Frequently Asked Questions
Answers before you ask.
Everything hosts most often want to know. If your question is not here, ask us directly — we reply personally.
Our Approach
Truly. We do not offer Menu A, B or C. Every menu begins with a conversation about your tastes, traditions and the occasion, and is written for your event alone.
Our Culinary Inspiration pages show the range we love to explore, from Southern comfort food to international fine dining. They are starting points, not limits. If you have something completely different in mind, tell us — that is often where the best menus begin.
We would be honored to try. Share the recipe or simply describe the dish and what it means to you, and we will talk through how to bring it to your table.
Yes. Custom catering is the heart of The Grand Gathering. Event planning and décor are offered to complete the experience, together with catering or as part of a larger plan.
Gatherings of Every Size
No. We believe a dinner for two deserves the same thought and excellence as a celebration for hundreds. We do not publish a minimum guest count; tell us what you are planning.
Yes, we plan for gatherings of many sizes. Share your expected guest count and venue and we will let you know how we would approach it.
Weddings, showers, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, corporate events, galas, fundraisers, family reunions, private dinners, celebrations of life and more. If people are gathering, we can help.
Planning & Booking
The most complete way is the Grand Menu Concierge, a short guided questionnaire about your event, tastes and atmosphere. If you prefer, send a quicker note through Request a Proposal or our Contact page.
No. A request starts the conversation. Your date and menu are confirmed only after you have reviewed and approved a written proposal and completed any booking steps described in it.
As early as you can, especially for popular dates. That said, reach out even if your event is soon — we will tell you honestly whether we can do it justice.
Because every menu and event is custom, there is no price list. Your proposal sets out the investment for your specific menu, service style, staffing and any planning or décor. In the Concierge you can share a comfortable budget range, or choose “I need guidance.”
These are set out in writing in your proposal and agreement before you commit to anything, so you can review them at your own pace.
Tell us where your gathering will be held when you reach out and we will confirm availability for your location.
Food & Dietary Needs
Please tell us about every allergy and dietary need as early as possible. We review each request with you directly and plan the menu around it. We cannot guarantee allergy-safe preparation until we have confirmed the specifics with you, and we will always be honest about what we can and cannot promise.
Yes, we welcome these conversations. Let us know the practices your guests observe and we will discuss exactly how the menu and preparation can respect them.
Ask us during your consultation. Tasting arrangements depend on the event and are discussed as part of your proposal.
We are glad to plan beverage service to complement your menu. Any service involving alcohol depends on your venue and applicable licensing, so we will talk through the options for your specific event.
Décor & Event Planning
Of course. Many clients come to us for catering alone. Planning and décor are there if you would like one team to carry the whole experience.
Design elements are arranged through curated sourcing and event coordination, selected for your event. Your proposal lists exactly what is included.
Yes. We coordinate with your venue and the other professionals involved so that timing, access and responsibilities are clear to everyone.
After You Book
Once your proposal is accepted you receive a private, secure login where you can see your event details, menu, timeline, documents, invoices and messages in one place.
Life happens and guest lists move. You can request changes through your portal or by contacting us, and we will confirm what is possible and whether it affects your proposal.
Not yet. The photography currently shown is concept imagery chosen to illustrate the style of work we create, and it is labeled as such. Our own portfolio will replace it as it is photographed.
Begin
Still wondering about something?
Ask us anything, or start designing your gathering and raise it along the way.
