About Caterease








Caterease pricing
Caterease does not have a free version but does offer a free trial. Caterease paid version starts at US$99.00/month.
Alternatives to Caterease
Caterease Reviews
Feature rating
All Caterease Reviews
- Industry: Hospitality
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Review Source
Good base but needs a lot of work
We started using Caterease in 2009. Our firm has anywhere from 50-100 events a day and run different departments.
Pros
-Good foundation
-convenient invoicing
-good communications tool
-good for tracking events
Cons
-Poor Support
-Caterease will do anything to make a dollar
-Limited features for larger catering firms
-Poor production function
- Industry: Food & Beverages
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Caterease in College Food Service
Caterease has been worthwhile for our business, as it has streamlined our catering department. It is the bedrock of our operation, and I cannot imagine what our department would do without this software. It's a game-changer.
Pros
Caterease makes it so easy to communicate to our kitchen what is needed and separate items in the menu by cooks/salad/bakery workers. The order form that is populated is easy to read, and is consistent for everyone in our department to easily understand what is needed and who needs to do it.
Cons
Caterease could use an autosave feature, as well as the ability to recognize trends and offer changes to the user based on the trends.
- Used Daily for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Bought the desktop version, was not told that it could only be run on one computer at a time.
We now own this catering software forever-more, so if anything happens with whatever else we're doing, I know we can at least fall back on this.
Pros
The Vantiv credit card processor was good value, it dropped out processing fees a bit... But that's a different company. The Caterease customer service started out okay; they were friendly at least.
Cons
Very convoluted software, difficult to use, leaves you wondering 'why would they do that??' when looking at the way it was designed. If you buy one of the 'cheaper' versions, they lock most of the useful features (unlike a service like Total Party Planner). The customer service was OKAY at first, but once I realized we were not told of the restrictions the desktop version has, I asked for a refund as we had not even owned it for 6 months yet. You know that didn't happen. I've been told we'll get a refund for the unused maintenance service.
Response from Caterease
We're so sorry that you had a bad experience with our software. The desktop version certainly can work on more than one computer at a time. I'm sorry you were told otherwise.
We've just released a new web-based version that is quite cutting edge. We'd love to give you a trial run on it if you would like to see all the new stuff.
In any case, please call our offices so we can properly review your account and see what we can do for you..
Again - we're sincerely sorry for your bad experience.
- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Monthly for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Caterease Use and Implementation
Overall, my experience was positive. It does have many capabilities. However, we were ready for a change.
Pros
It was fairly easy to use from a brand new user standpoint. Our back of house staff liked it for recipe and menu complilation.
Cons
Sometimes it began to feel clunky and antiquated.
- Industry: Restaurants
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Monthly for 2+ years
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Review Source
Not User Friendly
It helps to create a proposal to send to the client for the bagged lunches we sell and to create a kitchen detail that gives them the quantities and information they need to make the food.
Pros
There is not really that I like much about this software. I think that there are some benefits for our catering sales team (some kind of link between staffing/labor and the software or other features for ease of use) but they generally do not apply to the way I use the software. I normally use it at least once a month but I am not as familiar as them with the ins and outs. It does make a decent looking proposal to send to the client and creating it on my end is simple.
Cons
It is not intuitive at all. The buttons are in weird place and very small with tiny little icons. It opens so many windows at a time just to complete a simple task and in general with everything you do there are so many steps involved. Within the windows there are more windows with little scroll bars everywhere and everything is cut off unless you enlarge the window and it just gets confusing and messy. You have to save everything you do along the way so if you accidentally close out one of your 5 windows you loose your work. Even starting the program takes about 6 different steps. Every screen just looks really outdated and isn't user friendly. It is not easy to search for events. You can't put in the actual date. You just have to click next week or next month so if your company has lots of events you will be scrolling for awhile. Creating your event details menu lines is also annoying. If you don't put them in exactly the order you want the first time dragging and moving them later is much harder than you would think.
Response from Caterease
We wanted to contact you, but cannot find any company or user with the name you have listed. Please contact us and we can absolutely help you out.
Screen displays and tool bars can be customized by each company using the program. If you are experiencing scrollbars, etc., someone on your team likely redesigned screens in a way that doesn't suit you. This can be changed and locked down.
Caterease also DOES NOT make you save things along the way. We are renowned in the industry for how we handle multi-tasking. Contact us with examples and we can help!
You are also able to search by a specific date and drag/drop menu items (and other details!). We also offer customizable wizard tools that even make the entire event-booking process three simple steps.
Candidly, after reading your post and not being able to find your company in our records, I was almost wondering you were talking about be a completely different program!
Please contact us and we can transform your experience!
- Industry: Food & Beverages
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
I Never Want For Anything
I really do love this system. You can check overlapping of events.. it has flags that identify each event as
"Tentative" if they have not yet committed, "Definite" if they have and other important markers. You can customize HOW you want to see or view most things. I really could not imagine that anyone would not just
love this system.
Pros
It covers just about anything you could want it to do. There have only been a few things ever I wished
it could do and it couldn't. It is easy to use and reports are easy to obtain. I really love this software.
Cons
No Quickbooks interface. It would be nice to be able to transfer an invoice into the accounting system. Instead, I literally have to re-type every event over again into Quickbooks. This can be frustrating when you are receiving deposits or payments on events that are two or three years down the road and need to enter the event to apply the payment to it; along with all of the other daily invoices you have to do. And then keep up with all the menu / rental / room changes and updating THOSE in quickbooks.
I do wish the notes and comments section on events would automatically place the initials of whom ever made the comment and the DATE . This could be tied to your log in. Often times there could be 3 or 4 people working on an event and if they forget to put their name.. and the date.. you dont know who they
are. Also anyone can CHANGE or EDIT another persons notes or comments which I dont like. There is
an "audit report" you can produce that will tell you who did what... but its not that easy to read and it takes some experience of looking at it to understand what the report is telling you.
Response from Caterease
Danny, thank you for the nice review. I do want you to know that we DO have an awesome interface with both Quickbooks desktop and Quickbooks online. One click and you can send information to Quickbooks one event at a time or in batch. Please call your sales representative and they will set you up with it.
- Industry: Food & Beverages
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
The program has revolutionized the ability to move from Mom & Pop to Corporate Seamlessly.
The software has changed my life and given me thousands of hours of time to better manage my business and my employees. Caterease has allowed me to take many companies from paper and pen to the cloud. Caterease has put many of my clients businesses back in their control.
Pros
The ease of use and windows familiar aspects of Caterease are perfect. Mark and the sales team have helped me as a food service consultant serve many of my clients needs. Customer Support is always available and knowledgeable. The software is not just a program but a catering operational system. I am able to customize so many parts that makes the system adapt to any company with comfort. I started using caterease years ago and the company has made updates many times and has made it exciting to look forward to. Years ago i would spend countless days and weeks making complex spreadsheets to calculate so many informational needs that i had to repeat weekly. Caterease has been built with so much functionality that my weekly repetitive work has dropped down to almost zero and my time as well as my employees time has spiked in productivity. This Software is priceless!!!!
Cons
What i like least about the software was that i had little access to information on events without my computer!! BUT they recently released the Caterease APP.... Now me and my team access event info on our phones and cant be happier.
- Industry: Education Management
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Caterease Connect helped bring our events process into the 21st century!
Pros
I love the versatility of this software. It allows you to input information once and send it to many. It also provides real time reports, invoicing and event orders with one click! Because we use the web based software, I can access it anywhere I have internet connection or phone service. It allows smooth exporting to the calendar that our entire organization uses and allows others to read or print any set up information they need.
Since it is similar to Microsoft office in it's layout, it is very user friendly from the beginning. Service has been outstanding. with the chat feature and emails and FAQ sections for technical assistance there is virtually no wait time when you need help.
Cons
Only 2 things I don't like:
There is sometimes a lag when Google updates are released for Caterease to catch up. This causes headaches with my public event calendar.
To run caterease you have to have citrix installed and that can conflict with some programs causing your computer operation to slow down. (Especially with older models.)
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Caterease has the best customer service!!
This software produces professional proposals, contracts, and invoices with ease that my staff and the clients love. It also produces very specific paperwork that helps my culinary team and event staff produce and orchestrate the best events possible. The friendly, efficient customer service at Caterease is exceptional!
Pros
We have used this amazing catering software for over 24 years! It has grown and evolved with the industry over the years and remains the best catering software on the market - that I have ever seen. This product pays for itself and the cloud based version allows my staff to work on the fly from any venue, which saves time and money. My staff loves using the Caterease program. The help desk is always friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and far exceed my expectations of customer service in today's market. They truly go the extra mile!!
Cons
I do not have any cons for this product or the support staff - give it a try - you, your staff and your clients will be glad you did!
Response from Caterease
Thank you, Clarence, for your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with Caterease. We count ourselves lucky for customers like you. You get five stars in our book, as well!
- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Caterease
Pros
The email capabilities and the customer service.
Cons
That you do not have access to the historical date after you discontinue service.
Response from Caterease
Kimberly,
Thank you for your kind words about our hard-working support team! I'm sorry you seem to have had trouble learning the program. As you know, in addition to free support we have several online and live training options available to help ensure our customers are comfortable.
I'll admit I am very surprised to see you did not view Caterease as extraordinary when it comes to features and functionality. We are renowned for our incredible feature set - which far surpasses any other software in the industry. I imagine your opinion here is connected to your comfort level with the program - which is completely understandable.
Of course, we are always sorry when any customer discontinues service. Nonetheless, we go out of our way to make this transition easier for customers - even extending access for a period of time. Of course, as with any subscription service, we obviously cannot continue to provide access indefinitely - as I'm sure you can understand.
- Industry: Food & Beverages
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Great product that makes business easier.
It makes our work easier.
Pros
The software is great overall! It interfaces with so many different programs, and it's been a huge help that makes our job easier. There is always more to learn about the software, so it's nice to keep adding to the list of abilities. In the past, we used two different programs for booking and invoicing, so it's a huge time saver. Our team only has to make updates once, so it minimizes potential for error.
Cons
I've had a support ticket for what seems like a simple fix in for a few months, and haven't really received much feedback on it. Also, if there is an issue with the interface, the support staff for each different software says that it is a problem with the other software, so that has been a little difficult.
Response from Caterease
David - Thank you for the kind words! According to our records, you seem to be using a fairly old version of our program. As you probably know, your updates are completely free - and I have confirmed that the feature you requested will indeed be included in our next release (in testing now). As a matter of fact, we improved upon the request by adding a couple of options! Thanks again! Chris Kopriva Caterease Software
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
I would recommend Caterease to any catering company
Pros
We use Caterease in over 20 of our accounts and it has been a great relationship from Mark in the sales department to Theo and the other tech support crew in the tech support department. The program itself offers all the tools we need to build proposals, beo's, contracts, invoices, etc. It helps us manage our financial viability with the reporting tools it offers as well as prospecting new clients. Caterease offers ongoing training and new tips to help maximize the program to its fullest potential. I would recommend Caterease to any company offering catering services from an off-site caterer to any on site facility.
Cons
We haven't found anything that we don't like. It does everything we've wanted it to do as far as a software is concerned.
- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Caterease Is Aptly Named
Pros
It is very intuitive, and once you put in the pertinent data, you can create many different and useful documents. Also the reporting options are outstanding.
Cons
I can't think of anything, it really does satisfy all of our needs.
Alternatives Considered
Amadeus Sales & Event ManagementReasons for Switching to Caterease
It was a superior product- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Caterease has quite a bit of experience with catering software. Unfortunately, it can be...
If everything is working perfectly, bids are much easier to write.
Pros
We like that Caterease is can be almost endlessly customized. This becomes overwhelming at times. It seems like it works best for hotel and banquet facilities.
Cons
The customer service is often rough. There seems to be an attitude that everything is always user error. It might be, but we would like to hear a little more concern when we call in.
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Review Source
Caterease requires a stronger connection
The problem with Caterease is that I office out of my home and live in an area with satellite only internet connection. Caterease requires a stronger connection. This was never told to me in the beginning and not until I had paid for the software and tried to begin using it. After months and months and months of problems, I am finally starting to use the software (I purchased the software in September. This is now April.) They system is slow, at best, and I have to reboot it several times a day. I have to quit using it around 3 pm when apparently my satellite gets too busy. Had the Sales Manager told me the requirements of the system, I would not have purchased the system. The requirements listed in the original set up stuff is vague. My IT guy assures me that we comply with all the requirements. AT&T does not service my area. The only landline internet connection is through a shabby cable company who wants to charge me $$$$. I still believe the proper thing to do would have been to refund my money. I am using the software now because I paid for it and am going to make it work.
I remain disappointed in the sales department, the customer service department and in the whole process. The software is slow and hard to learn. The tech support Caterease offers is great and I have so appreciated their assistance. But there is not training available with purchase (unless you pay more), everything is an upgrade and the whole experience has been less than pleasant.
Pros
The tech support Caterease offers is great and I have so appreciated their assistance
Cons
no training available with purchase (unless you pay more), everything is an upgrade and the whole experience has been less than pleasant
- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
We use Caterease for our Hotel Conference Center booking and catering.
Time savings and a great way for staff to stay up-to-date on scheduled events. Prevents double booking and overbooking for staff available.
Pros
Makes scheduling easy & can customize to fit our needs. Mobile app makes checking on schedule while out of the office a breeze! Awesome customer service and great training available. Video tips are always accessible to learn a new feature or to review how to do something.
Cons
So many components to learn the function of and some features are added cost. Would like more "side by side" function of having multiple managers (ie: scheduler & event manager) on screen at once.
- Industry: Restaurants
- Company size: 201–500 Employees
- Used for 6-12 months
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Review Source
We switched from Caterese due to ease of use
Customer service is great, but they need to update their software and make it easier to work with clients. When you're doing private event business the ease of use and less steps is very important.
Pros
In the beginning I enjoyed how the software made it simple to work with the client to process contracts. Customer service was always knowledgeable and responsive. Our clients also seemed to have an ease of use as well.
Cons
I felt that the software could do more and offer more compatibility with our websites and clients. We ended up switching to Gather because they have a lot more options in producing documents, having clients digitally sign and provide payment and it integrates with a lot of other software. Caterase lacks in those departments and we needed something that provided less steps for the vendor and the client.
- Industry: Food & Beverages
- Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
- Used Daily for 1+ year
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Review Source
Very happy
I am impressed, not only with the program but your customer service. The program is everything I could have hoped for and continually saves me time and money, also your customer service is impeccable!!
Pros
Its user friendliness and ease of access
Cons
Unless you get the whole package, you miss out on some benefits
- Company size: 11–50 Employees
- Used Daily for 2+ years
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Review Source
Customization is amazing!!!!!
Pros
This saves so much time and basically pays for itself in the end! I love all the customizable features available and I recommend this to any event company/coordinator!
Cons
They charge for training which I am not a fan of. And also the customer service isn’t very accessible.
- Industry: Hospitality
- Company size: 2–10 Employees
- Used for 6-12 months
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Review Source
Incredibly amazing software!
Its an incredibly effective product,makes creating and managing events and processes so easy!!!
Pros
I love how it's easy to check and track payments also it's great for using even with a number of users at the same time!!
Cons
Not much to dislike,only wish it could be possible to also including payments in the software instead of using a different platform.
Alternatives Considered
CaterZenReasons for Choosing Caterease
I tried Caterease and I liked it and never went back to caterzenReasons for Switching to Caterease
Because of efficiency and usability!!- Industry: Restaurants
- Company size: 51–200 Employees
- Used Weekly for 1-5 months
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Review Source
Great features, but a major learning curve
The program will work for us and help achieve our goals, but it takes far more work to get the framework in place than we anticipated.
Pros
The system is very robust and offers a tremendous amount of personalization. I love the incorporation of our menus and various options to streamline the process.
Cons
The system boasts windows like usability. This is an exaggeration - it takes a ton of building the framework and learning the processes. Very complicated.
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Review Source
So flexible!
I started using Caterease 7 years ago when I started my "backyard" catering operation. Gradually my business grew to full fledge off site only operation. Since then I added a fine dining restaurant to the mix. Caterease has always been at my fingertips, taking me from simple contracts and proposals to fully detailed and intricate functions. I love the fact that I never have to type something twice. I am also using Qbooks and the interface is very practical. The reports that come with the program are great too. This morning I was looking at 4 years worth revenue, cleary identified, all in one and all at the click of one button. But the power really shows when you run a query. Caterease is a superb tool and also it is intuitive, fun to use and cool to look at!
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Review Source
The most user friendly software we have ever used
We have a large and complex catering business, offering on-premise, off-premise, and delivery events. We spent 3 years researching catering software, meeting with all of the vendors, testing different options and finally decided Caterease was the only real solution. 6 years later I am very happy to say switching to Caterease was the best decision we ever made for our business. The program is continually updated with new features. One of the biggest reasons we picked Catrease was because the program is very easy to use. The interface looks very similar to regular Microsoft Office applications. If you can use Outlook, you can use Caterease.
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Review Source
Caterease has been a huge component of our success
Caterease has provided value for our company we are able to stay organized and be efficient with all of the tools it has to offer. The time we save when running reports has been a huge help as well. We are able to gather real-time data within seconds, which allows our sales and operations team to perform at the most optimum levels. The tech support team is extremely easy to get in touch with. Anytime I have a question, it is resolved within minutes of me calling. They are constantly improving and updating their software and are always open to feedback on what they can incorporate next time.
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Review Source
We would be lost without Caterease!
Caterease has systemized our processes so professionally, we beat our competition in service, information and details every time! We are able to create a proposal in minutes after speaking to the potential guest, giving them a tangible connection to us, detailed information that makes them feel empowered and that leads to a loyalty you don't receive by giving away information on the phone and waiting for them to get back to you. It's flexible, easy to use, and very customizable. We highly recommend it!