Catering FAQ — Frato’s Personal Chef Catering

Straight answers on minimums, delivery, service levels, dietary needs, payment, and our On-Time Guarantee. Don’t see your question? Call a chef at (847) 895-2122 or email Catering@FratosKitchen.com.

How do I know you will do a good job?

Start with our catering testimonials and our On-Time Guarantee. We’ve been cooking in Schaumburg for over 40 years, 99% of our menu is scratch-made, and our food has been featured on Fox News Chicago, WGN News, Chicago’s Best, Windy City Live, AP News, and the Daily Herald. Corporate samplings are available once you’re working with a chef — ask when you inquire.

How much notice do you need to book my catering?

At least 24 hours for drop-off or pickup orders, and 48–72 hours is better for most. Large events of 50 or more guests should book 1–2 weeks ahead. Last minute? Call (847) 895-2122 and the chef on duty will tell you straight whether we can cover it.

Do you have any minimums for catering?

Order minimums depend on the menu, how soon your event is, and delivery distance — we regularly serve groups from 50 to 700+ guests. On-site personal chef service — where a chef stays through your event to serve and clean up — is available by request.

Is delivery available?

Yes. We deliver throughout Chicagoland from our Schaumburg kitchen — Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Palatine, Naperville, Crystal Lake, and beyond. Delivery charges are based on distance and order size. Call (847) 895-2122 for specifics on your address.

Who actually delivers the food?

A trained Frato’s chef — not a delivery driver. The chef delivers hot, sets up your spread, and can answer questions about the food on the spot.

What levels of service do you offer?

• Self-Service Buffet: served in disposable aluminum pans and trays — easy leftovers, easy cleanup. Pick up at our Schaumburg kitchen or have it delivered.
• Delivered & Dressed Buffet: a chef delivers, sets up, and brings a tablecloth, wire chafing dishes, and Sterno on request. This is our most popular option at any headcount.
• Personal Chef Service: a chef stays on-site to serve and clean up. 50-guest minimum, by request.

What is your On-Time Guarantee?

If we arrive more than 15 minutes past your scheduled delivery time, you don’t pay. Not a discount — completely free. Read the full guarantee here →

What is your cancellation policy?

For self-service catering orders, we ask for at least 24 hours’ notice and only charge for items we have already started preparing for your event. If nothing has been started, you are not charged.

Can you make accommodations for special diets?

Yes. We regularly handle halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific requests. Halal chicken and gyro, certified by our suppliers, are standard; other halal proteins with lead time. Let us know when you inquire and our chefs will work with you directly. See halal catering options →

Can I order online or get a quote?

Yes. Order online, build an online quote, or send a catering inquiry and a chef will follow up. We’re always happy to take your order or build a quote over the phone at (847) 895-2122 or by email at Catering@FratosKitchen.com.

What methods of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

For your convenience, we can set up a house charge account with an approved credit application. Outstanding invoices are due within 14 days of the event. Email Catering@FratosKitchen.com to set one up.

I only need some items catered. Do I have to purchase one of your buffets?

No. Every catering specialty is available a la carte. Order exactly what you need.

Do you keep my orders on file?

Yes. We use the industry’s leading catering system to track every order and quote. Call any time and we’ll email you a copy of a past order or place a duplicate for you.