Questions About Our Catering?
Everything you need to know about working with The Flavor Lab
Quick Answers
How far ahead do I need to book?
ASAP. We book high-demand dates years in advance, but can often accommodate short notice.
Do you require a deposit?
50% retainer at booking confirmation. Final balance due 7 days before your event.
How much does catering cost?
Check our online menus for current pricing, or contact us for a custom proposal.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! We handle vegetarian, gluten-free, and most allergies.
Booking and Pricing
How can I book my event?
Fill out our Contact Form with as much detail as possible. We'll send a proposal quickly or reach out for additional details. We also offer consultations by phone, Zoom, in-person, or email.
What if I have extra guests?
If you plan on having extra guests, or know your guests are heavy eaters, we recommend ordering about 20% more food.
How much do you charge for children?
Children under 12 count as ½ guest for pricing. If you have 24 children, order for 12 adults. We also offer kid-specific menu options on our Junior Scientists menu.
Can I just pick up the food?
Absolutely! Our Express Pickup service has your order packaged and ready to serve or reheat.
What's your cancellation policy?
- 30+ days: Refund minus admin fee percentage (10%-25% depending on your service level choice)
- 8-29 days: 50% refundable (50% processing fee)
- Under 8 days: Non-refundable
- Incidental charges (rentals, staffing, etc.) are always non-refundable
Service Levels Explained
Express Pickup (5% admin fee)
Grab & go catering in disposables. You pick up from our location. Learn more about Express Service →
Direct Catering (10% admin fee + delivery)
Same as Express but delivered to your door. Drop & go service. Learn more about Direct Service →
Classic Catering (15% admin fee + delivery)
Professional setup with catering equipment and serving pieces. Self-service buffet. Learn more about Classic Service →
Signature Catering (20% admin fee + delivery + 18% gratuity)
Classic plus buffet attendants for 3 hours who maintain your buffet area. Learn more about Signature Service →
Exclusive Catering (25% admin fee + delivery + 18% gratuity)
Full-service with customized staffing. Table service, multiple courses, premium rentals. Learn more about Exclusive Service →
What does the Admin Fee cover?
The admin fee covers administrative work, planning, communications, and coordination behind every order—from consultation to kitchen prep to delivery logistics. When you order catering, you're ordering three products: Food (menu prices), Event Planning (admin fee), and Service (staff & delivery fees). Compare all service levels →
Event & Location Details
What's the minimum cost?
$400 in food costs (before admin fees and delivery). Orders under $400 will have a supplemental charge to meet the minimum.
Can you cater large groups?
We accommodate up to 350 guests for standard events, and more in most situations. Tell us about your event and we'll find solutions.
How far will you travel?
In theory: 50 miles from Rochester
In practice: Anywhere in Michigan where we can serve you a spectacular meal. Events beyond 50 miles have additional costs.
Where will you cater?
Anywhere we won't get arrested! Public/private venues, homes, parks, businesses, beaches, churches, stadiums, yachts, markets. Check with your venue about required permits/insurance.
Do you cook on-site?
Yes! Much of our menu can be prepared on-site if requested. Additional costs apply.
Can you serve outdoors?
Absolutely! We serve everywhere from barns to boats to parking lots. Some outdoor events may require tents or special setups with additional costs.
Menu & Dietary Information
Are tastings available?
We don't offer tastings as they're expensive and uninformative. Instead, check our Google reviews and years of experience and reputation for quality assurance.
Can I customize menus?
Heck yeah! Our posted menus are popular combinations, but we're eager to freestyle with any of our offerings.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian/Gluten-Free/Allergies: Absolutely! We have many options.
Vegan: Limited options due to shared kitchen space. We're happy to collaborate with dedicated vegan caterers from our network.
Other restrictions: If there are any others, consult with us and we'll do our best to accommodate.
What happens to leftovers?
They're yours! We can provide takeout containers for a small fee. Once we leave, food safety is your responsibility.
Do you provide beverages?
Yes! Check our Beverage Menu. We can't sell alcohol (Michigan law) but can serve alcohol you purchase. We offer BYOB packages for mimosas, bloody marys, etc.
What about desserts?
We offer in-house baked options and partner with Michigan's finest bakeries and pastry chefs. Check our Desserts page for current partners.
Policies & Legal
Are you licensed and insured?
What are you, a cop?! Yes, we're fully licensed by Oakland County Health Department and insured. We hold business licenses with Rochester and Michigan. Copies available (autographed copies add $10).