- Providing High-Quality W2 Staffing
When Only The Best Will Do
Catering & Event Management Staff
We don’t just send you anyone — we know our team exceptionally well.
At Five Star, every professional we place is carefully selected and trusted to represent the finest in hospitality.
Professional Staff, Exceptional Service
Prescreened, Background Checked, 100 % W-2 service for your event needs.
W2 vs. 1099: What You Need to Know
We are a Philadelphia based Event Staff, Hospitality Staff, and Convention Staff firm that provides services in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Washington DC markets.
About Us
Bringing real hospitality back to the industry.
Expectations may have changed since the pandemic, but our commitment hasn’t. We’re restoring the professionalism and warmth that true hospitality was built on.
WE PROVIDE
Notable events and clients serviced include:
- M. Night Shyamalan
- President George W. Bush
- President Bill Clinton
- President Joe Biden
- Jeffrey Lurie
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Robert De Niro
- Bradley Cooper
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Terry Gross
- Muhammadu Buhari
- Joe Piscopo
- Louis Vuitton
- Armani
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Harry Connick Jr
- The Roots
- Jimmy Fallon
- Joe Biden
- Nancy Pelosi
- Prince Albert
- Yemi Osinbajo
- Eva Longoria
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Lionel Richie
- Jennifer Hudson
- Porsche
- Gucci
- Henri Bendel
- Tiffany
- Dr. Martens
- Philadelphia Eagles
We Work With
Insurances
Five Star carries all necessary insurances, including, but not limited to: worker’s compensation, and general liability. Our staff members are employees, not independent contactors, which protect you from potential legal exposure by misclassification with the IRS. Therefore, all appropriate taxes and coverages are a part of the protection offered when you choose Five Star employees. For your convenience, our all inclusive pricing, gives you the peace of mind you need in today’s litigious society.
W2 vs. 1099: What Caterers Need to Know
| Category | W2 Staffing (Safe Choice) | 1099 Contractors (Risky) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal & Compliance | Fully compliant employees; payroll, taxes, workers’ comp handled. | Misclassification risks, lawsuits, IRS penalties. |
| Reliability & Accountability | Trained, uniformed, accountable staff — guaranteed coverage. | Contractors can cancel last minute or arrive unprepared. |
| Professionalism | Consistent training and event-ready standards. | No training or quality control. |
| Risk Management | Liability insurance included; client not at risk. | Client may be held responsible for accidents or damages. |
| Client Experience | Protects your reputation and delivers consistency. | Lower cost upfront but one mistake can cost a client or event. |
Cheap labor isn’t cheap when it risks your event.
With a W2 partner, you gain peace of mind, professionalism, and protection.
Questions To Ask
FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK EVERY HOSPITALITY COMPANY
If the company you use does not carry professional liability insurance, you may be held liable for theft or damages caused by their staff while working for you.
You incur considerable risk using a company which classifies its staff as 1099 contractors rather than W2 employee.
Any company can hire people and put them out on jobs, but your expectations may be higher than what they provide. You always want to know how much experience the company has in the industry and what service level standards they require of their staff.
Your agency should be doing pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background checks.