CATERING POLICIES

We are in the business of designing catering menus in West Michigan to meet your needs, flavors, and budget. We will do everything in our power to customize a menu you can be proud to serve. Because Lake Effect Kitchen is serious about food safety and our mission of putting people first, we will need to discuss any special requests before making a commitment. We want to do our best for you. Let’s set up a time to discuss your vision and create a memorable event!

Scheduling – All events require at least 72 business hours lead time, more for larger or more formal events. We do book up, so contact us as early as possible to ensure availability. Service minimums apply; events are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Delivery fees include delivery and setup of buffet lines only. An additional charge of $30 per hour per staff member will be added for events where staff are requested to stay, serve, or clean up. These fees do not include tax or gratuity. If tax exempt, proper documentation needs to be on file at time of payment. A mileage fee of $2 per mile will be added for deliveries more than 20 miles from Lake Effect Kitchen. 

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due to hold date. Fifty percent of the balance is due four weeks before event. Customer to provide final head count two weeks before event. Remaining balance due in full two weeks before event. Cancellation less than four weeks before event will result in forfeiting 30 percent of monies paid. Cancellation less than 7 days prior to event will result in forfeiting 60 percent of monies paid. Late payments will incur late fees. Changes to menu less than two weeks prior to event will result in change order charge. Postponement of event less than 7 days prior will result in a 50 percent restocking fee.

All our menus are hand-prepared with quality ingredients. Food is time- and temperature-sensitive. Lake Effect Kitchen certifies that all products are within safe temperature ranges upon pickup or delivery. Lake Effect Kitchen is not liable should a customer fail to immediately store products at appropriate temperatures.