Frequently Asked Questions

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Are you able to accommodate special dietary needs?

Yo-Bones Catering aims to please and will always do our best to accommodate special orders. Additional charges will be applied to cover the special attention handling. *Please note while every effort will be made, our kitchen is not nut free and items may have come into contact with nuts.



Can you take care of providing rental items for my event?

Our team of event specialists can work with you on your customized rental quote, including arranging delivery/pick-up, set up and clean up. Simply ask and we can put together a rental quotation for you.



What about other event services such as flowers, decorators, DJs, live music, etc?

We work with a number of event service specialists in all these areas and more and can provide recommendations for you that fit perfectly for your event style. Just ask!



Do you have insurance?

Yo-Bones Catering carries comprehensive liability insurance and can provide documentation of this as required by venues, clients, etc.



What are your booking policies – cancellation - service charge & taxes policies?

Taxes and Service Charges: 5% GST is applicable to all food, beverage, labour and rentals. An additional 7% PST is applicable to all rentals. Food and beverage items are subject to a 18% service charge which 100% goes to the team. Terms for payment of the event are the following: 50% of the total costs is required to book and hold the date for the event. 50% of the remaining balance is due 7 days prior to the event date. The balance plus added guests' cost is due day of the event. An initial deposit of 50% of the total costs is required to book and hold the date for the event. Upon cancellation of the caterer’s services within 31 days of the planned event date, a 75% refund of the deposit will be supplied. If the caterer’s services are cancelled within 16 to 30 days of the event, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If cancellation notice is given less than 15 days before the event, no refund of the deposit will be supplied. Updated: Februaly 2, 2020



What is the cost for your service staff? How many service staff do I need?

If you don’t need staff, we will gladly deliver to the location of your choice. Applicable delivery charges will apply, depending on the distance travelled. Your customized quote will contain a service staff section tailored to your event. However, as a general rule, for food service or passed canapés, we recommend one server for every 20-25 guests in attendance. Service Staff Rates: Server - $25/hour Bartenders - $40/hour Chef - $40/hour ​ All service labour charges are calculated hourly at a minimum of four (4) hours per employee. Charges for labour are doubled during statutory holidays and at time-and-a-half for over eight hours of work. Labour charges begin at setup and end with breakdown completion. All our service team have their Serving it Right & Food-safe certifications. Updated: February 2, 2020



When do I need to confirm guest numbers for my staffed event?

We require guest numbers 7 days prior to your event. After this date, we are still able to accommodate minor increases in guest numbers up until 48 hours prior to the event. However, we are unable to accommodate decreases in guest numbers.



What is your minimum order amount?

This varies from service to service, speak to one of our sale reps.



Are the menus set in stone?

No, they are not. We are more than happy to create a custom menu or mix-and-match from our existing menus. Let us know what you are looking for, and we can make it happen.



When do I need to book a caterer?

Depending on the event, it is best to book the caterer anywhere from 2 weeks to one year in advance. Larger parties (such as weddings) are best to be booked about 6 months in advance, as the bride and groom typically need time to plan the timeline and menu with their event coordinator. Smaller private or corporate parties (including BBQ’s) can be booked as little as a week in advance, but this may limit the menu choices and availability during peak times.



I am having a small party and want a few items to supplement what I am already preparing. Do you offer take-away menus?

Absolutely we do. Depending on how hands-on or hands-off you wish to be at your event, our catering event planners can recommend menu items that are ideal for a take-away or delivery order.