Catering Terms & Conditions

This Catering and Holiday Pre-Order Agreement ("Agreement") is between the client ("Client") and either LANEY & LU LLC (which includes DBA PALETTE) located at 360 US-1 Bypass, Unit 104, Portsmouth, NH 03801 or GINGER FOX LLC located at 100 Portsmouth Ave, Suite 3, Stratham, NH 03885, referred to herein as "we," "us," or "our," based on the location fulfilling the order.

1. ORDER CONFIRMATION & PAYMENT

Catering proposals and holiday pre-orders shall be confirmed via email, text, formal quote, or online order. Orders are finalized only upon receipt of full Payment, which is defined in more detail below. Once payment is received, all details - menu, service needs, pick up or delivery schedule, and guest count - are final. Orders are entered into our point-of-sale system or online order system charged through the specific business fulfilling the order (either LANEY & LU (which includes PALETTE) or GINGER FOX). ALTITUDE Companies is not the merchant of record.

2. PAYMENT TERMS

Full Payment is required to finalize all orders. Payment terms include:
- The quoted price of the order.
- A 15% gratuity for orders above $150 will be automatically added and distributed directly to our team to recognize and reward their service.
- We kindly request consideration of 20% gratuity to our team on all orders.
- A delivery fee (if applicable) of $1.00 per mile is added to the total, based on roundtrip distance from either LANEY & LU and PALETTE (Portsmouth, NH) or GINGER FOX (Stratham, NH), depending on which location fulfills the order.
- The New Hampshire Meals & Rooms Tax (8.5%) is applied to all orders unless valid tax exemption documentation is provided before payment.

3. CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

We understand that plans can change. However, as a small, high-touch business, our team dedicates significant time and resources to preparing your order. For special catering orders, the following policy ensures fair compensation for our time while providing flexibility when possible:
- 21+ days prior to event: Full refund, less a $100 administrative fee.
- 8–14 days prior to event: Full refund, less a $250 cancellation fee. If the order total is less than the cancellation fee, no refund will be issued.
- 7 days or fewer: No refunds. A $250 cancellation fee will be retained by Us, and the remaining balance will be issued in the form of a gift card. If the order total is less than the cancellation fee, no refund or credits will be issued.
- Less than 72 hours before event: No refunds or credits available due to perishable procurement and prep time already incurred.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email - catering@altitudecompanies.com. The cancellation is considered effective upon receipt of your written notice.

Due to the perishable nature of our products, returns are not accepted. If an error or issue arises, please contact us within 1 hour of delivery with photo documentation via text to (603) 531-3160.  We reserve the right to resolve issues if reasonably possible.

4. MENU, MODIFICATIONS & GUEST COUNT

Menus may be structured around guest count, quantity, or a la carte items. If a final guest count is required, it must be provided at least 7 days before the event. If not, the guest count on the original quote will be used. If the final count drops below 75% of the initial estimate, per-person pricing may be adjusted.  Menu or logistical changes must be submitted in writing and approved by our team. Approved changes may affect pricing or availability and are not guaranteed within 72 hours of the event. If changes are approved and those changes increase the Full Payment (i.e. increase in food choices or quantity, increase in head count, etc.) then said increase shall be invoiced and are due and payable immediately; the changed order will be finalized only upon receipt of Payment.

5. TABLEWARE & SERVICE ITEMS

If indicated in your catering proposal, we will provide agreed-upon presentation wares (platters, bowls, tongs, serving utensils, etc.) as part of your catering experience. These items are the property of LANEY & LU or GINGER FOX and must be “rinsed only” (no soap or dishwasher) and returned in the provided crates to the originating location (LANEY & LU in Portsmouth, NH or GINGER FOX in Stratham, NH) within three (3) business days, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. 

Clients are responsible for the care of these items while in their possession. A detailed packing list with associated replacement costs will be provided at time of delivery or pickup. Any missing or damaged items will be invoiced according to that list. We reserve the right to request a deposit for the wares as part of the Full Payment which will be refunded upon return of the wares.

If you'd like to avoid wares return, we’re happy to offer:
- Compostable or disposable presentation wares for a small additional fee
- Next-day pickup service, available within our delivery radius for an additional $25 + $1 per mile

Guest-use wares (compostable plates, cups, utensils, napkins) are available by request and quoted separately unless otherwise noted.

6. FOOD SAFETY & LIABILITY

All food is prepared and transported in accordance with established food safety standards. Once delivered, custody and responsibility transfer to the client, including all liability related to storage, handling, and service.

Clients are expected to maintain:
- Proper temperature control (hot foods above 140°F; cold foods below 40°F)
- Safe serving practices to avoid cross-contamination
- Disposal of perishable food items left out for more than two (2) hours (or one hour if ambient temperature exceeds 90°F)

We expressly disclaim any liability for foodborne illness, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects resulting from improper storage, handling, or service conditions beyond our control.

7. FOOD ALLERGIES & INGREDIENTS

Our kitchens handle a variety of common allergens including dairy, nuts, wheat, coconut, soy, shellfish, mushrooms, and eggs. We take food safety seriously but cannot guarantee allergen-free environments.

Client is responsible for clearly communicating allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions during ordering, and We shall not be responsible for any allergen related issues or liabilities that are not clearly indicated in writing on our finalized Catering Proposal. Consumption of raw or undercooked ingredients may increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions.

8. SEASONALITY & SUBSTITUTIONS

All menus are prepared fresh and are subject to seasonal availability. We reserve the right to substitute ingredients or garnishes of equal value based on availability. Any photos shown during the proposal process are for inspiration only.

9. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client agrees to:
- Provide accurate event information, including access times, location instructions, and any site limitations
- Maintain safe conditions for food, staff, and equipment
- Dispose of perishable items properly if not immediately consumed

Client assumes responsibility for damages or losses resulting from guests, venue conditions, or third parties.

10. LICENSES & PERMITS

Client is responsible for obtaining and paying for any necessary permits, venue approvals, or special use authorizations, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

11. ALCOHOL SERVICE (IF APPLICABLE)

If alcohol is served in conjunction with a catering event (even by a third party), the client agrees to comply with state and local laws. Our team does not serve alcohol and is not responsible for the actions of guests who consume alcoholic beverages during your event.

12. PHOTOGRAPHY & PROMOTION

We reserve the right to take and use photographs of catering displays, food, and non-identifiable guests at events for promotional purposes. If you prefer your event, not be photographed or shared, please notify us in writing at the time of booking.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

LANEY & LU, GINGER FOX, PALETTE, and/or ALTITUDE Companies shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages including, but not necessarily limited to, injury to persons, including food allergens and illness, and property, unless said injury to persons or property is a result of our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Our maximum liability under any circumstances shall not exceed the total value of the catering order.

14. FORCE MAJEURE

We are not liable for delays or non-performance in providing services due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, accidents, acts of God, power outages, labor shortages, government regulations, public health emergencies, other people’s negligence, or other force majeure events. We will work with you to reschedule your event or offer a credit in good faith.

15. NON-DISPARAGEMENT

Client agrees not to publicly disparage or post defamatory remarks about LANEY & LU, GINGER FOX, PALETTE, and/or ALTITUDE Companies or our team, and we commit to extending the same respect to our clients.

16. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Hampshire, and any disputes arising from them shall be resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction within the state.