Finding the Perfect Crêpe, Galette & Waffle Caterer

You’ve probably noticed it already: when you search for "crêpe caterer" on Google, dozens – even hundreds – of results pop up. Faced with this flood of options, one essential question arises: how do you find that hidden gem?

As an event caterer in Paris since 2016, specializing in crêpes, galettes, and waffles, I’ve helped many clients organize their events. And I can tell you one thing for sure: finding the right provider takes more than luck.
To help you make the best choice, I’m sharing today my practical tips and key steps to follow.

Table of Content

1. Express a Clear and Specific Need

When reaching out to a caterer, it’s essential to be as precise as possible in your request. The more detailed your brief is, the more efficient the process will be — and you’ll avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

The Basic Information to Provide

Start by sharing the key details about your event:

The exact date and time: this allows the caterer to immediately check availability.
The number of guests: a crucial element for preparing an accurate quote.
Expected quantities: do you want each guest to have one or several crêpes? Sweet or savory?

Specific Needs to Mention

Every event has its own specifics. Make sure to clarify:

Any dietary restrictions: for example, if some guests follow a gluten-free or vegan diet, it’s important that the caterer can accommodate.
Beverage service: do you want the caterer to provide cider, fruit juices, or hot drinks to accompany the crêpes?
Special requests: specific dress code, English-speaking staff, etc.

Logistical Constraints to Anticipate

The logistical aspect plays a key role in ensuring a smooth service. Don’t hesitate to ask the caterer about their setup and equipment requirements. On your end, make sure to inform them about:

Access to the venue: is there a nearby parking area to facilitate unloading?
Authorized equipment: some venues only allow electric appliances instead of gas crêpe makers for safety reasons.
Restrictions related to nuisance factors (smoke, noise, smell, etc.): if the event is held indoors, you might need to adjust the setup accordingly.

Budget: A Point to Clarify if Possible

If you already have a clear budget in mind, share it upfront. This will help the caterer suggest a suitable offer without wasting time.

For example, you can phrase your request like this:

"We have a budget of €25 per person. What kind of Breton menu including galettes, crêpes, and drinks can you offer us?"

2. Send Out Around Ten Quote Requests

It can be tempting to contact just one or two caterers and stop at the first decent reply. However, to maximize your chances of finding the ideal provider, it’s best to reach out to at least ten caterers. Why? Because not every request will lead to a usable response.

What You Can Expect

By sending multiple inquiries, here’s what you might encounter:

Some caterers will already be booked on your event date.
Others won’t bother replying at all.
Some may take too long to respond.
A few will send you very high quotes, either because they’re not especially interested or they’re simply trying their luck, hoping you’ll accept anyway.

In the end, out of ten requests, you’ll likely receive only three or four serious and relevant offers that truly match your needs.

Don’t Follow Up with a Caterer Who Doesn’t Respond

A good caterer should be responsive and show commitment from the very first interaction. If a provider doesn’t take the time to reply to your quote request, that’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore:

Either they’re overwhelmed and may lack responsiveness on the day of your event.
Or they’re simply not interested in your project.

In both cases, it’s better to focus on those who show genuine interest and engagement.

3. Work Directly with the Caterer

Whether you find them through word-of-mouth or online, always favor direct contact with the professional rather than going through a third party.

Why Avoid Event Agencies?

When searching online, you’ll come across many event agencies offering catalogs of activities that include everything from tartiflette and paella to treasure hunts, zip lines… and crêpes.

The issue? These agencies are not caterers, but mere intermediaries. Their role is simply to connect a client with a service provider — while taking a commission that can reach up to 50%.

The Drawbacks of Going Through an Agency:

They artificially inflate the price by adding their margin.
They don’t know the caterer’s work in detail.
They’re not always present on the day of the event.

By working directly with a caterer, you save money, speak with the person who will actually provide the service, and benefit from better communication throughout the process.

4. Check the Caterer’s Reputation

Nowadays, a provider’s reputation is an important factor to consider before making your choice. Unlike a pastry chef or ice cream maker, who must hold a professional diploma to practice, anyone can claim to be a crêpe maker without any formal qualification.

How to Assess a Caterer’s Reliability?

✅ Check online reviews: Google, Facebook, TripAdvisor… Feedback from past clients is a valuable source of insight.

✅ Look at their social media: A caterer active on Instagram or YouTube will often share photos and videos from their events. This can help you evaluate the quality of their work.

✅ Search for press coverage: If the caterer has been featured in local or industry media, it’s usually a good sign of credibility.

✅ See if they’ve received awards: Maybe they’re a former “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” or an award-winning chef?

✅ Ask for references: A professional caterer should be able to provide real examples of similar events they’ve handled — complete with photos or videos.

5. Demand Freshly Made Food, Cooked On Site

This fifth tip is probably the most important: make sure the caterer offers homemade food, cooked live on site.

Why Do Some Caterers Use Pre-Cooked Products?

For the sake of speed and profit, some caterers prefer to show up with pre-cooked crêpes, galettes, or waffles. But that comes with three major downsides:

1️⃣ No Live Cooking Experience

Watching a crêpe being made right before your eyes, smelling the butter sizzling on the griddle… it’s all part of the charm! With reheated products, the convivial and authentic atmosphere vanishes.

2️⃣ Compromised Taste

A pre-cooked crêpe or waffle will never taste as good as a freshly made one. The texture becomes drier, less fluffy, and flavors fade.

3️⃣ Use of Industrial Products

This part is less openly discussed, but in most cases, a caterer selling pre-cooked items is sourcing from wholesalers:

McCain industrial waffles at €0.70 each, always made with margarine instead of butter.
Vacuum-packed crêpes and galettes from Maison Bertel, old at €0.45 each and simply reheated for the event.

If you hire a caterer, it’s to get a craftsman, not just a reseller of low-end products!

How to Ensure Genuine Artisanal Work?

To avoid disappointment, you can request two things before signing a quote:

If pre-cooking is necessary, require that it be done on site, right before the event. This ensures the products are made with care and fresh ingredients.
If advance pre-cooking is unavoidable, ask to see the caterer’s purchase invoices. Just like with a mechanic or dental technician, you have the right to know what’s being used: eggs, butter, milk, flour… That way, you’re not paying for cheap ingredients.

6. Clarify Logistics and Contract Terms

When hiring a caterer for an event, it’s essential to carefully cover logistical and contractual details. Too often, small things get overlooked, leading to unpleasant surprises on the big day.

Here are the main points to clarify before signing a quote:

1️⃣ Cancellation Policy

No one likes to think about cancelling, but you have to plan for everything.

On the organizer’s side: You might need to postpone or cancel your event due to unforeseen circumstances. What does the caterer’s policy say? Do they offer a credit for a future service? Are there cancellation penalties? If so, from how many days before the event?

On the caterer’s side: The provider may also be unavailable at the last minute (vehicle breakdown, staff shortage, illness…). What happens then? Do they offer a backup solution? A clear contract helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities.

2️⃣ Extending the Service

Timelines often shift during events.

Typical example: You're organizing a wedding.

The groom’s speech lasts an hour longer.
Guests arrive late.
The service, originally planned until midnight, ends up going until 2 or 3 a.m.

Key questions to ask:

Does the caterer allow for an extension of service if needed?
What’s the hourly rate for additional time?
Are there extra charges for staff staying longer?

Sort this out in advance to avoid being stuck on the day.

3️⃣ Backup Plan for Bad Weather

Outdoor events are always vulnerable to weather.

Imagine your event is planned for July 31st. Everything’s organized outside, but pouring rain is forecasted last-minute.

What’s the plan?

Can a tent or canopy be set up?
Who covers the rental cost?
Who handles installation, and at what price?

Even the Olympics get interrupted by weather — plan a backup from the beginning!

4️⃣ Who Provides What?

Another frequent source of confusion: equipment and supplies.

Things to clarify with the caterer:

✅ Napkins – Are they included? In what quantity?

✅ Disposable tableware – Who provides it? What’s the quality?

✅ Furniture (tables, chairs, tablecloths, displays):
– If provided by the caterer, what’s the cost?
– What’s the color of the tablecloths? (Important detail if you have a theme!)

✅ Cooking equipment – Electric or gas? Does it require a specific power setup?

A good caterer should be able to give you clear and detailed answers to all these questions.

5️⃣ Waste Management

A detail that’s often forgotten — and yet crucial: what happens to the waste?

At many events, there’s a shocking lack of trash bins and bags. Result:

A cluttered stand,
A poor guest experience,
A nightmare end-of-event cleanup.

Questions to ask your caterer:

Do they handle waste disposal?
Is recycling part of the plan?
Do they provide extra garbage bags?

Thinking ahead will save you a lot of stress.

6️⃣ Possible Additional Charges

Finally, keep in mind that extra costs may pop up depending on how the event unfolds.

Examples of potential extras:

Last-minute equipment needs (e.g. extension cords, lighting).
Unplanned extra portions if guests eat more than expected.
Additional travel fees if the venue is far or hard to access.

An experienced caterer will help you anticipate hidden fees from the very start.

7. Can You Do a Tasting?

If you’re planning a large event, it’s totally reasonable to want to test the caterer’s products before committing.

How to Arrange a Tasting?

Some caterers have a food truck or stand where you can try their specialties.

Others offer tasting menus so you can sample their crêpes, galettes, or waffles before the big day.

Why It’s Important

Beyond nice pictures on a website, you need to judge for yourself:

Texture – A crêpe should be soft, a waffle crisp on the outside and fluffy inside.
Freshness – Ingredients should be high-quality and it should show.
Taste – This is the key! A well-balanced batter makes all the difference.

8. Ask for Guarantees

A caterer carries a big responsibility: feeding dozens or even hundreds of people. If a health issue arises (e.g. salmonella), it can result in food poisoning and even shut down a company for days.

Which Documents and Guarantees to Request?

✅ HACCP certification – Make sure the caterer has been trained in food hygiene.
✅ Kbis extract – Check that the company is properly registered.
✅ Professional liability insurance – This covers damage in case of allergies, food poisoning, etc.
✅ Certified equipment – Crêpe makers and other gear should meet CE standards.
✅ Safety regulations – Tablecloths and fabrics must be flame-retardant to reduce fire risk.

9. Ask for Expert Advice

A great caterer doesn’t just serve food — they can be a real partner in optimizing your event.

How Can They Help You?

Quantity planning – They’ll advise how many crêpes to prepare depending on the number of guests and service style (all-you-can-eat or per portion).
Filling ideas – An experienced caterer can suggest original or theme-appropriate recipes.
Crowd flow management:
– Should you use tickets to avoid long lines?
– How to announce the end of service without frustrating guests?
Provider recommendations – A good caterer often has a strong network and can connect you with other pros:
– DJs, magicians, kids’ entertainers
– Other food or activity vendors to enhance your event

10. Prioritize the Human Connection

When we think about crêpes, galettes, and waffles, we picture warmth, joy, and shared moments. And that’s exactly the vibe people want for weddings, holiday parties, trade shows, etc.

Why the Right Feeling Matters

Events can be stressful:

There may be last-minute changes or delays
Organizational disagreements can arise
Tension builds fast if the caterer’s team isn’t pleasant and flexible

The Key to Success? A Good Connection

You need to feel you can trust them
They should be professional and responsive, but also friendly and easy to work with
The relationship should feel natural — like a true partnership

It’s kind of like a first date: there has to be a spark!

Conclusion

I hope these 10 tips will help you choose the best crêpe, galette, and waffle caterer for your event.

Let’s recap:

Be clear and specific in your request to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
Request multiple quotes and pay attention to how responsive the caterers are.
Work directly with professionals to avoid agency commissions.
Check the caterer’s reputation and request proper guarantees.
Make sure everything is homemade and cooked on site.
Clarify logistics and any potential additional costs.
If possible, test the quality of the products before signing.
Ask for advice – a great caterer can be a real source of ideas.
Choose someone with whom you feel a genuine connection – it’s key to a smooth and successful event.

Looking for a caterer for your event?

I'm Bertrand from Les Crêpes Magiques, an event caterer specializing in crêpes, galettes, and waffles.

I operate in Paris, across France, throughout Europe, and even internationally!

Besides catering, I’m also a culinary consultant and YouTuber – ready to offer advice and craft a unique, tailor-made experience.

Reach out to discuss your project! I’ve got plenty of ideas to share with you.

Traiteur crêpes à Paris