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How Personal Chef Ivan Bodnar Went From Banquets to His Own Business

 Introduction So you want to know how Ivan Bodnar went from setting up tables at banquet halls to operating his own kitchen and business? It all started with a love for cooking that began when he was just a little kid. He would create dishes out of anything he could find at his grandparent’s farm, and the rest is history! Ivan has come a long way since those early days, and he now uses his passion for cooking to inspire others. He teaches cooking classes and hosts private events, showcasing his skills as a personal chef. If you’re looking for an amazing culinary experience, Ivan is the perfect chef for you! How Ivan Bodnar's Passion for Cooking Started You probably know by now that personal chefs are all the rage. But what you may not know is that many of these chefs started out their careers doing something completely different. Take Ivan Bodnar, for example. He started out as a banquet hall server, setting up tables and making sure everything was running smoothly. But his passi...

10 tips for choosing the perfect banquet hall for your next event

There are many things to think about when you’re planning your next event. You want to choose the right catering company, find the perfect menu, and plan fun activities and entertainment. But there’s one thing that often goes overlooked when it comes to planning an event, and that’s choosing the right venue. It’s true that your food and entertainment can make or break your event, but so can the place where you host it!



Book in advance

While you may want to book at a great venue on short notice, you may end up paying more than necessary. By planning in advance, you can get better deals and ensure that everything will go smoothly on your big day. Before booking, ask yourself: What is my budget? What amenities do I need or want? How many guests are coming? What is my timeframe? Plan ahead and get it done!


Ensure they have enough chairs

One of the most important things to consider is whether or not there are enough seats. It’s always better to have more than fewer. The last thing you want to do is worry about people having a place to sit during your big day. If you’re hosting an evening event, be sure there are plenty of lighting options, such as floor lamps, table lamps and ceiling lights. Not only will they help set a mood but they can also help people see what’s on their plate.



Check out their menu

You might want to make sure they offer a variety of menu options, including appetizers, entrees and desserts. Most importantly, you want to make sure they can accommodate any special dietary needs (e.g., vegan or gluten-free). Ask about how long it will take to get their food delivered after placing an order; you’ll also want to find out if there is a time limit for ordering food.



Find Out What The Staff are Like

The catering staff in any venue should be well trained and welcoming to their customers, so take a look at previous events hosted by venues you’re considering and see how their customers are treated. Great service can make or break an event.



Check what's included with the room rental

Make sure that you know exactly what you're getting when you rent a space. You may want to consider offering to arrange some of your own elements (such as seating, food, and music) separately if they aren't included in what's offered. This way, you can customize everything to ensure it's exactly how you want it.


Don't Forget To Factor Taxes In

When you’re comparing prices, be sure to factor in sales tax and service fees. These extra charges can raise costs by up to 30 percent—that’s money you could use to throw an even more fabulous party!


Consider Extras like Linen, Lighting and Music

While linens, lighting and music are often considered extras, they can make or break an event. Make sure you’re making decisions on high-quality products to make your night a success. If it helps, set aside extra money in your budget to really impress guests with these additions.



Consider Allergies of Guests When Planning Menu

It’s not always easy to plan a menu that will please everyone, but catering services with allergy awareness can help. If you are trying to cater to a diverse group of people, consider an allergen-free meal. Many guests have food allergies and might appreciate not having to worry about what they’re eating at a special event. Allergy-friendly meals usually cost more than traditional food menus because they require extra preparation, so make sure you factor that into your decision.


Explore more than one venue.

The first thing you should do when researching a new space is visit it in person. Once you’ve got an idea of what you like, narrow down your list by visiting each space more than once.



Review their insurance policy

Before agreeing to host a party at a banquet hall, it’s a good idea to review their insurance policy. You want to make sure that if anything happens—say someone gets sick from food-borne illness—that you and your guests will be covered.

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