Self-contained catering???

I am not familiar with that term. I would reach out to your venue for clarification. They can also probably provide you with a list of caterers who have worked at the venue in the past.

Ask the venue what they mean

My best guess is that the catering company must be completely able to cook and heat the food without the venue's assistance. Does your venue not have a kitchen? I think it would also pertain to set up and clean up as well. The catering company would need to take care of anything it needed to get the job done.

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That sounds about right, maybe they need to come in with the food ready to go because there is no full or prep kitchen.

I believe it means that the catering company must prep the food off-site and have everything it needs to keep the food hot or cold, and everything it needs to clean afterwards. Meaning the venue must not have a kitchen, refrigerators/freezers, sinks, etc.

From a few google searches, it seems to me that your venue doesn't provide a kitchen/clean up area? Is this an outdoor area?

Meaning your caterer will need to be able to prep the food somewhere else, bring it to the venue, keep it at temps it needs to be at to serve, and also clean up all on their own with their own equipment. (heaters, fridge, freezer, washing sink).

Some self contained caterers in my area pop up when I search it, I'd start there but also ask the venue for a list of caterers if they have any.

View Quoted Comment Thank you for your replies!! I will clarify with the venue but that sounds right about it meaning there isn’t a kitchen for the caterer to use! It is an outdoor venue.

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I would agree with this, but def call the venue back just to be 100% sure!

View Quoted Comment Check out renting some food trucks or a caterer that comes fully prepared and cooked! There are plenty out there just put the requirements within your requests when messaging vendors.