Client Information
Booking Policies & Terms
Everything you need to know about securing your date and planning with MF Catering Co.
Customized Menus
Our published menu showcases many of MF Catering Co.'s signature and most-requested dishes, but clients are not limited to the items shown. We welcome custom menu requests based on your event vision, cultural preferences, dietary considerations, service style and budget. Custom dishes and specialty ingredients are subject to availability and custom pricing.
Booking Retainer & Securing Your Date
A 25% non-refundable booking retainer and signed catering agreement are required to secure an event date. The 25% retainer is applied toward the total contracted event balance; it is not an additional charge.
The retainer compensates MF Catering Co. for reserving the date, beginning planning and administrative work, and limiting availability for other bookings. If the client cancels, the retainer is non-refundable, subject to applicable law and the terms of the signed agreement.
An inquiry, proposal, consultation, tasting or verbal commitment does not reserve a date. A date is confirmed only after the signed agreement and required retainer have been received.
Rescheduling
A client requesting to reschedule must provide written notice, including notice by email. With sufficient notice, MF Catering Co. may, at its discretion, allow the non-refundable retainer to be transferred one time to a new mutually agreed-upon and available date.
The rescheduled event must take place within 12 months of the original contracted date and is subject to availability, current menu and service pricing, vendor or rental costs already incurred, and the terms of the agreement. If the event is not held within 12 months, the original retainer is forfeited and a new retainer is required.
A transferred retainer has no cash value and will not be converted into a refund. Non-refundable expenses already incurred for the original event — specialty ingredients, rentals, custom products, travel arrangements or third-party vendor charges — may remain due separately and may not transfer.
Final Payment
Unless the catering agreement states otherwise, the remaining balance is due no later than 14 calendar days before the event. Final payment may be required up to 30 days before large-scale, destination, rental-intensive or specialty-order events.
For events booked within 30 days of the event date, full payment is required at the time of booking. Short-notice bookings are subject to menu, ingredient, staffing, equipment and rental availability.
Guest Count & Final Selections
Final guest count, menu selections and major event details must generally be confirmed no later than 14 days before the event unless the agreement specifies an earlier deadline. Once confirmed, reductions in guest count do not automatically reduce the contracted balance. Increases will be accommodated when possible and may result in additional charges.
Service Charge
A standard 25% service charge is applied to the food and beverage subtotal. It supports administrative coordination, event planning, production management, kitchen and logistical coordination, standard setup coordination and standard catering cleanup. The service charge is not a gratuity.
Event-specific staffing, rentals, premium serviceware, specialty equipment, stations, travel and other enhancements may be priced separately.
Pricing & Proposals
Website menus and sample selections are not final quotes. Event pricing may vary based on menu selections, guest count, premium ingredients, service style, staffing, equipment, rentals, delivery, venue requirements, setup, travel, event duration and custom requests. A customized proposal is prepared for each event.
Venue Access & Additional Costs
Clients are responsible for providing accurate venue information and reasonable access for contracted services. Additional charges may apply for parking, permits, difficult loading access, stairs, extended setup or breakdown, venue-mandated labor, additional transportation, unusual equipment requirements or other conditions not disclosed when the proposal was prepared.
Dietary Requests & Allergies
Please disclose dietary requests and known food allergies during planning. MF Catering Co. will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests when possible, but food may be prepared in environments where common allergens are present and an allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.
This page is business-policy information and not legal advice. MF Catering Co.'s final signed catering agreement is controlling.