ALCHMY — Frequently Asked Questions

A clear, client‑friendly guide to how we work across corporate events, weddings, private dinners, tastings, pop‑ups, buffets, family‑style service, and grazing tables

Quick Facts

  • Service Area: Tri‑State (NJ/NY/PA) with travel available beyond on request.
  • Minimums: $7,500 event minimum (except our 5‑course private chef dinner).
  • Service Fee : 22% (non‑gratuity; covers production, planning, admin, logistics)
  • Deposit & Payment : 20% retainer to reserve your date. Final payment due 14 days prior.
  • Seasonality: Menus change with the season and market availability.
  • Allergies/Dietary: We accommodate with advance notice.
  • Staffing: Curated team led by an Event Manager for larger events.

Booking & Payments

How do I start a booking?

Share your date, location, guest count, service style, budget, and dietary notes via our inquiry form or email. We reply with a tailored proposal.

When is my final balance due?

14 days before the event, so we can confirm orders, logistics, and staffing.

What forms of payment do you accept?

ACH/Bank transfer and major credit cards via secure invoice. Checks accepted for bookings made well in advance.

Is the 22% service fee a gratuity?

No. The 22% service fee covers event planning, culinary production, admin, tastings coordination, logistics, packing, and insurance overhead. Gratuity is optional and always appreciated, distributed to your on‑site team.

Pricing, Minimums & What’s Included

Do you have minimums?

Yes. $3,500 event minimum (except for the 5‑course private chef dinner). Drop‑off catering:$40 per person (25‑guest / $1,200 order minimum).

What do your per‑person prices include?

Chef‑curated menu planning, procurement, in‑house prep, on‑site finishing (for staffed events), standard garnish, menu customization within your chosen package, and detailed run‑of‑show

Are taxes included?

Applicable sales tax is additional and based on event location

Service Styles & Starting Points

Private Chef (Plated Fine Dining):
5‑Course Seasonal Dinner — $175 per person
(groups 6–50). Chef interaction, restaurant‑level plating, seasonal tasting flow.

Family‑Style (50–200 guests):
$75–$175 per person
depending on menu and complexity.

Buffet:
Starts at $50 per person; elegant, abundant displays designed for smooth guest flow.

Grazing Tables:
Market‑driven displays of seasonal crudités and dips, breads and spreads, marinated/pickled vegetables, and curated add‑ons.

Passed Hors d’Oeuvres:
Butler‑passed service paced over your reception window; pairs beautifully with grazing or a seated dinner.

Drop‑Off (No Staff):
From $40 per person (25‑guest / $1,000 min). Add disposables $4 pp and disposable chafing $75 per 3 entrées; optional setup service $150.

Beverage & Bar

Do you offer bar packages?

Yes. Two‑Signature Cocktail Package — $50 per person (4 hours). Includes bartenders (no extra bartender charge when a beverage package is selected) and is subject to the 22% service fee.

What if we’re BYO?

We can staff and operate a BYO bar. Popular add‑on: Mixer Package — $15 per person (fresh citrus, syrups, juices, garnishes, standard sodas, ice). Glassware and specialty mixers available via rental partners.

Do you provide coffee/tea?

Yes. Coffee & Tea Service — $4 per person.

Are bartenders available à la carte?

Yes. Staffing‑only rates:Bartender $450, Server $350 (typical 4–5 hour on‑site window; extended hours available).

Are you licensed to sell alcohol?

We support a variety of service models in compliance with venue/local regulations. We’ll confirm the proper setup for your site

Tastings

Do you offer tastings?

Yes. Private tastings are available for select full‑service bookings. Tasting fees and guest count limits depend on the proposed menu and will be outlined in your proposal.

Can tastings happen off‑site or at our venue?

We can accommodate tastings at our kitchen or off‑site when feasible; we’ll confirm options based on your event

Menu Design & Customization

How customizable are your menus?

Highly. Our style is modern, seasonal, and visually striking, informed by Chef Daniel’s fine‑dining background. We tailor menus to your event type, season, and vision.

Can you match a theme or cuisine?

Absolutely—corporate brand launches, cultural menus, weddings, pop‑ups, and chef‑driven tasting experiences are our core.

Do you provide vegetarian/vegan/gluten‑free options?

Yes. Please share restrictions at least 14 days in advance; we’ll propose parallel dishes that feel equally special.

Do you handle severe allergies?

We take great care; however, we are not an allergen‑free kitchen and cannot guarantee zero cross‑contact. We’ll clearly label items and coordinate a safe plan with you.

Staffing & Service Standards

What staff do you provide?

Chefs, event managers, service captains, servers, bartenders, and support staff. Ratios are tailored to your service style and venue.

Typical staffing ratios?

  • Plated dinners : ~1 server per 12–16 guests.
  • Buffet/family‑style : ~1 server per 20–25 guests
  • Bars : ~1 bartender per 50–75 guests (menu‑dependent).We’ll recommend the right mix in your proposal.

What time does staff arrive?

Generally 90–120 minutes prior to guest arrival; larger builds may require 3–5 hours.

Do you include an Event Manager?

Recommended for most events; required for larger/complex builds. We’ll specify in your proposal.

Rentals, Linens & Decor

Do you provide rentals?

We supply a limited rental inventory, but we happily coordinate through trusted partners (tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, flatware, bars, back‑of‑house equipment). Coordination fees may apply

Do you include linens?

Linens are provided via rental partners or your venue. We’ll style a cohesive look with your planner or our team.

Can you provide decor/flowers?

We can coordinate simple floral accents and styling or collaborate with your florist/producer for full event design.

Venues & Kitchen Requirements

Can you work in a venue with no kitchen?

Yes. We’ll design a menu and logistics plan using portable equipment, hot boxes, induction, and chafing as needed. Adequate power, load‑in access, water, and prep space must be available.

What do you need from the venue?

Clear load‑in/out windows, access instructions, power details, fire/life‑safety rules, trash plan, and any COI requirements. We’ll coordinate directly with venue managers.

Outdoor & Weather Contingencies

Do you cater outdoors?

Often. We’ll advise on tenting, flooring, climate control, lighting, and generator needs. A weather back‑up plan is required for plated or complex service styles

Leftovers & Food Safety

Can you leave leftovers?

We can package safe, unserved food on request. After client hand‑off, food safety is the client’s responsibility. For staffed events, we maintain strict holding temps and time tracking

Do you remove trash?

We bag catering trash at the end of service; on‑site dumpsters or removal services should be provided by the venue/client unless contracted otherwise

Children, Vendor & Late‑Night

Do you offer children’s meals?

Yes—priced per menu. We’ll coordinate counts and timing with you.

Vendor meals?

Available and recommended for teams on site through dinner (photographers, planners, band, etc.). We’ll include these in the final count.

After‑party or next‑day brunch?

We frequently provide late‑night snacks and next‑morning drop‑off brunch spreads (chef‑attended omelette station optional)

Timelines & Planning

How far in advance should we book?

Peak dates fill quickly—3–9 months is common for large events; smaller/private dinners can book on a shorter timeline.

When do we finalize menu and counts?

Your menu and final guest count are due 14 days prior to your event (so we can order precisely and staff correctly).

What if my guest count changes?

We can adjust up to your final count deadline; late increases are subject to availability.

Sustainability & Sourcing

What’s your sourcing philosophy?

Season‑forward menus with a preference for local and regional producers. We minimize waste through smart forecasting and thoughtful planning.

Insurance, Licensing & Compliance

Are you insured?

Yes. Certificates of Insurance (COI) available upon request for venues and building management

Do your bartenders carry certifications?

Our bar team follows responsible service standards; we comply with venue and municipal requirements.

Contracts, Changes & Cancellations

Can I make changes after signing?

Yes—menu and logistics may be refined up to stated deadlines. Material scope changes may affect pricing

What is your cancellation policy?

The 20% retainer is non‑refundable and reserves labor, production time, and your date. If you cancel within 60 days of the event, additional cancellation fees may apply up to the full estimated balance, reflecting costs already incurred and the limited ability to rebook your date. Rescheduling is usually possible once within 12 months of the original date pending availability; your retainer transfers.

Gratuity

Is tipping expected?

Never required. If you wish to recognize great service, gratuity is distributed among the on‑site team.

Travel & Delivery

Do you charge travel or delivery fees?

Travel and delivery fees apply based on distance, load‑in complexity, tolls/parking, and schedule. These will be clearly listed in your proposal

Frequently Requested Starting Points

  • Private Chef 5‑Course (6–50 guests):$175 pp
  • Family‑Style (50–200 guests):$75–$150 pp
  • Buffet: From $50 pp
  • Drop‑Off: From $40 pp (25‑guest / $1,200 min)
  • Butler‑Passed Reception: custom‑priced to selections and duration
  • Two‑Signature Cocktail Package (4 hrs): $50 pp (bartenders included)
  • Mixer‑Only Package (BYO): $15 pp
  • Coffee/Tea: $4 pp
  • Disposables: $4 pp
  • Disposable Chafing: $75 per 3 entrées
  • Setup Service (drop‑off): $150
  • Staffing‑Only (when applicable):Bartender $450, Server $350

All pricing subject to the 22% service fee and applicable sales tax. Final pricing depends on menu, venue, rentals, timeline, and logistics

How to Get a Proposal

  • Share your date, location, guest count, service style, budget range, and any restrictions.
  • We’ll suggest seasonal menus and a service plan aligned to your goals and venue.
  • Review and approve. Place your 20% retainer to secure the date.
  • Finalize menu and counts 14 days prior. We handle the rest

We bring the fine‑dining experience to you. Ready to plan?