Question 1

How do I place a catering order?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to start is by submitting a quote request through our website. Tell us your event date, location, estimated guest count, and any specific desserts you have in mind. We follow up within 1–2 business days with a proposal and next steps. For smaller orders, you can also order directly through our online shop.

Question 2

Is there a minimum order size for catering?

Accepted Answer

Yes — catering orders start at two dozen items for cookies and cake jars. Sweet table packages begin at $350, which covers approximately 40–50 guests. For custom tiered cakes, minimums vary by complexity. There is no minimum for standard shop orders placed online.

Question 3

How much lead time do catering orders require?

Accepted Answer

We recommend placing your order at least 7–10 days before your event for most standard items. Custom tiered cakes and royal-iced decorated cookies require a minimum of 2–3 weeks. During peak seasons — spring through early summer and the November holiday stretch — popular dates book out fast, so earlier is always better.

Question 4

Can I request custom flavors or designs for my event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Custom flavor requests, color-matched royal icing designs, and theme-specific decorations are available across most of our catering menu. When you submit your quote request, include any inspiration images, color swatches, or event details and our team will build a proposal around your vision.

Question 5

How is catering pricing determined?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is based on item type, quantity, customization level, and delivery distance. Per-item costs decrease at higher quantities — we offer volume pricing at 5, 10, and 20 dozen tiers for cookies and cake jars. Sweet tables and custom cakes are quoted individually. All pricing is confirmed in writing before any deposit is collected.

Question 6

How far do you deliver for catering orders?

Accepted Answer

We deliver throughout approximately a 25-mile radius from our Bloomingdale, IL kitchen. This covers most of DuPage County and portions of Cook and Kane counties. For events slightly outside our standard radius — particularly for larger sweet table orders — we may be able to accommodate with an extended delivery fee. Contact us with your venue address and we will confirm availability.

Question 7

Which Chicago suburbs do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our delivery area includes Bloomingdale, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream, Roselle, Addison, Itasca, Wood Dale, Schaumburg, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Lombard, Elmhurst, Villa Park, Wheaton, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village, and surrounding communities. We are based in Bloomingdale and regularly serve events throughout DuPage County.

Question 8

Can I pick up my order instead of having it delivered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pickup is available at our Bloomingdale kitchen by appointment. Pickup is free of charge and is a great option for smaller orders or events close to our location. When placing your order, just select the pickup option and we will confirm a ready time that fits your schedule.

Question 9

Are there delivery fees for catering orders?

Accepted Answer

Delivery fees are calculated based on distance from our Bloomingdale kitchen and order size. Most deliveries within a 15-mile radius fall in the $15–$35 range. Deliveries beyond 15 miles are quoted individually. Delivery fees are itemized on your proposal before you confirm the order.

Question 10

Do you accommodate food allergies?

Accepted Answer

We take allergies seriously and offer nut-free and dairy-free options baked on dedicated days to reduce cross-contact risk. We are not a fully allergen-free facility, so guests with severe allergies should evaluate options carefully. Please disclose all allergies when requesting a quote so we can advise on the safest items for your order.

Question 11

Do you use real butter and quality ingredients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always. Every item at Sara's Sweet Shop is made from scratch using real butter, high-quality chocolate, seasonal fruit, and no mixes or shortcuts. We believe the difference between a good dessert and an unforgettable one comes down to what goes into it — and our Bloomingdale regulars will tell you they can taste it.

Question 12

Do you offer gluten-free or vegan options?

Accepted Answer

We offer gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free shortbread, a gluten-free chocolate fudge cake jar, and a vegan vanilla bean cake jar as permanent menu items. Additional dietary-specific options may be available seasonally. All dietary items must be specified at the time of booking and are subject to minimum order quantities.

Question 13

How fresh are the products at delivery?

Accepted Answer

Everything is baked to order. Cookies and cake jars are baked the day before or morning of your event delivery, and we schedule all drop-offs to ensure items arrive at peak freshness. Each order includes best-by labeling. For events where items will sit out for several hours, we advise on the best storage approach during your consultation.

Question 14

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through our secure online checkout. For catering orders, invoices are sent via email with a secure payment link. We do not accept cash or checks for catering bookings.

Question 15

Is a deposit required to book a catering date?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your date on our production calendar. The remaining balance is due 48 hours before delivery. All deposits are applied to your final total. Rush orders placed within 5 days of the event may require payment in full at booking.

Question 16

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the event date receive a full refund of the deposit. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable as production will have begun. If we are ever unable to fulfill your order due to an issue on our end, you receive a full refund regardless of timing. We are happy to discuss date changes or order modifications whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Catering

Delivery & Service Area

Products & Dietary

Pricing & Payments

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