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blast from the past with a question on building rentals
Hello all. It's boy #2. I hope you all are doing well, enjoying married life, life with kids, etc. etc. etc. I've not logged in well, in over a year and I'm not sure if anyone remembers me.
I have a question that I wish to ask Detroit's finest. Long story short, I work in a historical building that sits on a huge lot of land a block away from the lake in a northern suburb of Chicago. It has a church and is quite frequently used for weddings, receptions, and parties.
I've been asked to oversee all building operations and one responsibility is the building rental aspect of the building.
A girl here was working with a catering company (who we use when we throw events internally) who has asked to partner with us exclusively. Meaning, if someone were to rent the building for a reception or party, they'd have to use this caterer. She sees it as an excellent idea where I have some doubts.
In your experience and/or in your opinion, in renting a hall, what would be more appealing:
- the ability to use the caterer you want, whoever they are, and at whatever price point you privately agree to with the caterer BUT with the possibility/liklihood that the caterer is not familiar with the building/setup
- renting a hall that has their vendors setup - you use this caterer and these are their prices - if you rent with us, it's a package deal
Is choice better than convenience?
Any and all feedback would be fantastic - I can see both sides.
And for your viewing pleasure - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0
Re: blast from the past with a question on building rentals
RICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would be happy to give my opinion privately.
My Happy House
My Happy House
How do you handle all other aspects of the rental? Do you provide tables/chairs/linens/etc, or is that outsourced as well? Do you have your own staff to work the events (setup/cleanup)?
Partnering with one caterer will likely make YOUR life a lot easier. For people on a budget, it's nice to have options, but also a lot more work for everyone involved. If you decide not to partner, keep in mind that you'll likely end up with a list of "preferred vendors" that are familiar with your setup requirements, etc, and over time more caterers will become familiar with your facility.
This.
So is there any big benefit for you guys to partner with this person?
Personally, I'd rather have my own choice. If the service/food goes downhill, that can kill business for you guys. Do you guys already provide a list of caterers who have done events there and are familiar with the set-up? I'd just give people a list and let them decide
i am insulted that you said you aren't sure if anyone remembers you!
i think as a bride/party host it is more appealing to find a place that allows you to bring your own caterer. Not many places do that, however, there is a reason for that i'm sure.
It would make your life easier to have just one caterer that people have to use, but i think you would get more business if you left it open but highly recommended this girl.
I agree w/ Mara & Molly. Personally, I'd like the choice.
Our venue had 2 caterers to choose from (Crank's or Soprano's) when we got married. It was at a hotel, and the option to bring in any other caterer was not offered nor did we ask. We were fine with those choices after we had the opportunity to try the food.
Most often - the receptions we get, people put up a tent on the lawn and have an outdoor reception. When they ask about who to use, we give them a few business cards of companies other brides have used but ultimately leave all the work to whoever they decide to use. We don't have the staff to provide a fully functional banquet center but have a very nice piece of property and our building rental rates are pretty affordable (based on comparison to areas rented nearby and at Northwestern University which is next door). Our indoor 'banquet hall' is modeled after a Tudor style banquet room and, quite honestly, isn't visibly appealing to what I think any bride would want, so we're somewhat at a disadvantage.
I just personally don't want to be responsible for driving away anyone else because of new restrictions that would deter future business but I remember when Cindy and I were looking at places in northern MI, some venues required you use A caterer and B florist. Also remember the Grand Hotel required you even use their salon for hair and makeup.
I hope this isn't breaking any rules - I don't think I'm a vendor, am I? If I am or if this is breaking some sort of rule, I'm very sorry. This whole project hit my inbox yesturday afternoon and I thought 'you know who would know how to answer this - the Detroit Knotties!'
Unrelated - it's really great to see a bunch of familiar faces post to this thread
Hope you all are you doing well!
That's funny - she just e-mailed me and told me to knock it off and if I don't, I'll be suspended forever
p.s. we are on the nest now and tarah is in charge.......................
No, you're not a vendor, no worries.
) Here are the factors that I see to both sides:
A) Partnering with 1 caterer:
-- Initially more work for you, as you will need to research and interview local caterers to select one to partner with, however after that it is less work for everyone.
-- You might lose a few clients who are dead-set on selecting their own vendors, however I think in most cases it will just be seen as the "norm".
-- Let's be honest - there is an opportunity for you to make a kick-back from the caterer.
-- Potentially you can also provide lower costs to your clients, as you should be able to negotiate a deal with the caterer - higher volume usually equals lower costs.
-- Reviews of the catering will become a reflection of your venue -- both good and bad.
-- You will continue to attract clients who want to be in control of their individual vendors (and their budget).
-- You may deter a few clients who don't have the time/energy to research all their own vendors.
-- You remove yourself from almost all the work involved with coordinating said caterer, and also from any responsibility from their actions/results.
-- There is always a chance that a client would hire an unknown company that is not familiar with your venue and causes problems/damage.
That's all I can think of for now.
Rick?!?!?!?!
Wait, who was boy #1?
ETA - I think the option to choose is what people will want. The couples that don't have a caterer in mind or want to spend time finding one will opt to use your highly recommended one anyway. Win win.
boy 1 was BJ right?
boy 2 was Rick?
boy 3 was that douchey kid J something
Oh yeah, BJ, lol!
I don't remember boy #3?
Don't think he lasted too long - I think an unemployed lawyer or something?
Do you girls still do G2G?
that would be Josh
of course!
I will be in chicago for a wedding in June. Staying at the Hyatt on Whacker... I think
The other man in my life
Born 11/19/10 - 7 lbs. 4 oz. - 20.9 inches
I AM A PPCM (PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY) SURVIVOR!