Grateful Fed Catering Terms and Policies

1) Booking and Payment (Full-Service Events)

• Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date.
• Events booked within 30 days: Full payment is required at booking, with menu and guest count finalized at that time.
• Other events: Final payment is due 14 days prior to the event date.
• Invoices not paid by required due dates may result in release of the date and cancellation of services.

2) Deadlines

• Final guest count: Due 30 days prior to the event date (unless booked within 30 days).
• Menu lock: Menu is finalized no later than the final guest count deadline, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3) Sales Tax and Gratuity

• Food and Service Subtotals shown on invoices do not include applicable sales tax.
• If gratuity is applied (for staffed service or as listed), it will be shown on the final invoice.

4) Cancellations (Full-Service Events)

• Deposits are non-refundable.
• More than 60 days prior: Deposit is forfeited. Any additional payments beyond the deposit will be issued as a credit valid for 12 months.
• 31–60 days prior: Deposit is forfeited. 50% of additional payments beyond the deposit will be issued as a credit valid for 12 months.
• 30 days or fewer: No refunds or credits.

5) Menu and Guest Count Changes

• Guest count reductions after the final guest count deadline do not reduce the final invoice.
• Guest count increases may be accommodated based on availability and may require additional charges.
• Changes requested after deadlines may result in additional fees and are not guaranteed.

6) Service and Venue Requirements

• Client is responsible for ensuring venue access at the agreed service time.
• Client is responsible for providing a safe, reasonable work environment, including adequate space and utilities as needed.
• Delays caused by venue access, client readiness, or timeline changes may impact service flow and quality.
• We do not provide tablecloths for client tables. Tablecloths are provided only for Grateful Fed service tables unless otherwise stated on the invoice.
• Décor and Styling Scope: Grateful Fed Catering decorates and styles only its service tables, including buffet tables, grazing tables, beverage stations, and dessert displays.
• Client is responsible for all other event décor, including guest tables, centerpieces, signage, rentals, linens, backdrops, balloons, and general venue décor unless otherwise stated on the invoice.
• Grateful Fed Catering does not set, move, install, or arrange client-provided décor items unless explicitly listed as a paid service on the invoice.

7) Travel Fees

• Events within 40 miles of Grateful Fed Catering’s home base are included.
• Events beyond 40 miles will incur a travel fee, outlined on the invoice.

8) Alcohol and Bartending

• Grateful Fed Catering does not provide or sell alcohol.
• Bartending staff may be provided for a fee if requested, as listed on the invoice.
• Client is responsible for alcohol purchase and compliance with venue requirements and applicable laws.
• Grateful Fed Catering assumes no liability for alcohol consumption.

9) Credits

• Credits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Credits must be used within 12 months from the original event date or issuance date, whichever applies.
• Credits may be applied toward future catering services and are subject to availability.
• Credits have no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash.
• Unused credits expire automatically after the 12-month period.

10) Food Policies

• Menu availability and substitutions: Menu items are subject to seasonal and supplier availability. Grateful Fed Catering may make reasonable substitutions of comparable quality if an ingredient or item becomes unavailable.
• Allergies and dietary requests: Please notify us of allergies and dietary needs as early as possible and no later than the final guest count deadline. While we take care, our kitchen may handle common allergens. We cannot guarantee zero cross-contact.
• Portioning and consumption: Portions are based on standard catering guidelines and the final guest count provided by the Client. Grateful Fed Catering is not responsible for shortages caused by guests taking excessive portions or food being removed from the service area. Additional food or service requests during the event are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

11) Leftovers and Food Safety

• Once food is delivered or served, proper holding and storage becomes the Client’s responsibility.
• Leftovers may be left with the Client upon request, provided venue rules and local regulations allow.
• Grateful Fed Catering is not responsible for the safety, storage, handling, or consumption of leftovers once service has ended.

12) Limitation of Liability

• Grateful Fed Catering is not responsible for circumstances beyond our control, including weather events, power outages, venue restrictions, or acts of God.
• Liability is limited to the amount paid for the services on the associated invoice, where permitted by law.

13) Acceptance of Terms

By paying any invoice or order issued by Grateful Fed Catering, the Client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms and Policies, as well as the menu, scope, and pricing listed on the invoice or attached proposal.

14) Drop-Off and Take-Home Meals

• Full payment is required at the time of ordering unless otherwise stated.
• Orders cancelled more than seven (7) days prior to the scheduled pickup or delivery may be eligible for a credit, issued at Grateful Fed Catering’s discretion.
• Orders cancelled within seven (7) days of the scheduled pickup or delivery are not eligible for refunds or credits.
• Menu changes or quantity adjustments must be requested at least seven (7) days prior to pickup or delivery and are subject to availability.
• Once food is picked up or delivered, proper handling, storage, reheating, and consumption becomes the Client’s responsibility.
• All allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed at the time of ordering. Cross-contact cannot be guaranteed.