Frequently Asked Catering Questions
We know that planning a catered event can feel overwhelming. You have enough to think about — the guest list, the decorations, the dress. The food and experience should be the part that brings you joy, not stress. We've put together these answers to the questions we hear most often, so you can feel confident and excited from the very first conversation.
Can we customize the menu for our event?Absolutely. We love collaborating on menus that reflect your event's personality. Whether you envision a classic British afternoon tea, a seasonal Southern-inspired spread, or something entirely unique to you, we'll work together to create a menu your guests will talk about long after the last scone is gone.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?Yes, and we take this seriously. Because everything on our menu is made from scratch in our kitchen, we have full control over ingredients. We ask that you share any dietary needs during the planning process so we can prepare with care. Common accommodations we handle include gluten-free, nut allergies, vegetarian, and dairy-free options.
Is the food made fresh or prepared in advance?Everything we serve is scratch-made. Our savories, scones, and desserts are prepared fresh for each event — never frozen, never from a box. When guests taste the difference, they always notice.
Why choose McHugh Tea Room over a larger catering company?We are a small, community-rooted tea room and we're proud of it. When you work with us, you're not a contract number — you're a guest we genuinely care about. Our food is made from scratch, our service is personal, and our goal is always for your guests to leave feeling like they were truly celebrated. We've built our reputation one beautifully set table at a time.
How do you handle last-minute guest count changes?We ask that final guest counts be confirmed a set number of days before your event (specified in your agreement). That said, we plan with a thoughtful buffer so your guests are always well fed. If a significant change occurs, reach out as soon as possible and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Do you handle setup and breakdown for off-site catering?Yes. We coordinate setup details with you in advance so there are no surprises on the day of your event. We'll confirm arrival times, setup needs, and breakdown expectations as part of your event plan — well before your guests arrive.
How does your catering pricing work?We provide clear, itemized proposals so you know exactly what you're getting and what it costs. There are no hidden fees or surprise add-ons after the fact. We'll discuss your vision, guest count, and budget in our initial conversation and build a proposal that works for your event.
Do you require a deposit?Yes, we ask for a 50% deposit to reserve your date and begin menu planning. The deposit amount and payment schedule will be clearly outlined in your event agreement. We want the financial side to feel straightforward so you can focus on the fun parts.
What is your cancellation policy?We understand that life is unpredictable. Our cancellation policy is outlined in your event contract, and we're always willing to discuss rescheduling options when circumstances change. We'd rather find a solution that works for both of us. Keep in mind ingredients are bought as close to your event as possible to provide the freshest food. We don’t want it to go to waste!