Can you provide additional rentals like tables and chairs?
Yes, ask your event planner for details and pricing.
Can I customize your menus?
Yes! Just let your salesperson know what menu items you are interested in and they can give you pricing accordingly or work with you on putting together a menu to fit your preferences or budget. We can also create a menu for you based on a specific theme or type of cuisine.
Can Russo’s accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we can accommodate dietary restrictions. Additional charges may apply, please ask your event planner for further details.
Do you offer discounted off-season pricing?
Since the cost of the products and services we provide do not vary from season to season, we are not able to offer an off-season discount. However, incentives for booking non-peak dates are often available in the form of complimentary upgrades and additional services. Typically, events booked in January and February would be eligible for these incentives. Please contact our event planning team if you are interested in booking an off-season date for your event.
Can Russo’s cater an event on a Holiday?
Yes, holidays incur additional labor fees: New Year’s Eve Evening & Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Christmas Eve.
Do I get the leftover food after my event?
We will prepare food quantities according to the final guest count you provide us. We always include a generous cushion to ensure we are prepared for spills and hearty appetites. Any food that remains after your guests have been served will be donated to Operation Food Search. Due to strict food safety requirements, we cannot allow leftover food to be taken by individuals at the conclusion of your event.
Is there a minimum count or amount of money required for a weekend?
Minimums may apply for weekend events. Please contact your event coordinator for details.
Can you cater to more than one event in a day?
Yes, we have the resources and staff to handle multiple events on one day. The actual number varies depending on the size and details of each event.
Can you cater to other locations not listed on your website?
Yes, Russo’s is always eager to provide our services to any location that does not have an in house caterer.
Can I provide my own bar service?
Most venues will require a licensed caterer to provide bar products and bartenders or the venue may provide it themselves. If not, and you have approved it with the venue, then you can provide your own bar service and bartenders. For fundraisers where the bar product is being donated, Russo’s can provide bartending services for an additional labor fee.
Will my event planner also be at my event?
Most venues will require a licensed caterer to provide bar products and bartenders or the venue may Your Event Planner will assist you in planning your reception and prepare a contract that will record all of your preferences and decisions. This document will be shared with the Banquet Captain and Event Coordinator team from Russo’s that will be overseeing your event.
Our Event Coordinators and Banquet Captains are Russo’s most experienced and fully trained team members that will focus on every detail of your contract to ensure it is fulfilled. The names of the staff in charge that night will be given to you the week of your event. While our event planners are also part of the event coordinator team, we cannot promise your specific Event Planner will also be available to serve as your Event Coordinator.
Do you have any vendors you recommend for photography, florist, or entertainment?
Yes, please visit our vendors’ page on our website for a list of our preferred vendors and their contact information. However, you are not required to use these vendors.
What is the service charge?
Our 22% service charge covers the cost of the event staff for your event.
Will sales tax apply to the service charge?
We are required to charge sales tax on our service charge and labor fees. Below is the ruling and explanation by the Missouri department of Revenue: “Mandatory service charges are subject to Missouri sales tax. It does not matter whether or not the service charges are separately stated on the billing invoice.
Applicant collects a service charge on the total charges for food and beverages provided in its catering business. The service charge is a mandatory gratuity billed to and paid by each customer. Mandatory gratuities are part of the sale of the food and drink and subject to sales tax.”
Do I need to tip your staff after my event?
Suggested gratuity: gratuity for your service staff is not included in your total bill but is very much appreciated. This can be added to your final balance or given to your staff the day of your event. It will be distributed evenly among the party staff unless otherwise directed.
Are there opportunities to try the food?
Yes, we have some great options for sampling our food through our Tasting Tours. This is a great opportunity to try the quality of our food and service we provide. We offer samples of our appetizers, salad selections, dinner buffet, and wedding cake. Each Tasting Tour offers the experience of attending one of our events. Please consult with your Event Planner for more information.
What decisions will be made at my planning session?
Your event planner will walk you through the planning process to make sure all your questions are answered. The following things will be decided at the planning session: Timeline of your event / menu selections / customizing your cake design and flavors (if applicable) / Beverage & bar selections (if applicable) / linen colors / extra equipment to be rented like chairs, tables, etc / Set up of the room / A minimum guest count
What is your cancellation policy?
The security deposit is non-refundable. Prepayments and additional deposits will be returned if the event is cancelled by client 120 days or more prior to the event date. If the event is cancelled by client less than 120 days prior to the event, all deposits are subject to forfeiture.
What are the payment terms and deposits?
A non-refundable security deposit of $1,000 is due to secure the date with us and along with a signed contract. (Additional deposits may be due for our exclusive venues.) Weekday events will have a smaller deposit based on the total amount of the event. An additional 50% deposit is due approximately 4-5 months prior to your event.
The final payment is due 3 days in advance. We will also take smaller payments throughout the planning process if you prefer to set up a payment plan. We accept payment via cashier’s check, money order, personal check, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted for final payments. A convenience fee of 2.75% will apply to all credit card transactions, to be added at the time that credit card is used.
What is the timeline I need to follow for planning my event?
Upon booking with Russo’s: A preliminary contract will be sent to you, confirming the date, location and approximate time frame of your event. A deposit will be requested to be returned along with a signed contract.
Approximately 4-5 months in advance (or sooner if you wish): A planning session should be scheduled to discuss and confirm the details of your event. An updated contract will be sent following this meeting requesting 50% of your current balance due.
1 week in advance: Your final guest count is due.
3 days in advance: Your final payment is due.
Can I confirm my date with Russo’s if I don’t know all the details of my event?
Absolutely! We encourage you to confirm as soon as you know we are the right choice for your event. Please see the next questions for the suggested time line for planning and decision making.
How far in advance do I need to book my caterer?
We can take bookings as far in advance as you would like. We can accommodate multiple events in one day. Every event timeline is different, from weddings that have long engagements, to corporate events that have two weeks to plan. We suggest to book as soon as you are ready to make a decision on your caterer to ensure we are available for your event. On rare occasions, during peak season, we will close a date in order to ensure quality of service for all of our events.
