Terms of Service

Last Updated: April 6, 2026

Welcome to The Caterer's Canvas ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of The Caterer's Canvas website, mobile application, and any related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By accessing or using the Platform as a Guest, Restaurant Partner, or Event Professional (Staff), you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

1. The Platform

The Caterer's Canvas is a technology platform that connects individuals hosting private events ("Guests") with elite restaurant partners ("Partners") and independent hospitality professionals ("Staff"). We provide the booking, payment, and dispatch technology to facilitate these private dining experiences. We do not prepare food, nor do we directly employ the event staff.

2. User Accounts

To use most aspects of the Platform, you must register for and maintain an active user account. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account and for maintaining the security and secrecy of your account credentials.

3. Guest Bookings, Payments, and Policies

3.1 Booking Lead Times

Under 26 Guests: A minimum of 48 hours of advance notice is strictly required.
26 to 100 Guests: A minimum of 7 days of advance notice is required for proper sourcing and logistics.
Over 100 Guests (or Short-Notice Exceptions): Requests falling outside standard parameters require manual review by Dispatch. No deposit is taken at the time of the request, and approval takes up to 24 hours.

3.2 Payment Schedule

Standard Bookings (More than 72 hours out): A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure the date, the Partner kitchen, and the event staff.
Final Balance: The remaining balance is due exactly 72 hours prior to the event.
Rush Bookings (72 hours or less): If a booking is made within 72 hours of the event start time, 100% of the payment is due immediately at checkout.

3.3 Late Payments and Cancellations

If the final balance is not paid 72 hours prior to the event, your event will be automatically canceled.
Guests will receive automated notifications via the guest portal, email, and SMS once a week leading up to the event, and a final warning 72 hours before the deadline. We will also attempt a phone call prior to cancellation.
Reinstating an event canceled due to non-payment will incur a 10% reinstatement fee based on the total event cost, subject to Partner and Staff re-availability.

3.4 Guest Cancellations and Refunds

More than 7 Days Prior: Events canceled more than 7 days before the scheduled start time will receive a full refund, minus a 25% date release fee (calculated against the deposit).
Within 72 Hours: Events canceled within 72 hours of the start time are strictly non-refundable, as food preparation, sourcing, and staffing have already been finalized.
Last-Minute Additions: Any additions (guest count increases or menu add-ons) requested within 72 hours of the event are subject to a 20% rush facilitation fee.

4. Restaurant Partner Terms

4.1 Execution and Quality

Partners agree to prepare the culinary program exactly as detailed in the accepted Banquet Event Order (BEO). Partners are responsible for ensuring all food meets local health and safety standards and matches the quality associated with their establishment.

4.2 Payouts and Fees

Partners are paid automatically every Friday for all events completed in the trailing 7 days.
Payouts are net of the Platform's administrative fee, which varies based on your selected membership tier (Essential: 25%, Preferred: 15%, Premier: 10%).
Partner Referral Program: Partners receive a 5% commission on the grand total of any event booked using their unique Partner Referral Code.

5. Event Professional (Staff) Terms

5.1 Independent Contractor Status

Lead Curators, Expeditors, and Mixologists ("Staff") using the Platform operate as independent contractors. Staff are entirely responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and compliance with local labor laws.

5.2 Responsibilities and Attire

Staff must adhere to the timeline and requirements outlined in the BEO, including specific uniform requirements (e.g., Classic All-Black, Coastal Whites). Failure to execute duties to the Platform's luxury standards may result in removal from the collective.

5.3 Compensation and Gratuity

Staff compensation consists of a base hourly rate plus a mathematically calculated share of the event's 18% tip pool.
Staff Referral Program: Independent Curators and Expeditors earn a 2.5% commission on the grand total of any event booked using their referral code. Buy-In Curators earn a 5% commission.

6. Liability and Disclaimers

6.1 Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

While Guests may submit dietary restrictions and allergy notes via the Platform, The Caterer's Canvas does not prepare the food and cannot guarantee that items are entirely free of allergens. Restaurant Partners are solely responsible for food preparation safety.

6.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, The Caterer's Canvas shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (a) your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Platform; (b) any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform, including Partners and Staff.

7. Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. If we make material changes, we will notify you via the Platform or email. Your continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

8. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

For questions regarding these Terms, please contact our Concierge Dispatch through your user portal.