Booking & Event Policies

Thank you for considering Chef Eric James for your family-style dining experience, customized private dinner, or special event. The following policies help ensure every event runs smoothly for both you and our team.

Reservations & Deposits

A non-refundable $150 deposit is required to reserve your event date. Your reservation is not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

If you need to reschedule, your deposit may be transferred one time to a new available date within 90 days, provided we receive at least 14 days' notice.

Final Guest Count

Your final guest count and menu selections are due 7 days before your event.

After the final guest count has been confirmed, you will be billed for that number of guests, even if fewer guests attend. If additional guests are added and we are able to accommodate them, they will be billed at the agreed per-person rate.

Payment

The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to your scheduled event unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Additional services, guest count increases, or requested changes after your final invoice may result in additional charges.

Family-Style Service

Unless otherwise requested, all menus are served family-style using standard serving platters and serving utensils provided by Chef Eric James.

Customized plated service is available upon request and may require additional service staff, rentals, and additional fees.

Menu Changes

Because fresh ingredients are purchased specifically for your event, menu changes requested within 7 days of your event may not be possible or may result in additional charges depending on ingredient availability.

Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Please notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions as early as possible.

While every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs, meals are prepared in residential kitchens and we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Clients are responsible for informing us of all known allergies before the event.

Client Responsibilities

Please provide:

• A clean, functional kitchen with working appliances

• Running water and electricity

• Adequate counter space

• Parking reasonably close to the residence (paid parking, valet, or garage fees are the responsibility of the client)

• Kitchen access at the agreed arrival time

Delays caused by restricted access may reduce service time or require additional labor charges.

Tableware & Rentals

Standard serving platters and serving utensils are available upon request.

Clients are responsible for providing dinner plates, salad plates, flatware, glassware, napkins, linens, and table décor unless otherwise arranged. Rental coordination is available upon request and may incur additional charges.

Alcohol

Chef Eric James does not purchase, transport, serve, or provide alcoholic beverages.

Clients are welcome to provide their own alcoholic beverages or hire a licensed bartending service for events requiring alcohol service.

Leftovers

Any remaining food prepared for your event belongs to the client. We are happy to package leftovers into containers provided by the client.

Photography & Video

We occasionally photograph or film food, table settings, and portions of events for use on our website and social media.

If you prefer that no photography or video be taken during your event, simply let us know before your event and we will gladly respect your privacy via email.

Outdoor Events

Outdoor cooking and service are subject to safe weather conditions. Excessive heat, rain, wind, or other unsafe conditions may require reasonable adjustments to protect food quality, equipment, and guest safety.

Cancellations

More than 30 days before your event

Your deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred one time to a new available date within 90 days.

14–30 days before your event

Your deposit is forfeited. Any non-recoverable expenses already incurred, including specialty ingredients, rentals, or staffing, may also be charged.

Within 14 days of your event

Because food, staffing, and scheduling have already been committed, the full event balance may be due.

Event Timing

Your proposal includes service for the agreed-upon event timeframe.

If additional service is requested beyond the scheduled end time and our staff is available, overtime will be billed at $75 per staff member, per hour, in one-hour increments.

Travel

Travel within Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and surrounding communities is included unless otherwise noted.

Events outside our standard service area may incur a travel fee, which will always be disclosed before booking. Example: Services in Sedona require a $2000 minimum with a $500 travel fee.

Food Safety

For food safety reasons, prepared food should not remain unrefrigerated for more than two hours, or one hour during periods of extreme Arizona heat. Once service has concluded, responsibility for any remaining food transfers to the client.

Damage & Liability

Our team treats every home with the utmost care and respect.

Chef Eric James is responsible only for damage resulting from negligent acts by our team. We are not responsible for normal wear and tear, guest conduct, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delays or cancellations caused by events beyond reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, utility failures, or other emergencies. If possible, both parties will work together to reschedule the event.

Governing Law

These policies shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona. Any legal disputes shall be resolved in the appropriate courts of Maricopa County, Arizona.