catering approval

At The Conservatory we strive to have a diverse catering list and we welcome outside caterers!  We do require each caterer (not already on our list) to be approved by The Conservatory before you would officially hire them.  Please provide us with an email introduction and a copy of your catering invoice/proposal and we will setup a time to chat them.  We do not approve all caterers as they must be agree with our policies and some are not willing.  There is a $300 fee added to your final invoice when using a caterer besides in-house catering.  Please remember our in-house catering by The Radish does not have the $300 fee, offers a free tasting, free chef's choice passed appetizer, and you'll receive an  10% discount off the venue rental price when using all 3 in-house services (catering, flowers, and planning).  
Below is a list of the key policies that the caterer must agree to:
  • Proper licensing with a certified catering kitchen for food prep.  No health code violations.
  • No drop offs - all caterers must setup the food, replenish food, and clean up left over food after food service ends.
  • The caterer must provide have a minimum 2 staff on site to manage the food and change spent food pans on the buffet. 
  • Staff to clear plates during dinner service – typically a minimum of 1 per 50/75 guests.  The 2 staff that are replenishing food are not to be included in this count.
  • Staff to take out all food related trash.
  • Must have proper equipment to prepare food off-site (no food can be prepared at The Conservatory).
  • Must have staff to handle all post dinner closing duties.  Take out final food trash, sweep up any food debris, return the catering prep space to the way it was found.
  • The caterer must provide all the warming pans, coolers, replenishment pans, tongs, spoons, forks, foil and plastic wrap, knifes to cut meat, warming lamps, and any food serving and presentation items. 
  • The Caterer or the client must provide all plates, forks, napkins, and to go boxes. 
  • Note:  The Conservatory does not have any cooking equipment or equipment to keep things cold or warm. 
  • Note:  The Conservatory doesn’t have any dish washing areas – food debris goes into the trash and then all food platers are to be washed by the caterer at their own kitchen.
If we approve the caterer, but they are unable to provide the serving staff required for your event – then The Conservatory (case by case) will provide the staff additional staff.   Each staff person is $150 and we plan for one server per 50/75 Guests.  
Please make note:  Masks are required by all vendors as soon as you enter the building until you leave - unless you are eating and/or drinking.  
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