INTERNAL CATERING POLICIES



Our team of catering professionals is available to assist you with planning every aspect of your event. Should you desire a customized menu, we will be happy to meet with you to create. Please contact Conference Center Staff to make an appointment to create your perfect event at (713) 483-3713 or email: blessie.andal@dal.frb.org or james.colunga@dal.frb.org


Guidelines

Arrangements for food and beverage services can be made by contacting the Catering Office three (3) business days prior to your event. For events of more than 25 guests, for weekend and/or evening events, please schedule at least 5 business days in advance. Our Catering Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A 15% service charge may be added to your catering based on the items selected with less than a two-business day notice. Every effort will be made to accommodate your last-minute requests.


There is a minimum of 12 guests for all delivery services. A delivery service fee of $25 will be added to the final billing of less than 12 guests.

All food and beverage will be set up at locations designed for food and beverage, usually outside of the meeting space, unless prior FRB approval has been given. If a catered event is to be set up inside a room, and to be delivered while the group is in meeting, Sodexo’s catering staff will need to enter the room to make the delivery. As we try to be as quiet as possible, interruptions may occur as we set up and refresh.

Food and beverage setup for each catered event will be completed at least 15 minutes prior to the event start time unless otherwise requested by the host.

All services include disposable ware unless china service is requested. All additional services requested will be accommodated at additional costs; floral arrangements, rentals, service staff, or ice (ice is charged when beverages are not purchased through the Catering department).

Standard linens will be supplied for all food service tables involving food service. The standard linen color is white. Specialty linens and special color tablecloths and napkins will incur additional charges. Do allow a week notice and we will accommodate.

 

We recommend that all food items be consumed within two (2) hours of service in accordance with local health department codes. We do not recommend taking leftover food to go.

 

Billing Procedures

Cost Center and credit cards are used as a form of payment. Payment approver name, email address, business justification and attendee list are needed for payment processing.

Cancellations will be accepted, without charge, two (2) business days prior to your event. There is a 100% cancellation fee if your event is cancelled on the event day. Other cancellations may be subject to costs that have been incurred.


Guarantee

An estimated guest count is required at the time that services are scheduled. A final guaranteed count must be provided to the Catering Office two (2) business days prior to your event by 12 p.m. If no guaranteed attendance is received, catering will refer to the estimated attendance on the catering contract for billed attendance.


Guest Alcohol Policy

Host bars can be accommodated at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch at receptions or at dinners where food is ordered and served after 4:00 PM.

An ALCOHOL AUTHORIZATION form is required when the order is placed. Bar personnel are $75.00 per hour with a two-hour minimum. One (1) bar personnel per 25 guests.


Rental and Floral Delivery

The Federal Reserve Bank will need to know date, arrival time, and vendor name or organization contact of the delivery staff. The Event Planner may need to notify our onsite Houston Law Enforcement prior to their arrival.

The Federal Reserve Bank Pre-Inspection Building (PIB) entrance is located on Taft Street. The Federal Reserve Bank name is on building. There is a sliding gate and to gain entrance through the gate, press the call button for communication with our command center. The vendor will need to identify themselves (company name and/or organization) to our onsite Houston Law Enforcement.

Once the vendor has arrived and has been screened, our officers will direct them to the loading dock area. SodexoMagic catering will meet with your delivery staff at the loading dock, to escort and to accept all floral or beverage deliveries.

Rentals and catering services are provided based upon standard service, which includes available inventory of standard place settings, linens, tables, etc. Additional fees will be charged for rentals.