Frequently Asked Questions
Catering & Team
How do I start planning my Full Serviced event with La Pera?
Submit an inquiry through our website to connect with us!
We can reserve your date and have our team begin working on planning your meal and event as soon as we receive your signed event contract and 50% first installment. We are happy to set you or your planner up with a menu tasting and chef consultation after we have developed your initial proposal.
What services do you offer?
Full Service Catering & Drop Off Delivery Style Catering for weddings, corporate functions, virtual events, celebrations and social gatherings of all kinds.
When do I need to book my Full-Serviced catering event?
We recommend securing your date 6 to 8 months in advance, minimum for weddings or more intricate service styles. We take a limited number of weddings and fully serviced events for each calendar date to maintain our commitment to excellent hospitality. We have a tendency to book out very quickly for peak season weekend dates (March to June + September to December) - so let's start talking about your dream menu!
To what areas do you offer Full Service event services & how much does delivery cost?
We offer full service event catering services in and around Austin, Texas. Standard transportation rate starts $45 for venue locations within 15 miles of downtown Austin, Texas. Transportation & set up charges are determined by the venue address, scope of event rentals, and number of staff needed to install or maintain during service.
Do you have a minimum spend for Full Service catering events?
Yes, our food and beverage minimum orders do range based on peak days of the week & peak seasons.
Everyday Drop Off Delivery minimum is $500 food & beverage spend.
Full-Serviced event minimum is $2,500 food & beverage spend - Friday and Saturday events in peak season carry a $10k minimum overall spend.
Private Dining pricing is in effect for any guest count below 25 with a minimum of $1000 food and beverage spend.
How do you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
We do use gluten, nut, dairy, and meat products in our culinary facility. Some items are used in the preparation of other events and some menu items are not possible to adapt to specific dietary requests. We can exclude to the best of our ability and have the ability to prepare individual meals for specific dietary or allergy needs. Dietary restrictions will be clearly labeled on each menu item sign provided.
Can I customize my menu or substitute ingredients?
We are happy to have our culinary team review your requests and consult all the possibilities for custom requests at market pricing.
How much staff do I need for my event?
Staffing ultimately depends on your finalized menu, timeline, guest count and service plan. We try to be as accurate as possible in your first proposal and make adjustments based off of the timeline you provide us with in our final planning stages.
What can I rent through La Pera Catering for my event?
We can help you procure everything from podiums to tapwalls, linen, lighting, tenting, tables & more. We have trusted relationships with many local Austin event industry pro’s and are happy to point you in the right direction or handle it in our services!
What is the La Pera Team uniform at my event?
Our standard uniform includes pressed white button down shirt, dark jeans or black slacks, black non slip shoes & our grey chambray/leather La Pera Team apron. Request a picture from our planning team for more information.
Where is La Pera Catering commercial kitchen located?
Our Commercial Culinary Facility is located in South Austin at 3400 Comsouth Drive, Austin, TX, 78744
Our HQ & Administrative offices are located at 3709 Promontory Point Drive, Suite A105, Austin, TX 78744.
When do I need to have my final details & event balance paid in full?
If the event is within 14 days, all final details + balances are due in full at the time of signing to reserve the date.
If the event is more than 14 days out, 50% first installment is due to reserve the date and all final guest count, timeline, menu, and details are due with the final balance at 14 days.
What do I need to have ready on the day of my event for the team to be set up for success?
Finalize all requested information with the La Pera Planning Team by 14 day finalization date.
Make sure that access to the space + day of contact are ready to recieve the La Pera Team - as defined by your finalized timeline.
ENJOY! We work to finalize as much infomation as possible - as early as possible, so you can kick back and enjoy your guests and the event you have worked so hard to plan.
What time should I expect the team to arrive on event day?
Depending on the guest count, access time to the venue and pre discussed design elements - our team typically arrives onsite for full service installations 2 to 2.5 hours before guests arrive to begin arranging the display and setting up per our pre discussed run of show.
Is your team and kitchen health code compliant and Texas Food Handler certified?
Absolutely. We are fully licensed and permitted with the City of Austin & Travis County.
All of our employees are required to maintain an active Texas Food Handler’s Certification registered with the City of Austin.
Upon booking, we are happy to provide these items to the respective parties that need it.
Is your food company insured?
Yes. La Pera Catering carries the required general liability & liquor liability insurance to perform offsite catered events and bartending services. We are also happy to provide a COI to your venue for service.
Permitting, Certifications, Insurance & COI Requests:
Our culinary facilities are permitted in Travis County and current Health inspections available upon request. Our entire staff is required to hold a Texas Food Handler's Certification and all service team members are TABC certified. All of our proposals include all standard, required liability insurance to provide catering and bartending services in the State of Texas. We are happy to provide this information as needed or if your venue requires proof of insurance or to be added as additionally insured. COI requests typically take 2-4 business days to process and our provider will send this directly via email to the recipient you provide us with.
Please provide your LP Planner with the following to submit a request:
COI requirements provided by your venue
Legal name to be additionally insured (sometimes the registered business name of the venue)
Address to be additionally insured
Direct contact + email we should send this to
Where do you source your ingredients?
We work with many local purveyors, makers & farms in and around Central Texas. We source locally wherever possible and always love suggestions for new partners in collaboration.
Ordering & Payment
What type of payment methods do you accept?
We accept it all - Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Venmo + Paypal.
Do you charge Sales Tax?
Yes, we charge a standard 8.25% sales tax on all goods and services.
Is gratuity included in my event balance?
No, gratuity is optional and not included in the original production and catering quote. Our coordinators have the ability to add gratuity as desired and can also follow up with you post event to add the desired gratuity amount. Our staff thanks you in advance!
What does the first installment cover?
The first installment officially reserves your event date in our calendar and limits the amount of events we will take on that date.
This allows your coordinator and our team to dive into the logistical planning and run of show that are imperative to make your event smooth and successful, such as: creating your timeline, perfecting your table design, coordinating and reserving product with purveyors + display pieces in our system, as well as organizing and relaying all of this information to you, planners, venue, rentals and our team.
I need to postpone or cancel my Full Service event. Can I get a refund on my first installment?
Because the first installment allows our team to begin work on the planning side leading up to your event, we cannot offer a refund on any prepaid funds received for the first installment agreed upon.
We can cancel the 2nd installment or final balance and effectively cancel the event up to 30 days in advance of the originally selected event date, or transfer your event to a different date in the future that we have available.
Bartending Services
Can I provide my own alcohol for my event?
Yes. La Pera Catering is licensed to provide bartending services and cannot directly purchase your liquor. We can assist to subcontract a liquor purchase through one of our partners for special events.
Is your team TABC certified in Texas?
All of our employees are required to maintain an active TABC Certification registered with the City of Austin and must review and sign our Safe Alcohol Service Training guide.
Is your company liquor liability insured in Texas?
Yes. La Pera Catering carries the required general liability & liquor liability insurance to perform offsite catered events and bartending services. We are also happy to provide a COI to your venue for service.
Bar Package - How Much Alcohol Should I Buy?
Once your menu and guest count are finalized - we or your alcohol provider can recommend types, quantities, and consumption for your timeline and event occasion. It is difficult to estimate exact quantities and guest preferences, so we recommend a good variety - include some of your favorites, but make sure the menu is palatable to all.
Depending on what type of event you are planning, you will want to consider what the consumption level will be over the duration of your service timeline:
light (2-3 drinks/guest max)
medium (3-4 drinks max)
heavy (4-5+ drinks/guest)