not taking cookie orders this week. The flu or whatever this is has decided to make an appearance… Hope to be back up and running next week. I hope everyone had a nice thanksgiving 🥰

10/31/2022

Keep things easy peasy this year and order your COMPLETE Thanksgiving meal!!! A traditional Thanksgiving meal can cost anywhere between $35.00 to $55.00 per person. Save time and money by ordering from us!!

**All orders must be placed by 11/18/22**

**All orders must be picked up by 6 pm on 11/23/22.**

Single platter Turkey Dinners (I’m only offering 20 of these)
Choice of white or dark meat
Turkey Gravy
Choice of bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, or Mac n cheese
Cranberry sauce
Corn
Dinner roll
$25.00 each

Complete Thanksgiving meal for up to 10 people for $325.00

Only offering 5 of these. Must be picked up by 6 pm on 11/23/22
18-20 lb prepped but uncooked roasted Turkey. (You just need to put it in the oven per included instructions on Thanksgiving morning.) If you would like your Turkey cooked, please add $50.00 to the total.
Cranberry sauce
Corn or green beans
Choice of bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, or Mac n cheese
Dinner rolls
Turkey Gravy
Pumpkin pie

Or
15 lb Turkey option with the complete meal (feeds 6-8 people)
$300.00

Call or text us at 4845293564

10/23/2022

Rockin and rollin at the PA Pitt stop fundraiser! 💕

10/22/2022

Come join us tomorrow for two great causes!

10/10/2022

Need an event food bar! We got you!
Hot beverage and dessert bar!
Pasta bar!
Pizza bar!
Appetizers/finger food bar!
Soup and salad/sandwich bar!
Also offering:
Appetizer and finger food trays!
Cookie trays!
Cookie gift boxes!
Book your holiday party with Cafe Common Ground today! 4845293564
Delivery/on-site service/pickup available