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Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

For over 20 years, we’ve done more than serve great food— we’ve brought people together. Our Food for All Philosophy ensures every guest feels included, with menus for all tastes, cultures, and needs. We focus on quality ingredients, creative solutions, and the flexibility to make your event uniquely yours. But at the heart of it all? People. Whether it’s our team, our clients, or our community, we make every gathering effortless, welcoming, and delicious.
From full-service catering including rentals, linens, and on-site support to easy pickup and delivery, we’ve got you covered. However you want it, we’ll make it happen.
Whether it’s an intimate dinner for twenty or a grand event with 1,000+ guests, we’ve catered it all! Weddings, anniversaries, corporate galas, milestone birthdays, brunches, and everything in between. If there’s food at your event, we’re on it. Whatever the size or style, we bring the same level of care, creativity, and flavor to make it unforgettable.
We have catered events as small as 4 to over 1,000. If you can dream it, we can do it. 
We specialize in global fusion, blending flavors from around the world to create something truly unique. That said, we love a classic, traditional menu just as much. Whether you’re craving something bold and adventurous or prefer a tried-and-true favorite, we’re here to make it happen. No matter the style, we always work with you to craft a custom menu tailored to your event and vision—because your celebration should feel as special as the food served at it.
We’re proud to cater to the Twin Cities and its surrounding suburbs.
We typically ask for at least three days’ notice for orders, and during busy seasons, a little more time is helpful. For staffed events, a couple of weeks’ notice is preferred. That said, we understand life happens, and we’ll do our best to respond quickly to unanticipated events, like memorials. While we can accommodate last-minute requests, we always recommend booking as soon as you’ve decided to have us cater your event—so we can be sure to give you the attention you deserve.
We’ll confirm a “guaranteed minimum” guest count 2-3 weeks before your event. Don’t worry if the numbers change a bit closer to the date, we’re flexible and can usually accommodate small increases. Just give us a heads-up!
If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. Cancellations made less than two full days before the event will incur a 100% charge of the total invoice. This helps cover food that can’t be used, labor, rental goods, and other opportunities we may have turned down to accommodate your event. However, your deposit can be applied to a future event or a rescheduled date within one year of the original booking. We’re happy to work with you to make sure your event still happens!
During our peak season (May-December) we may have order minimums in place. Please visit our Contact Page for the latest information on if minimums are currently enforced. 

Payments & Fees

To lock in your event, we collect a standard deposit at the time of booking. Once that’s in, you’re confirmed in our calendar! For events between $1,000 and $5,000, the deposit is $500. For events over $5,000, it’s $1,000. For larger events ($5,000+), we also require a 50% payment.
We accept checks, cash, and credit cards—whatever works best for you.
For events with staffing, we do have a 15% service fee. This helps cover the additional overhead and support required to make these larger events run smoothly. It’s all part of ensuring everything goes off without a hitch!
Staffing needs depend on the type of service you choose. Plated meals require more hands on deck than buffet or drop-off events. Our onsite team includes event servers, event leads, and chefs, all dedicated to making your event seamless. The breakdown of their time and roles is always clearly outlined in your proposal, so you know exactly what to expect.
Some venues require additional catering fees, either as a flat rate or a percentage of costs. These fees are set by the venue, not us, but we do our best to keep them updated in our system. If applicable, you’ll find the venue fee listed in the subtotal section of your proposal, along with taxes and gratuity. We always recommend checking with your venue coordinator for the most up-to-date details!
Nope! The only additional fees you’ll see from us are the service fee or venue fee (if applicable), in addition to our labor costs. Our proposals are fully itemized, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and how it’s broken down. We believe in complete transparency, so you’ll never be caught off guard by hidden fees.

The Extras

Yes, we offer rentals for plateware, silverware, water glasses or goblets, and linen tablecloths or napkins. Just reach out to your event coordinator, and they’ll walk you through our available options and help add them to your proposal. We’ve got everything you need to make your event look just as good as it tastes!
We want you to love your meal and we offer open house tastings throughout the year. If you are interested in attending a tasting, please contact our team at info@chef-jeff.com. Private tastings may be available for an additional charge based on our event calendar.
We do not provide or serve alcohol, as we are a sober-friendly and recovery-friendly environment. However, if you plan to have alcohol at your event, we’re happy to connect you with trusted vendors who specialize in bar service. Our top recommendation is With a Twist.
We do not automatically add gratuities to catering orders. If you are interested in providing gratuity, your event coordinator can add a line item to your proposal or run an additional credit card payment. You can also connect with your event lead onsite at your event, to provide a tip in cash. Gratuities are shared equally among all who helped prepare and execute your event. While never expected, it is always appreciated. 
Yes! We can accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences with ease. Just make sure to let us know during the planning process so we have enough time to source any specialty ingredients needed. We’re all about making sure everyone’s happy and well-fed!
Getting a proposal is easy! Just reach out to us with as much info as possible about your event—this helps us give you the most accurate cost estimate. Key details like the event date, time, guest count, location, and any menu ideas or food items you’re considering are super helpful. We’ll do our best to get you a cost estimate ASAP. Sometimes, we may schedule a quick consultation call to make sure we have all the details covered. You can reach out to us here or request a full proposal to get started.
Everything you need! Your proposal will cover all the details to ensure everything is included in the price you’re seeing. We offer a range of options—from simple drop-off to full-service setup, and anything in between. Need plates and silverware? We’ve got you covered, but some clients prefer to provide their own to save on costs. Whatever level of service you want, we’re here to make it happen!
We’re happy to package up any eligible leftover food from your buffet for you or your guests to take home after your event! Just let us know in advance, and we’ll bring the containers. We do require a refrigerator or prepared cooler on-site to maintain food safety. Once food is handed off, Chef Jeff cannot guarantee food safety practices. Please note that leftovers are not guaranteed. We may prepare additional food as “food insurance” to ensure all guests, vendors, and staff are properly fed. Any additional food prepared for this purpose may not be considered leftover food available for the client to take home.
We also partner with a food rescue network of Community Partners to help make sure any eligible food doesn’t go to waste. It’s a win-win!
We’re here to help! If there’s anything else on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s about our services, menu options, or anything in between, we’re happy to chat and make sure you have all the info you need. Get in touch with us here, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

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