BOOKING POLICY & TERMS

Booking & Reservation Process

All private chef experiences with Humble Beginnings Hospitality are secured through a confirmed booking process. Experiences are not considered reserved until the required deposit has been received and written confirmation has been provided.

Availability is limited and dates are secured on a first-come, first-served basis.

Booking & Retainer

A non-refundable retainer of 50% of the estimated total event cost is required to secure the event date. The estimated total reflects the minimum guest count of 8–12 guests or the minimum event cost, whichever is greater. Dates are not confirmed until the retainer is received.

Deposit & Payment Terms

  • A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date.

  • The deposit amount will be communicated at the time of booking and applied toward your experience total.

  • The remaining balance, including estimated grocery costs and staffing fees, is due before the event date.

Final Payment

The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to the scheduled event date. Failure to remit final payment by the due date may result in cancellation of services.

Accepted payment methods will be provided at booking.

Menu Planning & Consultations

Menu planning begins once the deposit has been received.

  • Each experience includes a menu consultation based on the selected tier.

  • Menus are curated around seasonality, dietary considerations, and guest preferences.

  • Final menus must be approved by the client by the agreed-upon deadline to ensure proper sourcing and preparation.

Guest Count & Staffing Requirements

Guest Count Minimums

Services are subject to a minimum event cost based on 5–9 guests. Events with fewer guests will be billed at the minimum event rate. Final guest counts must be confirmed no later than 14 days prior to service.

Guest count directly impacts service quality, pacing, and staffing needs.

  • Each experience includes one professional chef based on the recommended guest count and service style.

  • Events exceeding the guest guidelines for the selected tier may require additional culinary or service staff.

  • Staffing needs are determined by guest count, menu complexity, and service style (plated, family-style, or hosted).

  • Professional service staff (servers, bartenders, event captains) are required for events exceeding the minimum number of guests or when alcohol service is requested. Staffing fees are billed separately and based on guest count, service style, and event duration.

  • Professional service staff can be provided upon request. Staffing is billed separately and based on guest count, service style, and event duration.

    • Servers: $35/hr (5-hour minimum)

    • Bartenders: $40/hr (5-hour minimum)

    • Event Lead (Premium events): $225 flat

    • Service Fee (15%) The service fee covers professional chef labor, on-site service, kitchen setup and breakdown, cleanup, and operational costs associated with your event.

Final staffing recommendations are determined during menu and event planning to ensure a seamless guest experience.

  • Staffing fees are non-refundable once scheduled

  • Staffing time begins at arrival, not the guest's arrival

  • Additional hours billed in full-hour increments

  • Client is responsible for tipping (optional or suggested 18–22%)

Staffing fees are priced à la carte, communicated before booking, and confirmed in advance. No additional staff will be added on-site without prior approval.

Groceries & Ingredients

  • Grocery and ingredient costs are billed separately from the experience fee.

  • Ingredients are sourced based on menu selection, seasonality, and market pricing.

  • Clients will receive an estimated grocery range prior to the event, with final costs reconciled after service if applicable.

Alcohol & Beverage Service

Humble Beginnings Hospitality does not provide or sell alcohol.

  • Alcohol must be supplied by the client.

  • If alcohol service is requested, licensed bartenders or service staff may be required, depending on guest count and service needs.

  • All alcohol service must comply with local and state regulations.

Staffing requirements related to alcohol service will be communicated prior to booking.

Kitchen Use & Event Space

Clients are responsible for providing a clean, functional kitchen and event space suitable for the agreed-upon menu and guest count. Chef reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service if conditions are unsafe, unsanitary, or hostile. No refunds will be issued under such circumstances. Dinnerware is provided by the client unless otherwise specified. Upgraded rental dinnerware is available upon request and billed separately. All rental items are coordinated, delivered, and handled by the chef.

  • Adequate workspace, refrigeration, and utilities must be available.

  • Any limitations should be disclosed during the planning process to allow proper adjustments.

A full kitchen reset is included at the conclusion of service.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

  • Deposits are non-refundable.

  • Cancellations made within 7 days of the scheduled event are subject to full payment of the event due to scheduling commitments, staffing, and ingredient sourcing. The retainer remains non-refundable under all circumstances.

  • Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and must be approved in writing.

Specific timelines will be communicated during booking.

Travel Policy:
Service includes travel within a 30-mile radius. Events beyond this area may incur an additional travel fee based on distance and time. Destination events will be quoted individually.

Extended Travel

Events located beyond 30 miles may be subject to an additional travel fee, calculated based on distance, time, and logistics. Travel fees may be assessed as:

  • A flat travel fee, or

  • Mileage calculated round-trip

Any applicable travel fees will be disclosed and approved by the client prior to confirmation of services.

Destination & Overnight Events

For events requiring extended travel, overnight accommodations, or multi-day service, additional costs may apply, including but not limited to:

  • Mileage or airfare

  • Lodging

  • Per diem or additional service rates

Destination events are quoted individually and must be paid in full prior to service.

Force Majeure

Humble Beginnings Hospitality is not responsible for cancellations or delays caused by events beyond our control, including but not limited to severe weather, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule.

Humble Beginnings may capture photo and/or video content during services for marketing, social media, and portfolio purposes.

  • Content will focus on food, plating, hands-in-action, and ambiance.

  • Clients and guests will not be prominently featured without verbal consent.

  • No identifying details (addresses, names, children) will be shared.

By booking services, Client grants Humble Beginnings a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such content for promotional purposes.

Clients wishing to opt out must notify Humble Beginnings in writing prior to service.

Liability

Humble Beginnings is not responsible for:

  • Pre-existing kitchen conditions or equipment failures

  • Guest injuries unrelated to food preparation

  • Allergic reactions where disclosure was incomplete or inaccurate

Liability is limited to the amount paid for services rendered.

Questions?

Email: hello@humblebeginningshospitality.com
Website: humblebeginningshospitality.com

Agreement & Acceptance

By submitting a booking request and submitting payment, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the Booking Policy & Terms and Conditions outlined above.