Frequently Asked Catering Questions
Sometimes corporate catering can be a bit of a mystery, you may have questions like:
What kind of food should you serve? How much should you budget? And what is the best way to set up your corporate catering operation?
Fortunately, we’ve got answers to all of your corporate catering questions. From deciding on a menu to managing your budget, our corporate catering experts have everything you need to know to make your next event a success. So whether you’re planning a corporate luncheon or an corporate holiday party, we’ve got you covered.
How do I place an order?
You can place an order in one of three ways:
1. Call
Call our Customer Service Department on (03) 9670 4361 from 7am till 5pm Monday to Friday
2. Online
On the website Click ‘Order Online’
Select the items and quantities you want. Click ‘Add to Cart’
When you have finished adding to Cart, click the ‘Go to Checkout’ on the right hand side.
Click ‘Create New Account’ or sign in if you have an account.
Finalise your order and we will confirm your order and deliver it to you.
3. Email
Send enquiries and orders to catering@elizabethandrews.com.au
Please note: Orders placed online or via email are not confirmed until you receive an electronic order confirmation via email or an Elizabeth Andrews representative calls back to confirm your order.
Can we pay with a 30 day account?
Yes, there is no credit application required. Simply place your order online or by phone (recommended for first orders)
How do I become a customer?
You can register online, but we recommend for your first order that you give us a call. We’ll help you through your first order. You do not need to fill out a credit application.
When can I place an order?
- By phone – You can order anytime from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Even for same day orders.
- Internet – Anytime up until 2pm the day (business day) before the delivery. After 2pm please order by phone, this is to ensure we have the produce to complete your order.
- Email – Anytime. We will contact you during our normal business hours by either email or phone to confirm your order.
What is the minimum order amount?
There is no minimum, but for orders under $40 there may be a $10 delivery fee.
Do you do same day Orders?
Yes, we are located close by in the city, with 18 delivery vans. Our aim is to help you in any way we can.
Do you deliver on weekends?
Yes, we do deliver to on Saturday and Sunday. If you require an order for the weekend, please contact us with your order at catering@elizabethandrews.com.au. Please note, we require your order by 2 pm on the Thursday prior, and there is a 15% surcharge on all weekend orders.
I’m not sure what is the best food for my event. Can you help?
If in doubt, give us a call. We’re here to help, 9670 4361.
For help with choosing items and quantities please see this page https://www.elizabethandrews.com.au/new-homepage/how-to-order-catering/
We can help you decide on the right menu and place your order, please call on 9670 4361.
What comes as part of the service?
Serviettes come complimentary with all orders.
Items such as plates, glassware, cups and cutlery do not come standard with regular catering orders.
Menu items such as coffee and tea airpots and BBQ utensils are complimentary with your order.
If you require on site staff, crockery, cutlery or disposables please refer to the Equipment section of this website or talk to your Customer Service consultant.
How is the food presented?
Most food is delivered on light weight melamine platters that we have had designed and made exclusively for corporate catering to look like quality ceramic platters.
Hot food is presented on light weight enamel trays that look great on a board room table.
The platters are unique to us and not used by any other caterer.
Are the platters environmentally friendly?
Our platters are tough and re-useable and made from high quality melamine, unless you specify otherwise. If you specify disposable platters we only use compostable single use platters that are made from plants – not plastic.
Where does your food come from?
96% of the items we sell in our kitchen are made from scratch in our central production kitchen in the heart of the CBD. We have the ability do this as we are the only caterer in Melbourne who specialises solely in corporate catering. We even have our own sushi chefs and baker!
Is the food easy to handle?
Yes. Our menu is designed to be easy to eat in small portions.
Will the food look like the photos?
Yes, we take our own photos on our premises and do not use stock images.
Is the hot food delivered hot or do I have to heat it myself?
We deliver the food hot in insulated containers unless you specify otherwise. We will deliver the food to you within 10 minutes of the time you specify.
How many sandwiches are in a ’round’?
Mixed Executive Sandwich – 1 whole sandwich (4 quarters)
Club Sandwich – 1 whole sandwich (3 fingers)
Artisan Sourdough Sandwich – 1 whole sandwich (cut into 4)
Mini Bagel – 1 whole mini bagel
Baby Baguette – 1 whole baby baguette
Assorted Wraps – 1 whole wrap (2 halves)
Turkish Rolls – 1 whole Turkish roll (cut into 3)
Laugen Roll – 1 whole laugen roll (similar size as a baby baguette)
Phillipa’s Bakery Roll – 1 whole roll
Can you provide celiac, gluten free, nut free, dairy free?
Yes. These will be plated separately and clearly labelled.
Can you provide for vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians etc?
Yes. Please specify at the time of ordering whether you would like these plated separately.
What type of functions do you cater for?
We do all types of corporate functions in the Melbourne metropolitan area from small drop off platters for breakfast, morning tea or lunch to elaborate corporate events with staff, equipment and alcoholic beverages.
Do you do small orders?
Our minimum order size is $40.
Do you do private catering?
No, but we work closely with Crave Catering who specializes in private and venue catering.
Do you provide wait staff, equipment and alcohol?
Yes we do. We have our own wait staff, equipment and have a liquor licence for catering at your site.
For Inner City Zone 1
What are your delivery hours?
7am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. We can deliver outside of these hours for which we charge a nominal fee to cover our labour costs.
How early can EA deliver in the morning?
EA can deliver as early as you require noting that there is a small delivery fee for all orders prior to 7am and after 5.30pm weekdays.
What time can I expect my catering to be delivery?
We normally delivery cold food within 90 minutes prior to the time specified and hot food 10 minutes either side of the time specified.
Do you do same day Orders?
Yes, we are located close by in the city with 14 delivery vans, our aim is to help you in any way we can. When placing same day orders please do so by telephone so we can confirm your order with you quickly to get it underway.
Do you charge a delivery fee?
Delivery to the CBD and surrounding suburbs is free for orders $40 or more. A nominal fee may be levied for suburbs further afield. Any delivery fees would be agreed with you prior to confirming your order.
When will you collect the platters?
Normally within two days of the delivery unless otherwise specified. If you are a regular customer we may wait until your next delivery if you’re OK with that. If you require an urgent collection please don’t hesitate to email or call us on 9670 4361. If you use a number of caterers please ensure that you have all EA equipment separated for return to EA as replacement costs will be charged for any lost equipment.
Do you deliver outside the CBD?
Yes. We are happy to deliver outside our free delivery zone see details below or ask our Customer Service team for more information.
Are you open on the weekend?
Elizabeth Andrews is very happy to assist you with weekend orders provided we are given at least 72 hours notice and a minimum spend of $1,000 on Saturday and $1,350 on Sunday.
In order to cover award penalty rates we charge a nominal surcharge for weekend deliveries.
How do I pay?
By EFT within 30 days of the delivery date or by credit card. There is no credit application required.
What are your sustainability credentials?
We’re committed to tackling climate change. That’s why we’ve made the TAKE2 pledge. Check out the work we’ve been doing to reduce our emissions and our plans for the future at https://pledge.take2.vic.gov.au/pledges/?profileid=e7ac726a-10b3-e911-a97d-000d3ad24282. We’ve recently:
- Commissioned a commercial on-site food composter,
- Installed solar panels on our production facility,
- Commenced rainwater capture for dishwasher operations,
- Planted a cottage garden at the production facility,
- Fitted solar skylights as an alternative to LED’s,
- Connected the latest high-tech oil capture in our extraction systems,
- Replaced all packaging with plant-based alternatives
We’re serious about making a difference, minimising our carbon footprint and working toward leaving a better world for our children.