Policies

TO RESERVE A DATE:

To secure your event date, a non-refundable retainer is required at the time of booking. This retainer is applied toward your final invoice. The standard retainers are as follows:

$150 – Standard delivery/drop-off orders or pickups
$500 – Events requiring on-site staffing
$750 – Wedding receptions
Larger or more complex events may require a higher retainer at the caterer’s discretion.

All dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed until the retainer has been received and confirmed. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to confirm availability.

If the client cancels the event for any reason, the retainer is non-refundable and will be forfeited. Additional cancellation fees may apply depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to the event date.

MENU SELECTION & PRICING:

Menu items from different packages may be mixed and customized to best suit your event. Additional “off-menu” items may also be available at the discretion of our chef.

Package pricing includes all services listed within that package. Served-event pricing assumes the event will take place in a standard, fully equipped banquet hall within our normal geographic service area. Some venues require dedicated menus and specialized pricing.

Please note that we offer separate menu packages specifically for wedding receptions. Pricing may not be applicable to all venues, and additional fees may apply. Outdoor events, distant locations, or events requiring customized services will be quoted individually upon request.

Our pricing is determined by several factors, including the event location, selected menu items, length of service, and the total number of guests attending.

We ask that final menu selections must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the event date unless otherwise noted.

WEDDING RECEPTIONS:

We offer a complimentary tasting and consultation for many prospective couples and their families. Appointments are required and are held exclusively at our kitchen in Brackenridge. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to sample our cuisine, evaluate our service and professionalism, discuss the details of your reception, and receive an estimated proposal for your event. We recommend scheduling your appointment as early as possible to ensure availability that fits your timeline. Please note that tastings for smaller weddings may include a modest fee for attending guests.

Pricing: All pricing is subject to a 21% event production fee (not a service charge, gratuity or tip) and 7% sales tax. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated, and 100% of all tips go directly to the staff working your event. Package pricing is based on events held in a standard-equipped indoor banquet hall within our primary service area. Availability of services may vary by venue. Pricing for outdoor events, distant locations, or venues we have not previously serviced will be provided upon request.

Please Note: Certain venues require a dedicated menu and specific pricing. Please contact us for additional details.

PAYMENTS & POLICIES FOR WEDDINGS:

A $750 non-refundable retainer is required to secure your event date. A second non-refundable retainer equaling Fifty percent (50%) of the total balance is due 90 days prior to your event, with the remaining balance due 7 days before your wedding date.

We prefer payment by cash or check. Please note that electronic payments are subject to a 3% convenience fee. Checks may be made payable to Chef & I Catering and mailed to:
902 Brackenridge Ave, Brackenridge, PA 15014.

A preliminary guest count must be provided 30 days prior to the event, and a final guaranteed guest count is due 14 days before the event date. After this date, the guest count is considered final and cannot be reduced. Children under 10 and vendors not requiring seating may qualify for a discounted rate.

You will receive a detailed proposal outlining your selected menu items, services, pricing, event timeline, and other important reception details. Approximately 30 days before your event, we will schedule a final review by phone to confirm all details and make any necessary adjustments.

EVENTS REQUIRING DELIVERY/DROP-OFF STYLE:

A quote will be provided once your menu selections have been made. After the event is confirmed and the required retainer is received, a written confirmation will be issued. The client is responsible for reviewing the confirmation and ensuring all event details are accurate.

A final guest count must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the event. Guest counts cannot be reduced within 7 days of the event date.

Full payment is due 7 days prior to the event, unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.

PAYMENTS:

Payment by check or cash is preferred. Please note that electronic payments are subject to a 3% convenience fee. We do not accept credit card payments in person or over the phone.

Checks should be made payable to The Chef and I Catering and mailed to:
902 Brackenridge Ave, Brackenridge, PA 15014. Please include your event date in the memo line of the check.

If paying by cash, please contact us in advance to schedule an appointment for drop-off.