Policies

 

Arranging and Reserving a Date
Even if the date of the event is only tentative, or if you are just looking for a quote, please make arrangements with us so that we can at least get you pencilled in for your special event. In the event another client requests the same date, we will contact you first to arrange for a confirmation. We will tentatively hold your date for two weeks only. At that time, if we do not hear back from you, we will give the date to the next client.

 

Guarantee Policy
The guaranteed number is the established minimum number for billing purposes on all catering functions. If fewer guests attend than guaranteed, you will be charged for the guaranteed number. If the number of guests attending exceeds the guaranteed number you will be charged regular charges for the extra guests, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

 

For all events, the number of guests must be confirmed seven days prior to the

event and a tentative guest count fourteen days prior.

 

Any minor changes to the menu must be done one week before the event, and major changes two weeks prior, to allow us time to get everything organized.

 

Food and Beverages
Guests may not bring any food or beverage of any kind, with the exception of wedding cakes, UNLESS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE. Due to Health Department regulations (storage and temperature) and liability insurance concerns, leftover food will be disposed of.

 

Staffing
Staffing will be based on the number of guests, menu and style of the event. We will advise you on all the staff included at your event. Additional serving or bartending staff may be added at an additional cost per hour, with a four hour minimum. As well, staff can be available for table set up if required, for an additional hourly charge.

 

Bar Service
Custom Gourmet Catering does not provide alcoholic beverages, as we are not licensed for alcohol we can not offer bartending services.  We do know a few companies that may help you out, just ask.

 

Travel
Our licensing will cover us as far south as Bowser and as far North as Campbell River.  Including Denman Island, Hornby Island and Quadra Island.  Island events will be charged for ferry and lodging of Chef and Staff.  Events outside of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland will also be charged a Fuel Fee.

*Temp permits for travel outside of our area, can be possible, at the cost of the client*

 

Rentals
We do not provide any rentals, unless prior arrangements are made. We do have a small supply of rental dishes including platters, plates, cutlery, water glasses and mugs; as well as some small wares like salt and pepper shakers and wine carafes. Larger requirements can be arranged through the All in One Party Shop. If you require us to organize rentals for you, we can for a 10% fee. We will not pick up or drop off rentals, but the Party Shop does offer this service for a charge.

 

Payments and Deposits
Upon booking an event, an agreed upon deposit is required to secure event date and our services, deposit is based on the size of the event, usually $100-$500, but can be 50% of quoted menu price. Balance owing will be required the day the final bill is presented, unless prior arrangements have been made.

 

Service Fees
5% tax will be added to all invoices.

We do not add on a mandatory Gratuity, we feel we must earn it. Current gratuity rates are 15%-20%.

If you request extra staffing a 15% service fee will apply.

Fuel Fee may be added to the invoice for certain locations.

A Chef fee will be charged to all invoices, this covers the organizational time the chef puts into your event, outside of the event day.

Drop off orders, do not incur a chef fee and are 10% off.

 

Cancellation Charges

Should it be necessary for you to cancel a scheduled event, the following policy concerning refunds will apply:

Within 1 month prior to an event 100% of the deposit will be withheld by Custom Gourmet

From 2 months prior to an event 75% of the deposit will be withheld by Custom Gourmet

From 3 months prior to an event 50% of the deposit will be withheld by Custom Gourmet

From 4 months +  prior to the event 25% of the deposit will be withheld by Custom Gourmet

Payment Options
At this time we accept cash, cheque, email transfers to [email protected], or money orders, We can also process Visa and Mastercard over the phone or Debit at our NIC location.  Our Invoicing system also has a pay direct function.