Custom Catering by Short Stop Events and Catering Policies

Menu Planning

Menus are provided to offer suggestions in meal and party planning, but are not limited to these selections alone. If you would like your menu custom planned, please call our event planners.

Final count of each entree selection is required for plated meals and is the CUSTOMER’S responsibility. This information should be submitted to your Custom Catering by Short Stop Event Planner 15-20 business days prior to the event. Final Entree selections must be selected 45 business days prior to the event.

Food and Beverage Regulations

All federal, state, and local laws with regard to food and beverage purchase and consumption are strictly enforced. Due to the health department regulations, Custom Catering by Short Stop must provide all food and beverages consumed on premise. The health department prohibits us from allowing food to be taken home, with the exception of the licensed wedding/celebration cake or desserts clients bring in to the event. Any request for left over catering items prepared by Custom Catering by Short Stop will be denied. Custom Catering by Short Stop reserves the right to inspect and regulate all private meetings, banquets, and receptions in accordance with our policy and established laws. Custom Catering by Short Stop welcomes outside wedding/celebration cakes and desserts provided they are coming from a licensed commercial bakery.

Wait Staff, Chefs & Bartenders

At full service events, a minimum of one wait staff person is required for every 25-35 guests. One bartender is required for every 100 guests.

Service Charge & Sales Tax

All food and beverage prices are subject to applicable service charges. All events with staff on site are subject to an 18% taxable service charge and current sales tax. The entire service charge is the property of Custom Catering by Short Stop, and not the property of any one employee. This is NOT a gratuity. We do not automatically assess a charge for gratuity and paying a gratuity is at your discretion. We believe, however, that the level of service offered by our staff will merit a show of appreciation. Sales of meals to non-profit organizations, government units, and their employees/representatives are taxable unless you are an exempt Federal agency. Please inquire if you have questions.

Deposit

In order to reserve your date and space, a non-refundable deposit and signed contract are required for all events with more than 50 guests. The deposit of $500 will be applied to your final food and beverage bill. If your event is booked at 912 Regency or Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center, a deposit and contract is not necessary.

Pricing

The prices listed on our menus are current as of the day of printing, but are subject to change due to the fluctuations in market place and other factors. If pricing changes, the client WILL be notified.

Final entrée selections must be received 45 business days prior to the event and pricing will be reevaluated and locked in at that time. If there is a fluctuation, due to market cost, it will not exceed 5% of the proposed contact price.

Final Event Meeting

Custom Catering by Short Stop requires a final meeting of all wedding events and events over 100 guests. The venue contact, client, and the Custom Catering by Short Stop Event Planner must be present. This meeting can be done over the phone or by email. This should be scheduled with your Event Planner at least 15-20 business days prior to the event and between the hours of 9:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday. Below is a list of details to be completed:

  • Final Guest Count Due
  • Finalized Room Diagram
  • Timeline of the Day
  • Complete Linens List Finalized
  • Final Payment Due in Full

Guarantees

Final meal count guarantees are due 15 business days prior to all functions with guest counts 100 and over. Final guest count guarantees are due 5 business days prior to all functions with guest counts under 100. If Custom Catering by Short Stop has not been notified within the fifteen day time frame, the number of guests anticipated on the previous Banquet Event Order will become the guaranteed number of guests expected. Your final count is considered a guarantee and not subject to reductions after the due date. Your final billing will be based on this guarantee or the actual number of guests served, whichever is greater. If the actual number of guests served is greater, we will do our best to accommodate you the day of, but, the additional number of guests will be charged the meal price.

Payments

All deposits will be applied to the final bill. For wedding functions, the client must provide the full payment 15 days before the event. If the final count was not provided before the Final Meeting, it will be sent with the guaranteed number of guests within three days, at which time final payment is due. Any additional payments will be collected at the conclusion of the event or within 3 business days after (i.e. open bar or add-ons the day of). Any overpayments will be refunded within one week. Accounts remaining unpaid beyond 30 days are subject to an additional service charge.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations of catering for weddings and events over 150 are required in writing, dated, and signed by both parties involved in original contract: the customer, and the Custom Catering by Short Stop Representative. Any deposits/payments applied are non-refundable. A cancellation form can be provided by Custom Catering by Short Stop upon your request. Cancellation of an event less than 30 days prior will be subject to a cancellation fee of 25% of the estimated price of the event. No cancellations will be accepted 10 business days prior to event date and we reserve the right to charge up to 100% of the estimated food and beverage cost.

Alcoholic Beverage Guidelines

 

The management and staff of Custom Catering by Short Stop take the following matters very seriously, not only out of respect for the law, but also for the safety of our guests and staff. All alcoholic beverage sales and service are subject to the rules and regulations of the Minnesota State Liquor Control Board. Custom Catering reserves the right to refuse to sell to or serve any person, when it is in Custom Catering’s sole opinion and judgement, that such a sale or service would constitute an infraction of the regulations.

All Alcohol must be provided by Custom Catering by Short Stop, with the exception of approved wine and champagne which is subject to a corkage fee. Custom Catering by Short Stop reserves the right to refuse service to anyone at any time (including wine/champagne). All bar items must be decided and confirmed at your Final Meeting date. As the host, you are responsible for the behavior of your guests. Please enforce responsible drinking. The following is our policy:

  1. No liquor will knowingly be sold to or consumed by any person under the legal drinking age of 21.
  2. No liquor will be sold or consumed by any person who, in the opinion of appropriate staff, is or appears to be intoxicated. This is state law.
  3. The Minnesota license also prohibits overstock to be left behind when bar service ends.
  4. In an effort to control alcohol consumption, the staff may proceed as follows when a problem is developing:
    • The server/bartender will notify Banquet Manager or Bar Lead of potential over consumption.
    • The Banquet Manager or Bar Lead and server/bartender will make a special note of the situation.
    • The Banquet Manager or Bar Lead will ask for cooperation from others in the party and notify the host.
    • If the issue continues the server/bartender will cease serving a particular person or group.

Corkage Fees

Custom Catering by Short Stop does provide the option of bringing in your own wine or champagne to an event. There is a corkage fee of $15.00 per bottle, plus tax and service fee that is applied to every 750ml bottle.

Liability & Loss

Custom Catering by Short Stop is not responsible for the loss of enjoyment due to delays, interruptions, changes in arrangements or to other services which are caused by circumstances amounting to force majeure, such as, but not limited to; war, riots, labor strikes, acts of God, government regulations or restrictions on travel, natural disaster or adverse weather conditions.

Please assign a person from your group to take care of all wedding cards, gifts, decorations and any leftover dessert. Upon leaving the area, please have all items removed from the grounds. Custom Catering by Short Stop is not responsible for any loss, damaged or stolen items to the customer’s displays, decorations, or other property used for the event. This will be sole responsibility of the customer. Custom Catering by Short Stop will assume no liability.

Theft and Damages

The client agrees to be responsible for any damage or theft to catering; inventory, equipment, table accessories, or other property owned by Custom Catering by Short Stop. If theft or damage occurs by the hosted party, the client will be notified and an invoice will be given within three business days. Payment must be received within one week of the invoice date. Custom Catering by Short Stop will assume no financial responsibility for damaged or stolen property brought to the facility by the client, client’s guests, or outside vendor.