Open Forum

Hi everyone. I am wondering if anyone has experience with an exclusive catering contract which includes a buy-out clause to allow the use of an alternate caterer for an event. If so, what are the terms? Any input is greatly appreciated!

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Rachel Hamilton
Event Sales Manager
The Speed Art Museum
Louisville KY
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Interesting.  We don't have any such contracts with anyone here, but we're city-owned and operated, so I'm not 100% sure we could do that anyway . . . can't even recommend one over another.  We provide people with a list of local places that have catered frequently here before, if clients ask, but they're free to use whoever they wish.  For smaller events, many times, it's a do-it-yourself sort of thing anyhow.

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James Mackay
Director
The Lyceum
Alexandria VA
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Our local art museum has an in-house cafe that is managed by a contracted caterer. This caterer has the right of first refusal regarding events in the museum. If there is a wedding, for instance, the contracted caterer must be used unless said caterer opts out for some reason. Any other caterer who comes in must follow all of the prescribed rules and regulations of the museum.

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Joseph Popp
Exhibits & Archives Specialist
Erie Insurance Museum
Erie PA
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Rachel, we've had experience with this. Please feel free to give me a call or email to discuss.

Scott

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Scott Howe EdD
Deputy Director
Parrish Art Museum
Water Mill NY
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We have a buy-out clause in our contracts. The buy-out can only be exercised in off-season months, and never on a Saturday. The opt-out fee is $2,500, of which $500 stays with the museum and the balance is paid to the concessionaire. 

Over the last three years, it's only been exercised once, when the client had some unusual and very specific requirements.

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Jeff Ganung
Director of Operation and Finance
Museum of Glass
Tacoma WA
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Rachel,

We what you are looking for at our website. Go to www.manask.com, scroll down to "Earned Income Resources" and 'Click Here', simple registration and you can access exactly what you are asking for at no cost. I can be reached directly if any questions at artm@manask.com or 818 557-0635.

Art
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Arthur Manask
President
Manask & Associates
Burbank CA
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At OMCA our cafe operator is one of 4 preferred caterers on our list. The cafe operator is the only one who can use the kitchen. Everyone else sets up satellite kitchens on our campus. I have seen several different situations here and would be happy to discuss off line. Feel free to contact me. ckitz@museumca.org

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Catherine Kitz
Events Services Manager
Oakland Museum of California
Oakland CA

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When we first opened in February 2007, we had a local sandwich shop set up in our cafe and warming kitchen.  But after the recession hit, he consolidated his operations back to his first shop.

For catering, we do not have a specific caterer.  What we do have is a list of preferred vendors.  We make no comment as to quality of food, just that they have worked with us in the past and readily comply with our requirements, i.e. insurance, food handlers, permits, etc.  We keep a similar list for event-party rentals, DJs, sound equipment vendors, private security companies, etc.

We don't have a full kitchen.  Its classified as a warming kitchen.  Already cooked food is brought in and kept warm, and then served to the event participants.  Cuts down on some of the health code requirements on our part.  We have had events where the food is actually prepared on site.  But the caterer is responsible for food handler certificates, etc.

etc.  

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Raymond Meyer
Safety & Security Manager
Aerospace Museum of California
McClellan CA
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