FAQ | Al Bacio

Frequently Asked Questions

Payments and Deposits

Question: What type of payment is accepted?

E-transfer to info@albaciocatering.ca, Visa, Mastercard.

E-transfers are to be sent to: info@albaciocatering.ca We ask that the Order number and Date of the Event is included in the Notes Field

Question: What is the 18% service charge for?

This charge includes pick up, admin fees, rental and cleaning of chafers, platters, etc., food prep time and replacement fees.

A delivery fee of $150 base may be added if the location if the event is outside wellington county. Additional charges may apply dependent on added mileage.

Question: Why did I receive an invoice after my delivery/event if I already provided payment information?

An invoice is provided after a catering event to serve as the final, official, and legally binding document detailing the services rendered, ensuring accurate payment, and facilitating record-keeping. While an initial quote or contract sets expectations, the final invoice reflects any adjustments made during the event—such as changes in guest count, additional items, or extra service hours.

Here is why a catering invoice is provided after an event:

Finalizing Costs and Adjustments: It allows the caterer to update the initial estimate with actual, last-minute changes to the menu, guest count, or labor hours, ensuring the client is billed accurately.
Requesting Payment: It acts as a formal,, professional, and detailed demand for payment of the remaining balance, reducing payment delays.
Transparency and Trust: It breaks down all costs—including food, beverages, staff, and rentals—which builds trust and prevents disputes.
Record-Keeping and Legal Documentation: The invoice provides a crucial paper trail for both the caterer and the client for accounting, taxes (e.g., GST/HST), and potential auditing by tax authorities.
Itemizing Service Charges: It clearly lists mandatory service charges, tips, and taxes, which are essential for compliance with fair pricing regulations.
Confirming Service Agreement: It serves as a final confirmation of the services actually provided, acting as legal protection in case of disputes.

For larger events, this final invoice is usually sent immediately upon completion of the event to ensure the details are still fresh in the client's mind.

Question: Is there a deposit payment schedule? When is my final payment due?

An initial deposit of 25% of the initial contract is due upon booking. However, we know everyone’s financial situation is different so we don’t place you on a specific schedule of when remaining payments are due. Absolute final payment is due no later than 72 hours prior to your wedding. Some couples have e-transferred $500 a pay check up until the wedding, and others have provided a certified cheque on the Wednesday prior to your event. Up to you as long as it’s all paid by 72 hours prior.

Question: Do you provide rentals?

Unfortunately, we do not have event rentals like dishware, glassware, cutlery, etc. However, we have established close partnerships with other rental companies. As a gesture of goodwill, we can manage the process of placing rental orders on your behalf, using our name. You would simply receive the invoice for these services and a processing fee. This approach aims to alleviate any associated stress on your part!

Process

Question: How does the food arrive to the delivery location?

For events regarding strictly a drop-off we will provide disposable containers. Cutlery, plates and serving utensils can be provided upon request for an additional service fee.

For full service events which includes drop-off, setup, and pickup, we will provide hot holding chafing dishes, ceramic bowls, and stainless steel serving utensils. Cutlery and plates can be provided upon request for an additional service fee.

Question: When do all of the items get picked up?

For Breakfast/Lunch deliveries from Monday - Friday, this will be done the same day between 2pm and 5pm. For Afternoon, Evening and Weekend deliveries, pickups will be completed the following business day between 2pm and 5pm.

If you have a special request for pick up, please let us know by contacting us at info@albaciocatering.ca and we will schedule a time that best suits you.

Booking and Logistics

Question: How do i place an order?

You can place an order by contacting us via email at info@albaciocatering.ca, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Once we receive your request, we will schedule a consultation to discuss your event details and customize your menu

Question: Do you handle outdoor events?

Yes, Al Bacio can provide comprehensive solutions for any outdoor event. We have a portable refrigeration unit with an oven that can provide on-site cooking. Al Bacio can recommend any other equipment rentals that are needed for your outdoor event such as tents, outdoor heaters, tables, chairs, linens, outdoor bbq's, etc.

Outdoor Catering Capabilities:

Menu Options: Customizable, including plated dinners, receptions, buffet and grill-style foods.
Setup: Experienced in setting up in various locations, including parks, backyards, and rustic venues.
Logistics: Capable of transporting food, providing on-site chefs, and managing setup/teardown

Question: How far in advance should I book my event/function?

For events requiring a drop-off or full service events including drop-off, setup, and pickup we would appreciate booking 2 weeks prior to your event. For anything within a minimum of 48 hours notice, options could be limited a last minute fee could be included for price adjustment. We at Al Bacio want to ensure your event\function runs as smoothly as possible which is why more time in advance is best for both our clients and us.

For our plated events\functions including anniversary parties, VIP dinners, ect., we would appreciate a minimum of 3-6 months in order to secure your venue, rentals, tents, menu details, guest totals, etc.

For weddings and large events, you should book your caterer 9 to 18 months in advance, ideally immediately after securing your venue. For smaller, casual events, 3–6 months is usually sufficient, though popular, peak-season dates (May–September) may require booking up to 12 months in advance to secure your preferred vendor.

Key Considerations for Booking Timeline:

12-18 Months (Prime Time):Best for securing top-tier vendors, especially if your event is on a Saturday during peak season.
9-12 Months (Ideal): Gives you ample time for tastings, customizing menus, and ensuring they have your date available.
3-6 Months (Short Notice):Possible for smaller events, but you may have fewer choices.
1-3 Months (Last Minute): Risky for large events, but suitable for small, informal gatherings.

Why Book Early?

Limited Availability: Top caterers book up fast; delaying means losing your preferred choice.
Menu & Tastings: Allows time for multiple meetings to perfect the menu, which often occurs 4-6 months before the event.
Logistics & Permits: Gives the caterer time to secure necessary permits for the venue.

If you are dealing with a shorter timeline, you may want to prioritize venues with in-house catering to streamline the process

Question: What if guest number change?

Final counts are due 72 hours to a week before the event

Question: Can we accommodate last minute events?

Yes, we can often accommodate last-minute requests depending on current availability and the scale of the event.

While we recommend booking in advance, we understand that unexpected, urgent meetings or events arise. Our team at Al Bacio is experienced in working under tight deadlines and will do our best to provide fresh, high-quality meals on short notice.

Key Considerations for Last-Minute Orders:

Notice Period: While we strive to accommodate same-day or next-day requests, providing as much notice as possible (ideally within 24–48 hours) significantly increases our ability to secure your preferred menu items.
Menu Flexibility: For very tight turnarounds, we may recommend a more streamlined, specialized menu to ensure quality and timely delivery.
Availability: Last-minute, same-day orders are subject to kitchen capacity.

Tips for Ordering Last-Minute:

Contact us immediately: The sooner you call, the better we can assist.
Have your details ready: Knowing your headcount, budget, and any dietary restrictions helps us expedite your order.

Emergencies and spontaneous events happen all the time, and you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality or taste just because you’re working with a tight timeline. Last-minute catering services are designed to offer you flexibility, speed, and an exceptional food experience without the usual long planning process.

What if i need to cancel my order?

For platters and small events you can cancel your order no less than 72 hours prior to your delivery without penalty. After this time, our Chef team has ordered in the product and started prep work on your delivery so we cannot cancel after this time and full charges will apply.

For Large scale events

1. Cancellation Timeframe

More than 2 weeks from event: You can cancel, but will lose your deposit of 50%
Less than 2 weeks from event: Late cancellations are non-refundable and you will be charged 100% of the total, as the food has already been prepped and staff scheduled.

2. Steps to Take

Call Immediately: Call Al Bacio directly
Follow Up in Writing: Even if you call, send an email to have a record of the cancellation date and time.

3. Alternatives to Full Cancellation

Reducing the Order: Ask if you can reduce the guest count or menu items.
Changing the Date: It may be easier to reschedule than to cancel.

Question: What are your guidelines for event timing?

How much time to a set aside for each food and beverage service you are providing?

Generally we see the following:

Cocktail Hour - 1 to 1.5 hours

Plated Dinner Service - 2 hours (with speeches in between courses)

Buffet Dinner Service - 1.5 hours (with speeches)

Late Night - 45min to 1 hour

Contact

Menu and Dietary Restrictions

Question: What types of cuisine do you specialize in?

Al Bacio chef's specialize in Classic Italian and French cuisine. Our chef's have a vast knowledge of international cuisines including Asian, Middle Eastern, South American, and North American. Al Bacio can customize international themed events upon request.

Question: Can you customize the menu?

Absolutely! We can tailor the menu to fit your preferences and event theme\needs. Al Bacio chef's are trained in many international cuisines

Question: Can you handle allergies\diets?

Yes, Al Bacio handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies if notified in advance.

Question: Do you offer tastings?

We offer tastings to clients who have purchased a wedding package out of convenience of your own home as we do not currently have our own venue.

Question: What happens to leftovers?

For Drop-off only, all of the food delivered is yours to enjoy, we do suggest you bring takeout containers in order to collect all of the leftover food. Al Bacio is not liable for any post event safe food handling or storage for any leftover food that is either taken or consumed after the event.

For drop-off and pick-up, Al Bacio is not liable for any post event safe food handling or storage for any leftover food that is either taken or consumed after the event. (Once food has been served on a buffet or held in chafing dishes for several hours it can enter a temperature danger zone, making it unsafe to consume later). Al Bacio recommends that any hot held food longer than 2 hours post event should be disposed for food safety regulations.

For full service catering, due to strict health and safety regulations, liability concerns, and contractual obligations regarding food safety. Once the event has concluded, any unconsumed food items will be handled accordingly by Al Bacio catering.

Question: Do you offer children's pricing

Yes, we offer half priced meals for children ages 10 and under. For special requests contact Al Bacio.

Question: Is there a cake cutting fee?

Yes, we charge a fee off $2.50 per person.

Service and Staffing

Question: What is "Full Service" catering?

Full-service catering provides an all-inclusive, "hands-off" experience, managing every aspect of an event from initial menu planning to final cleanup. It includes on-site food preparation, professional waitstaff, bartenders, and equipment rentals. This service ensures a seamless event, covering set-up, service, and, crucially, teardown.

Key Components of Full-Service Catering:

Menu & Planning: Customized menus, including food preparation, cooking, and service (plated, buffet, or stations).
Service Staff: Professional servers, bartenders, and on-site chefs to manage the event.
Rentals & Setup: Provision of tables, chairs, linens, china, cutlery, and glassware.
Cleanup: Complete breakdown, cleaning, and packing up after the event.
Coordination: Often includes a dedicated event coordinator or captain to manage logistics.

Full-service catering is ideal for weddings, corporate galas, and private events where the host desires a professional, stress-free experience

Question: Do you provide alcohol?

No, Al Bacio does not provide alcohol for any events. We do provide smart serve certified bartenders and servers for a no-sale event to distribute alcohol that is provided by the client. This means you cannot generate revenue at your event through alcohol sales without a proper liquor license\permit.

If you are planning on selling alcohol for your private event, we recommend the host obtain a special occasion permit (SOP) which allows you to sell alcohol to your invited guests. Visit AGCO.ca to apply for this permit.

Question: How much time is needed for setup?

The time required will vary depending on how much time is required.

For drop-offs, we recommend a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the event start time.

For plated dinners we recommend a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour prior to the event start time.

For private dinners we recommend a minimum of 1-2 hours prior to the event start time.

For offsite dinner where we utilize our portable kitchen we recommend a minimum of 2 hours prior to the event start time.

Question: What if additional staff is required?

Al Bacio can supply all of the staffing needs required for your event. Servers, bartenders, cooks, event manager, teardown and setup team, etc.

Recommended staffing for your event

Servers - Plated and seated event 1 server for every 10-15 guests

- Buffet event 1 server for every 25-35 guests

- Reception and passed horsd'oeuvres 1 server for every 25 guests

Bartenders - 1 bartender up to 100 guests

Event manager - we highly recommend an event manager to communicate between the host of the event and to give clear direction to all service staff to meet all of your expectations

Cooks - in addition to our 2 Al Bacio chef's, 1 cook is needed for every 40 guests

Staffing minimums between 4-6 hours.

We are happy to consult with you to ensure the number of staff needed for your event.

Question: Does the serving team need to stay until the end of your event?

No, we don’t need to stay until the end if you don’t need us to. Most clients and couples only request us to be there

for dinner service and to clean up the rental items from dinner service. Please note: this does mean glassware as well

so we will remove all cutlery, glassware and dishware from the venue after dinner. We require you to switch to

plastic/disposable glassware on the bar at this time to prevent additional service staff charges if they have to stay

longer than originally planned.

Do you have preferred vendors you need us to use for our wedding?

You are welcome to use any vendors you like for your décor, DJ, officiants etc. We have recommendations and we can also put in touch with an event planner to coordinate your venue, dj, florals, and decor needs.