Impressions Cafe & Catering
46 Inman St.
Cleveland, TN 37311
423-614-4051
Greg Hicks, owner
Planning any Event or Wedding Rehearsal/Reception takes hours of hard work and your precious time! As part of our service commitment to any potential client, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.


Menu Options & Styles

Variety of simple drop off meals
Lunch and dinner buffet
Heavy Hors d' Oeuvres buffet
Seated/served meals
Hors d' Oeuvres
Display/Cooking station buffet

Budget Planning
Please let us know your budget up front. We have many menu options and service styles to choose from. Keep it simple or shoot for the stars.

Food Preparation
"Chef prepared meals" means fresh produce and meats, flavorful side dishes, and hand made Hors d' Oeuvres. All recipes are original. We use quality fresh Boar's Head products to prepare menu items. The food for your event will be prepared in our commercial production kitchen under the highest of standards and finished at the very last minute for service at your event site.

Tastings
We can provide you with a sampling of items to help you decide which menu to choose. Ask for details.

Personalized menus
Do you have special family recipes you would like us to duplicate? You may have seen a special food item on TV, the internet or perhaps at another event. Let us know exactly what you want and we can make it happen for you!

Leftovers
We will pack up leftovers, particularly buffet, for you to keep. Please make a decision ahead of time as to who is in charge of accepting the leftovers. Don't let any go to waste! If you do not want to take the food home, check out donating to a shelter or organization. We can also make a special "Bridal Basket" for a romantic picnic for two on your special night.

Guaranteed Number of Guests
Once the menu has been determined and the details of your event finalized, we require a final count to be given a minimum of one week ahead. We base your cost on actual head count, not a minimum number. Please remember to include your photographer, band members, or DJ in your final count.

Wedding Cakes & Bakery Items
We personally do not do wedding cakes or bakery items. Let us help put you in contact with some of the top cake makers in the area. Check our Events page for a complimentary cake worksheet you can print out. The cake serving fee will be included in the service staff fees.

Bar Service
We can provide your event with bartenders, mixes, bar condiments, as well as a guide for purchasing the appropriate amount of beer, wine, and liquor. Check our Events page for a complimentary bar worksheet you can print out. Please check with your event site for permits or restrictions concerning bar set ups.

Tax and Gratuity
Menu prices do not include local sales tax. Gratuity is entirely the prerogative of the client.

Ratio of Servers to Guests in these typical settings:
Served Dinner 1 per 10
Buffet Meal with limited table service1 per 20
Buffet Meal with no table service 1 per 20
Heavy Hors d' Oeuvres Buffet 1 per 30
Server fees will be determined by service styles, set up time, and any special needs.

Service Staff
For most events, your professional servers will be wearing tuxedo shirts and pants, with either a cummerbund or vest and a bowtie. Your chefs and kitchen staff will be dressed in the traditional chef's jacket. For themed events and outdoor/casual affairs, we will dress suitably for the event.

Decorations & Themes
Brides, have you chosen your colors? Do you have a particular theme in mind for your event? We have many colored linens, patterned material, and decorating/prop ideas to choose from. See our gallery pictures for some prior events and weddings. We will work with you to provide the theme of your choice.

Tableware and linens
We can offer full place settings for your table at a fraction of the cost of renting. A full line of table linens is also available. If you can imagine it, we can do it. Dinnerware is wide rimmed white or white with a gold rim. Glassware includes iced tea goblets, white and red wine glasses, and champagne flutes.

Licenses
We are fully licensed by the state of Tennessee, carry up to date insurance, and inspected regularly by the Department of Health. We are members of Leading Caterers of America, Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, and Mainstreet Cleveland.

Contracts
We will provide you with a copy of catering contract. Check our Events page for preliminary contract form you can fill out and send to us.

Payment
For larger, scheduled events, a $100.00 reservation fee is required. When the details of location, menu, service, etc. have been determined, a deposit of one half of the entire invoice will be due. The balance of the invoice will be due after the final count has been determined. All reservation fees and deposits are applied to final invoice. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards.

Rental
When in doubt, rent it. Everything imaginable can be rented today so if you know what you want, just ask. We can handle the arrangements for all of your event rental needs. Tents, tables, chairs and chair covers, etc.

References
Available on request.

Hopefully we have answered most of your questions. Feel free to contact us with any other questions. Print a copy of this page, menus and worksheets to have them available for offline use. We look forward to working with you in the near future!