Contacting Mel: Please allow 48 hours for all email responses. Texts are accepted. (but CALLS are preferred.) Please leave a detailed message if leaving a voicemail. Please do not blow up our DM’s on social media.
Taste-testing: It is not required to sign the contract before the tasting; however, we do require payment upfront for the cost of the food and services during the tasting, which can and will be applied to the overall event total if you choose to continue with our services. Taste testings are scheduled on the availability of Meals By Mel. The cost for the tasting is $50 for 2 people and includes your choice of two dishes. Any additional item is additional +$25.
Methods of payments: All invoices are sent out via Square. We also accept Zelle, PayPal, and checks. Checks are only allowed within two or more weeks before due date balance.
Deliveries: All order drop-offs are subject to a delivery fee and it is based on your location. (Catering orders are included). We do travel out of state as well.
Any order requested under 72 hours of service date is considered a rush order and is subject to our $100.00 flat-rate rush order fee.
WE DO NOT DO SET-UPS FOR DELIVERY ORDERS. UNLESS REQUESTED BY CLIENT PRIOR TO DELIVERY.
Our availability can be found in our ‘catering highlights on our Instagram page or when you fill out a catering form online, we will let you know directly. It is recommended to inquire 2-3 weeks in advance from the date needed for service. Deposits are required for booking.
Private Dinners: Our private dinner service is usually set for 2 guests, but in the case of more than 2, it is priced per person.
Our plated dining service is a formal event, priced per person based on your menu selection and requires additional wait staff based on the guest count. It also is serviced with our fine China flatware & silverware. The buffet-style is our most popular booking. It is a standard service line, which is provided with servers and is priced per pan. (Half size and Full size).
(Houston clientele) Occasionally now. They are usually “plate pop-ups”, and all information is provided in advance. Family package meals are always available, feeds (4-5) or (6-8). Email or DM for more information.
Per your request, we offer China, flatware, and custom linens for event rental.
Any event that exceeds a guest count of 35 guest count is subject to additional staff members, which is a fixed hourly rate per staff member. Please note that any changes in menu or guest count may result in an increase in your final bill.
The label is the best source in determining what is in the product. If you are allergic or sensitive to certain foods or ingredients, you should always inform us prior to finalizing the menu to ensure the product does not contain ingredients of concern to you. Please ask us if you have specific concerns or questions.
We offer in-house bartending services for any event. Payment for all catering alcoholic beverages is to be pre- paid as a separate transaction from all other catering services. The client is responsible for securing liability event insurance coverage and for providing a copy of that policy to Meals By Mel at least 7 working days prior to the event date. Should the client choose for Meals By Mel to handle the alcoholic beverages, the client agrees to irrevocably and unconditionally release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Meals By Mel, its employees and contractors (individually and jointly) from any liability, illness, death, or injury sustained by any participant in connection with the service and consumption of any alcoholic beverage. For all bartending services, the cost is based on a minimum of a 5-hour shift at 25.00/hour/bartender.
In compliance with local health department regulations, all leftover food will be removed and discarded by Meals By Mel. Non- perishable items may be left with the host at the chef/event supervisor’s discretion. Credit is not issued for leftover food or unused items.
The client/host agrees to accept full responsibility for safe food handling. The menu and food items we provide to you will be safe for consumption for up to four hours after you receive your delivery. It is highly suggested that any perishable food not consumed within those four hours be disposed of properly. When a client agrees to catering services with Meals By Mel, you agree to take on this responsibility for safe food handling. This includes the responsibility to keep all food buffets the proper temperature for consumption, and we advise our clients to purchase additional ice, sterno fuel, and food pans for your order as needed. Your event planner can discuss food handling procedures in detail upon request. We offer equipment rental as needed as well.
A Texas sales tax in the amount of 8.25% will be added to all events. If your company/agency is tax-exempt from Texas State sales tax, a state sales exempt certificate is required to be on file with Meals By Mel prior to your event date. Sales tax exemption will be honored only if payment of the function/event is made by company check or credit card from the agency that is tax-exempt. No tax exemption will be honored with a cash or personal check transaction. This signed agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and may not be modified or amended except by written document signed by both client and a representative of The Produce Station.