Policies

Thank you for choosing Cardinal Catering, where we’re dedicated to providing you with a remarkable experience filled with exceptional quality, stellar service, and innovative culinary delights. Our team of professionals is here to support you every step of the way in planning your special event. We are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Feel free to reach out to our catering coordinator at 409-880-8925 for personalized assistance and tailored menu options. Please take a moment to read through our policy.

Billing & Payment

To streamline the process, we kindly request payment information be provided at the time of booking or three business days prior to your event. We accept checks, purchase orders and credit cards. All payments are kept on file and processed the week of the event. We kindly ask if you are paying with a purchase order, the order number is required the day prior to the event in order to execute. For off-campus partners or events, a 50% deposit is required upon booking, with the remaining balance paid in full and due seven business days in advance.

Meeting Room and Equipment

All non-food related items will need to be booked directly with events. As there are multiple buildings on campus, please confirm your space, guest counts, and event details with both facilities and catering.

Planning Your Event

To ensure that your event is everything you envision and more, we kindly request that you book at least seven days in advance. If you are hosting an event with over 100 guests we suggest placing the order 14 days in advance. However, we understand that sometimes plans change unexpectedly, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Late Fee

In the event that a short notice order is placed after seven days from the event, there will be a late fee of $50.00 added to the final bill.

Cancellation Policy

While we hope that cancellations won’t be necessary, we understand that circumstances may arise. Cancellations made with less than five days will result in a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations of less than two days will be billed the full contracted amount.

Custom Menus

For a truly customized experience, such as custom menus and themes, we kindly request a 14-day notice to allow for thoughtful menu planning and sourcing of the freshest ingredients.

Guest Counts

Your confirmed guest count is crucial for us to deliver impeccable service. Please provide us with the final count three days prior to your event to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees. If you have selected a plated meal option with personalized guest selections, we will request a seating chart, along with menu cards indicating the entrée preference.

Special Dietary Needs

Your guests’ dietary preferences are important to us. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements as soon as possible, and no later than three days prior to your event. Our culinary team will work diligently to accommodate these needs.

Tax Exempt

Please remember to provide tax-exempt forms to our office three business days before your event to ensure smooth processing.

Event Timing

Our structure is based on four-hour increments, allowing ample time for setup, service, and cleanup. Events exceeding this time frame may be subject to additional service fees. Should your event require more time, please consult with our catering team for further assistance.

Serviceware and China

For your convenience, disposable serviceware is provided with all orders to accommodate the guaranteed guest count. Should you desire china and glassware, these are available for an additional fee of $5 per person.

Nutritional Information

For those who require it, additional nutritional information is available upon request.

Food Safety

Any unused food remains the property of Chartwells catering and cannot be removed from an event in accordance with state health regulations and Lamar University policies. All condiments and disposables also remain the property of Chartwells catering.

Linen

We include tablecloths for all food and beverage service tables at your event. Additional tablecloths for non-food tables are available for a $6.99 fee. We offer black or white. Please inquire about sizing and any additional colors that could be offered. Specialty linens can also be arranged at market price. If desired, event planners may work directly with the rental company to avoid additional costs associated with ordering rentals

Alcohol and Bar Services

We have a complete list of beer, wine, and liquor available upon request. Due to licensing requirements, all alcohol must be served by a TABC Cardinal Catering bartender. Bartenders are charged at a ratio of one (1) for every 100 guests for a beer and wine and one (1) for every 75 guests for a full service bar.

All bar services include table linens, plastic cups, and ice. Glassware is an additional $5/person and available upon request. Full bar setups include sodas and juice mixers, lemons, limes, cherries, olives, club soda, and tonic water.

Service Fees

• Bartenders are $200 for four hours; each additional hour is $75 per bartender.
• Catering Attendants are $125 for three hours; each additional hour is $45 per attendant.
• Station Chefs are $175 with a minimum of four hours; each additional hour is $25 per chef
• Events that require a set up and clean up are subject to a $100 service fee.