"PROVIDING DELICIOUS, FRESH, HOME-MADE FOOD AND RELIABLE SERVICE SINCE 1986"
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We understand how stressful and overwhelming planning an event cant be, therefor we have created a "Frequently Asked Questions" page to help alleviate some stress and uncertainties you may have!
HOW FAR OUT ARE YOU BOOKING?
We are currently booking events for 2024 & 2025
Please note, our 2024 calendar is filling quickly with very limited availability remaining for 2024! Send us an inquiry asap to confirm availability and packages! Please note-- we do not open our 2026 books until FEBRUARY 2025
HOW DO I PLAN A SPECIAL EVENT WITH BELMONT CATERING?
In order to book Belmont Catering, we ask that you make an appointment with a manager or the owner to discuss your booking needs. In order to secure a booking, we require a $1000 non-refundable deposit and a formal contract. Please contact us on " CONTACT" Page by filling out the associated form for more details or by calling 519-644-1726.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT PRICE PER PLATE?
In order to best serve you, we invite you to contact us for more information. This ensures we provide you with the most accurate quote and are able to discuss over service options. Our packages are completely customizable and are happy to work together to create a menu that fits your visions as well as budget. The exact price per plate entirely depends on desired options suited for the client, location, guest count etc. and can vary depending on the clients vision. With packages ranging and starting at $40-$80 per person, depending on your event, visions and location!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES IN PRICES?
Our prices are calculated based on style requested (buffet or sit down), exact km distance and number of guests. When inquiring please provide us with your: Approx. Guest Count, Exact Address of the Event, & Preferred Style of Service.
WHAT IS YOUR MINIMUM GUEST COUNT REQUIRED FOR CATERING EVENTS?
In order to provide fully catered and delivered services, we require at least 40 confirmed guests. We also provide pick up options for smaller events (25-40 people) at a very convenient and affordable cost. We can accommodate (and have in the past) single events up to 2000 people!
WHAT KIND OF SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer buffet style, country style or plate by plate services. In addition, for smaller events we offer "pick up" services which have become very popular!
HOW MANY EVENTS DO YOU ACCOMMODATE IN A DAY?
For 2022, we are accommodating up to 6 events. Please contact us for availability as we do fully book every weekend 12 + months in advance!
WHERE DO YOU CATER TO?
We cater to halls, barns, outdoor tent events, houses, offices… you name it! We have become well-known for travelling within the London region, St Thomas, Dorchester, Aylmer, Strathroy, Mount Brydges, Mount Elgin, Komoka, Woodstock, Dutton, Brantford, Drumbo, Sarnia, Delhi, Norwich and many more regions, please contact us and we can further assist you!
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR SERVICES?
Our quoted prices include china plates, silver cutlery, service staff, buns and any condiments needed for the meal. We do not supply linens or glass wear. Depending on the service style, the customer is required to provide us with 2, 8 foot long tables for the buffet and one 8 foot long table for dessert. Additionally, customers are required to provide 2 outlets to ensure our coffee and tea machines can be plugged in.
Belmont Catering is not responsible for setting up or taking down any items for the event that is not provided with our meal. This includes decorations, table settings etc.
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR CHILDREN?
Yes, children under 4 are free. Please note that children must be included in the final number count to ensure proper serving amounts. We will discount them from the final bill.
MAY WE AS A CUSTOMER PROVIDE ANY ITEMS TO BE SERVICED?
No, due our health standards all items must be prepared and purchased by Belmont Catering in order to meet our health and safety codes. The only item we allow is for the guest to bring their own cake or desserts! Please contact us for more information!
DO YOU PROVIDE DIETARY OR RELIGIOUS ALTERNATIVES?
Yes, we provide alternatives for vegetarians, vegan, gluten and dairy free guests. Please contact us for more information.
Additionally, all of our entrees are can be prepared Kosher or Halal certified upon request.
HOW DO YOU DELIVER HOT FOOD?
All of our items are prepared the day of the event. This means no items are cut or cooked the day before, which is why we promise fresh food guaranteed! Everything is prepared right before delivery and is packed in thermal boxes.
For Buffet style meals, our food is presented in flame heated chaffing dishes to ensure everything stays steaming hot.
DO YOU CHARGE GRATUITIES?
Yes, we charge a standard 15% gratuity for our catering services which is added onto the final bill.
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA/HIDDEN COSTS?
No! We quote you at a per plate structure and charge a standard 15%-18% gratuity (depending on the year) and 13% hst.
WHEN ARE FINAL NUMBER COUNTS DUE?
Final numbers are due 7 days before your scheduled event. Changes can not be made after this 7 day period. Please ensure final guest counts include all individuals eating to avoid penalties.
I'M WORRIED, WILL YOU RUN OUT?
Our guarantee is, we will never run out! That being said, final numbers are crucial for this policy. If final numbers are 100% accurate, you do not need to worry about shortage of food regardless of how much guests eat. Please see "How do numbers work" for more details.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE LEFTOVERS?
Our fees are based on a per plate structure based on however many plates the client orders. Due to our strict health standards, we do not leave any leftovers for guests. Although there may be food leftover, this is most often due to the fact we prepare extra servings to ensure all guests are fully satisfied. Because not every person eats the same portions, we ensure there is plenty of food by preparing extra on our end. No leftovers are left at events regardless of the amount left over. We follow strict health standards provided by our local health inspector department, who advises against any left over food being given at events to protect the safety of our business. By hiring Belmont Catering, the client agrees to this policy.
HOW DO NUMBERS WORK?
The client is required to provide final numbers 1 week prior to the event which includes all individuals eating. B.T.R will contact the client for the final confirmation. Although we understand circumstances rise now and then, and guests may not show last minute, you are charged for the number of guests ordered. A final plate count is also counted at the venue, if numbers are inaccurate and there is additional guests, the client will be charged for the remaining plates and penalties may be applied. Final numbers are very important as it can negatively reflect our business if more guests eat than agreed upon (which could cause a shortage in food). If numbers rise after final confirmation, contact us and we can make changes and avoid any penalties. All billing will be based on the guaranteed number or actual attendance, which ever is greater. Penalties of 20% may be added for greater attendance than ordered.
WHICH VENUES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
We are happy to provide services at your desired venue but please ensure they allow outside caterers first. Over the many years in business we have visited some amazing venues, please visit our venues link for our commonly used locations!
DO YOU HAVE A SUSTAINABILITY PLAN?
We feel strongly about participating in sustainable business practices and support local as much as possible. This includes our meat supplied for over 25 years by Norwich Packers, and our produce purchased through local farmers.
DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF REFERENCES THAT I CAN REVIEW?
Yes. Please click here to review just a few of our references and comments.
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE AND ARE YOU LICENSED?
Yes, our food is fully licensed and insured.
WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?
In order to secure your date, there is a non-refundable deposit of $1000 required. This will not only lock in your date, but your quoted price. This means your price is NOT subject to any changes, regardless of external increases in the industry. This deposit must be paid in cash, email transfer or debit upon booking.
We accept Email Transfer, Certified Cheques, Cash, Debit, Visa or Mastercard.
Please note, a 4% service fee will be applied to all payments processed with Credit Card.
The full balance is due within 48 hours before the event. One week prior to the event, clients will expect a call from Belmont Catering to discuss final number counts, finalizing menu selections and any details. We have found in the past that paying the final balance at this time is most convenient. But, we do accept payment up to 48 hours before the event. This will be arranged.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
As an industry standard, If you need to cancel our services after booking with us, the deposit is non-refundable which is stated throughout contracted terms. Deposit's are retainers given for us vendors to reserve and secure your event as we invest/ secure many steps for your package, unfortunately deposits are not refundable.