FAQs

What does being a full-service and self-service caterer mean?

As a full-service caterer, we will provide on-site grilling, cooking and serving of your meal.  As a self-serve caterer, we will cook and prepare your entire meal in our kitchen and deliver it ready to eat. 

What is the process for planning an event?

After your initial contact with our catering office, we will coordinate a face to face meeting and also sent general catering information and sample menus appropriate for your type of event. Once you have decided your menu request, call to arrange an additional appointment if needed and the event planning can begin.

How far do you travel to cater an event?

LNL catering, Inc. offers the best in Caribbean Cuisine in Hamilton New Jersey.  Our area of coverage is all of New Jersey and parts of our bordering states.  Due to the increase rising gasoline prices, a fuel surcharge applies to all catering events and will be included in your proposal. Also note that labor costs will increase with increased travel time. More distant events may also involve special truck or van rental fees.

What size of events do you cater?

We cater events from small family dinner parties to occasions for several hundred guests.

When do I need to reserve a date on your calendar?

As soon as you have a specific date in mind, contact us to reserve that date on our calendar. Normally, we need 5-10 days advance notice to plan a catering event, although some can be arranged in less time. Depending on the catering request size, a deposit may be requested to hold a date in advance of our specified proposal. This deposit is non-refundable if you chose not to proceed with your event. Otherwise, it will be deducted from your final bill.

How do I make a reservation?

Call us: 609-528-0945 

Email us: Lavern@LNLcatering.com

I would like to have an event with a specific theme. Do you supply decorations and other items to suit the theme I have in mind?

Yes. Our catering team can coordinate all aspects of your party to suit a particular theme you have in mind. Our approach is all-inclusive and customer satisfaction.

Some of my guests are vegetarian. How will you accommodate them?

We are happy to provide vegetarian or other dietetic menu choices as needed to please your guests. Special meals are normally billed at the regular menu rates.

What beverage services do you provide?

We provide all type of Caribbean non-alcoholic beverages.  The need for other types of beverages can also be arranged at the customer request.

Can I provide my own beverages?

Yes you can provide your own beverages. 

What can I expect to see in your proposal?

Our event proposals itemize cost estimates per person for food and beverage in addition to cost estimates for labor, rentals, linens, etc. Changes in the final guest count as calculated on our proposal may affect stated cost estimates.

How are labor costs determined?

All service labor is billed by the hour, excluding deliveries. Wait staff labor is billed at a minimum of 5 hours per wait, per event. Kitchen labor, including lead chef and dish staff, are billed only for service hours provided. Labor cost estimates in our proposals normally include travel time to the event site.

Are any gratuities included in either my proposal or final bill?

Gratuities are wholly at the discretion of the client and are never included in our proposal or on our invoice. 

When do I need to decide on a final guest count? What happens if that number goes up or down shortly before or the day of the event?

We require your final minimum guest count five (5) business days in advance of your event. This number will be used to establish ordering quantities for food, rentals, numbers of staff, etc. After this final guaranteed minimum number is given, we will make every effort to accommodate increases to your final count made within three (3) business days of your event, but we cannot lower your final count for billing purposes after the first deadline. 

Do you have a contract? What does it include?

Our catering contract is as follows:

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Signatures below acknowledge that LNL Catering Inc., will provide catering services as specifically detailed in the proposal above. Food and Equipment Rental costs listed in this proposal are estimates only and may vary as the details of the event changes; Beverage and Labor estimates may also vary.  Changes to the above information are possible and will be agreed upon by the client and a representative of LNL Catering Inc., no later than five (5) business days prior to your event.  Your final guest count is due five (5) business days prior to your event and will not be decreased after this date for final billing purposes by LNL Catering Inc., The final guest count may be raised no later than three (3) business days prior to your event. In the event of a necessary increase within three days of your event, our staff will make all possible arrangements to accommodate additional guests; however additional service fees may apply in the form of vendor delivery fees and food procurement and preparation fees. The client will be financially responsible for any increased cost for rush orders required to acquire products or services necessary to accommodate increases in the final count made less than three (3) business days prior to your event.

A fifty percent (50%) deposit is required upon signature of this contract to secure our services for this event, with the balance due upon receipt of final invoice. All credit card payments (MC, VISA, and AMEX) will incur an appropriate service fee.

In the event of cancellation or re-scheduling, the client agrees to remit for any irretrievable material and production costs incurred for the event.

Do you require a deposit?

We typically request a deposit of 50% of the total cost estimate presented in our proposal when a contract is finalized. Corporate and University clients may qualify for a deposit waiver. Credit card deposits incur an additional service fee. 

Do you accept credit cards?

We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express credit cards as well as payment by check. Credit card payments incur a service fee (please ask your event planner). An itemized invoice with a balance due (minus any deposits and including any credit card service fees) will be sent to you within a short period of time after your event.