Service Levels & Pricing - The Flavor Lab Catering

Five Service Levels. One Goal: Perfect Events.

From simple pickup to full-service elegance — choose what works best for your event and budget.

Express Service

5% Admin Fee

Quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Perfect for office lunches, family dinners, or when you just need incredible food without the fuss.

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Direct Service

10% Admin Fee + Delivery

We bring the flavor straight to your door with everything included. Disposable plates, utensils, napkins—the works. No setup, no cleanup, just incredible food delivered fresh and ready.

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Signature Service

20% Admin Fee + 18% Gratuity + Delivery

Everything from Classic plus dedicated buffet attendants who keep your spread looking perfect. Fresh pans, tidy stations, and professional presentation from start to finish.

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Exclusive Service

25% Admin Fee + 18% Gratuity + Delivery

The ultimate catering experience with restaurant-quality presentation. Dedicated servers, passed appetizers, cake cutting, full setup and breakdown—every detail polished to perfection. Your only job is being the perfect host.

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Compare Service Levels

Not sure which service level fits your event? This table breaks down what's included at each level to help you decide.

Feature Express Direct Classic Signature Exclusive
Admin Fee 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%
Delivery Pickup Only
Disposables Included
Professional Setup
Cleanup Service
On-site Staff Buffet Attendants Full Service
Service Duration 3 hours Custom
Gratuity 18% 18%
Best For Quick pickup Drop-off events Most events Premium events VIP experience

Pricing & Fees

Transparent pricing with no surprises. Here's exactly how we calculate your event costs.

When you order catering, you're ordering three things: Food, Event Planning, and Service.

Menu prices cover the Food. Admin fees cover Event Planning. Staff & Delivery fees cover Service.

Menu Prices

The price of each menu item covers ingredients and kitchen preparation.

Staffing Fees

For Signature and Exclusive levels, staffing is calculated per person per hour based on roles needed. All requirements included in your estimate.

Gratuity

18% mandatory for Signature and Exclusive levels. Optional but appreciated for Express, Direct, and Classic.

Delivery Fees

$25 minimum, calculated on:

  • $2 per mile (round trip)
  • Travel time
  • Staff required

Venue Access Fees

May apply for challenging conditions: multiple stairs, steep terrain, uneven surfaces, extended walking distances.

Additional Costs

  • Sales tax: 6% (Michigan requirement)
  • Rush fees: May apply for events booked within 7 days
  • Holiday surcharges: When applicable, noted on estimate

Pricing Example

Custom BBQ Package | 100 guests | 10 miles from kitchen | Signature Service

Menu Price: $17 × 100 guests $1,700.00
Admin Fee (20%) $340.00
Staff: 1 buffet attendant (3 hours) $150.00
Delivery Fee* $65.00
Gratuity (18%) $306.00
Subtotal $2,561.00
Sales Tax (6%) $153.66
Total $2,714.66

*Delivery: 20 miles round trip × $2 = $40 + 40 min travel time = $25 = $65 total

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