Thank you for choosing Blue Plate Catering.

We are proud to provide you with exceptional food and service. All reservations and arrangements are subject to the policies of Blue Plate Catering, Inc. Your cooperation in following these policies is appreciated!

Menu Selections and Pricing

Unless approved by your event planner, all food must be provided by Blue Plate Catering. All details for your event, including final guest count, must be finalized one week in advance (two weeks for wedding receptions). You may increase your count up to 3 days in advance. Due to fluctuating wholesale prices and supply chain issues, Blue Plate Catering cannot guarantee menu prices until 30 days in advance of any function. Should substitutions be necessary, your event planner will contact you.

Delivery

We have a 20 person minimum for each catering order. There is a 10% service charge on all food and beverage. A $25 delivery fee will be applied to all orders under $250. A 22% service charge will be applied to all “rush orders” (less than 72-hour notice). The fee for distant deliveries is $34 per hour of delivery time and $1 per mile. We deliver all hot food in chafing dishes. All equipment will be picked up by our staff either later in the afternoon or the following business day at no additional charge. There is a $75 fee for evening (after 5:00pm) and weekend (subject to staff availability) equipment pick up. The client is responsible for lost, damaged, or broken pieces. We are proud to use biodegradable disposables, and we appreciate your partnership in preserving our resources for future generations.

Deposits, Payment, and Cancellations

A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve our services for a catered event. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. Full payment is due 48 hours in advance, and a 3% credit card convenience fee is added to all invoices over $1,000. Any cancellation made within 14 days of an event is subject to a 50% charge.

Food Allergies

All food is prepared in a commercial kitchen that handles peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy, soy,  and wheat regularly. If food allergies exist, please speak with your event planner about available options.

Left Overs (serviced events only)

If requested in advance and on-site refrigeration is available, Blue Plate Catering staff will happily package leftovers that are still within the safety parameters set forth by Public Health Madison Dane County.

Equipment Rentals

Service

Service staff are available to our customers, and are billed at a rate of $34/hour per server/bartender, $39/hour per lead server, $44/hour per chef, and $44/hour per bartender when clients provide alcoholic beverages. Time is accrued from arrival at a venue until their return to our business location. For parties outside the Madison Metro area, travel time to an event and mileage are paid by the client. There is a 22% service charge on the entire invoice excluding staff and a 50% service charge on all rentals; for Sunday events, the service charge is also applied to staffing.

Local Venue Facility Fees

These are mandatory fees set forth by each facility on all provided food and beverage

10% – 10 South, Olbrich Gardens, The Fields Reserve, Warner Park, White Oak Savanna
12% – Baraboo Arts Center, East Side Club, Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens, Harley Davidson of Madison, Madison Central Library