Frequently Asked Catering Questions

Are there set package prices?
Yes, our menu includes several options that may come with an additional charge, but they are bundled as part of a package. This allows us to offer a variety of options while maintaining the flexibility to meet your specific needs.

What are the minimum order requirements?
Pollen & Platter does not have a minimum order requirement for events. However, there is a $1,000 minimum order (subtotal before service charges and tax) for free delivery. Orders below this amount will incur an additional delivery fee to cover transportation and logistics.

Do you provide menu tastings?
Yes, a complimentary tasting is provided to couples with a signed contract and deposit. If the contract is not yet signed, the cost is $200 per 4 guests. If you decide to book your event with us, this fee will be credited to your final invoice. Tastings are conducted privately and include menu items from your proposal. Contact us to start planning your event!

Can you provide vegetarian and special dietary restriction meals?
Absolutely. We offer a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on our menu. Please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions during menu planning. As our catering is done offsite, we do not have access to a kitchen once we leave our location and travel to you, so we don’t carry additional food beyond what is listed on your menu.

Is your facility allergen-free?
Our facility is not allergen-free. All of our menu items are prepared in a facility that handles peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, eggs, and wheat. While we take every precaution to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any of our products are safe for individuals with severe allergies to these ingredients.

What is your service radius?
We typically service a 1.5-hour area from our base in Madison. If your event is outside this area, please contact us for more information, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

What about staffing, how do you handle that?
We train all our staff in-house to ensure they are knowledgeable and well-prepared to serve at your event. We are proud to pay our employees above minimum wage, as we believe in creating good-paying jobs and taking care of our dedicated staff. This ensures they are motivated and committed to making your event memorable.

How do you handle setup, teardown, and garbage disposal?
The client, venue, or a designated third party (such as a wedding planner) is responsible for all aspects of setup, teardown, and garbage disposal for the event. This includes arranging tables, chairs, decorations, and managing all waste and garbage. Pollen & Platter does not handle any rentals, cleaning, or removal of any items not provided by us. We will discard food waste in the provided trash bins, but the client is responsible for the removal of all trash from the event site. If trash removal services are required, an additional $500 will be added to the bill, even if this requirement is communicated at the event.

What happens if the event exceeds the contracted time or there are delays/cancellations?
If the event exceeds the contracted time due to client requests or changes made on the day of the event (such as extending dinner service), a fee of $300 for every 15 minutes will be charged. This fee ensures adherence to the agreed schedule and compensates for the additional time and resources required. For cancellations due to severe or inclement weather, a written notification must be submitted prior to the scheduled event. Any payments made up to that point are not eligible for a refund and cannot be used towards future events. Pollen & Platter will not charge for delays caused by our own team or service. Clients, the venue, a designated third party, or a wedding planner are responsible for managing the event schedule and informing Pollen & Platter of any changes.

Can I take leftover food from the event?
Due to concerns related to the safety of the food after it leaves our premises, venue, and/or our control, clients are not permitted to take leftovers from events. This policy ensures the highest standards of food safety and quality.