KEY'S CATERING SERVICES

Catering Policies

To ensure a smooth and successful event, please review the following catering policies before booking.

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Booking & Deposits

For local events, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your event date. For out of state events, a 50% non-refundable fee is required to secure your event date. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 7 days before the event. Events booked within 7 days of the event date require FULL payment at the time of booking.

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Final Guest Count

The final guest count must be confirmed 7 days prior to the event. This number will be used to determine the final invoice and food preparation quantities.

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​Service Options

We offer several catering service options:

• Drop-off catering – food delivered ready to serve

• Buffet setup – food delivered and arranged for self-service

• Full-service catering – setup, staff for replenishing, and breakdown

• Styled grazing tables – decorative food displays designed for social dining​

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Setup Time

Our team requires 1–2 hours before guest arrival to properly set up food displays, buffet stations, or grazing tables.

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Service Duration

Full-service catering includes up to 3-4 hours of food service. Additional service time may be added for an additional fee.

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Travel Catering

Travel catering is available for events outside our primary service area.

Travel policies include:

• Minimum guest count of 50 guests for travel events

• Travel fee based on distance

• Events requiring extended travel may require overnight accommodations for staff

• Travel events require a minimum catering booking of $2,000

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Equipment & Display Items

Serving trays, boards, risers, and display items provided by our team remain our property. Any missing or damaged items may result in replacement fees.

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Half-Size Pan

A half-size catering pan typically serves 8–12 guests, depending on the dish and portion size. These trays are ideal for smaller gatherings or as part of a larger buffet with multiple menu items.

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Full-Size Pan

A full-size catering pan typically serves 18–25 guests, depending on the dish and portion size. Full pans are recommended for larger events or when serving fewer menu items.

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Round Chafing Dish

Round chafing dishes (approximately 7–8 quart capacity) typically serve 12–16 guests, depending on the item being served. These are commonly used for dishes such as meatballs, pasta, rice, dips, soups, or other sauced items.

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Portion Considerations

Serving sizes may vary depending on:

• The number of menu items being served

• Whether the dish is a main entrée or side

• Guest appetite and event style (buffet vs plated)

Our team will always help recommend the appropriate number of trays to ensure there is ample food for all guests.

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Food Safety

For quality and safety, food should be consumed within 2 hours of service when left at room temperature. Our team will ensure food is served fresh and replenished when applicable.

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Cancellations

Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made within 7 days of the event may be subject to additional charges due to food preparation and scheduling commitments.

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Custom Menus

We are happy to work with clients to create custom menus tailored to their event. Pricing may vary depending on menu selections, guest count, and service requirements.