Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Side Street Food Service?
Side Street Food Service is an Indiana-based food service management and catering company with more than 40 years of experience specializing in fresh, flavorful meals and personalized service.
Are you locally owned?
Yes, Side Street is locally owned and operated in Indiana, which we believe creates stronger relationships and more responsive support.
What types of organizations do you serve?
We partner with K-12 schools, charter and private schools, early childhood and childcare centers, corporate cafeterias, and non-profits.
Where do you provide service?
We serve facilities throughout Indiana and surrounding areas, depending on your program size and operational needs.
Can you handle both small and large meal volumes?
Yes, we are equipped to handle both small and large-volume programs efficiently through our centralized commissary and operations team.
What staffing and management models do you offer?
We offer flexible solutions; we can provide full onsite management, partner with your existing kitchen staff to provide support, offer supplemental staffing, or provide tailored meal delivery if your facility lacks full kitchen capabilities.
Do you help with kitchen setup?
Yes, we assess kitchen operations, workflow efficiency, serving line setup, and equipment needs to set your program up for success.
Which USDA child nutrition programs do you support?
We have extensive experience managing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program ), RCCI (Residential Child Care Institution), Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) and other USDA federally reimbursed programs.
How do you handle food safety and regulatory compliance?
We follow strict food safety protocols, operational audits, local health department regulations, and comprehensive HACCP standards to ensure total compliance.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs and food allergies?
Yes, we pay special attention to allergy-sensitive needs to ensure safety, and we routinely provide accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, Halal, and Kosher requirements.
Do you offer diverse menus and customized portion sizes?
Yes, we provide culturally inspired menus to reflect the communities we serve, and we tailor portion sizes to fit the developmental and nutritional needs of different age groups.
How do you help increase meal participation?
We improve student engagement and participation by focusing on menu appeal, creating themed meal promotions, and utilizing engaging marketing materials like graphics and posters.
How does pricing work?
Pricing depends on the size and scope of your program. We provide customized, itemized proposals based on your operational needs, staffing model, menu requirements, and service expectations.
What is the process for transitioning to your services?
We offer an organized onboarding and transition process that includes program assessment, menu development, comprehensive staff training, launch planning, and operational setup to ensure a smooth startup.
What is the primary benefit of outsourcing to Side Street?
We allow you to focus entirely on your primary mission while we expertly manage the complex logistics of procurement, staffing, and compliance.
How do your menu rotations work?
We collaborate with you to design meal plans and cycles that fit your specific community goals, and menus can rotate monthly, quarterly, or seasonally based on your preferences.
Can you help with regulatory reporting?
We operate with a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and will handle the complex compliance documentation for you.
How do we get started with Side Street?
Simply contact our team to schedule a consultation. We’ll learn about your organization, discuss your goals, and develop a customized food service solution tailored to your needs.
What types of catering do you offer?
Our services include drop-off delivery, drop-off delivery with set-up, full-service buffet, and full-service plated meals. We also offer on-site grilling for outdoor events.
What is included in the price?
Drop-off pricing includes disposable serving utensils. Full-service buffet pricing includes the buffet set-up. Additional items are available for an extra charge.
What is the minimum number of guests required?
Minimum guest counts vary by menu and are listed at the top of each menu offering.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, a deposit of 30% of the estimated contract cost is due at the time of booking. This amount is deducted from your final payment.
What is the timeline for placing an order?
We recommend booking as soon as you have selected your menu, as dates are only guaranteed once a deposit is received. While we can often accommodate boxed lunch orders with 48 hours’ notice, other menu options typically require at least 7 days.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We offer various options for dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and nut-free selections. While we make every effort to identify ingredients that may cause reactions, guests with life-threatening allergies should remain cautious as cross-contamination risks exist.
What are the available payment options?
Payments can be made via credit card or direct bank transfer through our invoice. We also accept company checks. Final payment is due 14 days prior to the event.
Can I customize my menu?
Yes. Since we are a scratch kitchen, we can often alter menus to accommodate your requests.
Do you offer tastings?
We offer tastings for large events for a fee. If you book your event with us, this fee will be applied toward your deposit and deducted from the final payment.
Are there additional fees for service, delivery, or staff?
Yes. Additional charges apply for delivery (based on distance), service fees (for set-up), staff, table linens, disposable tableware, and china.
How Much Do Catered Meals Cost?
Our catered meals typically range from $15 to $35+ per person, depending on the menu option you select. Contact our catering staff for specific menu options and current pricing.
Do You Offer Catering Delivery?
Yes. We offer delivery throughout the Indianapolis metro area for a minimal fee. For locations outside the Indianapolis metro area, delivery pricing is based on the size of the event and the delivery distance.