Frequently Asked Questions

At CJ’s Off the Square, we focus on providing a seamless and elevated dining experience, which is why we do not offer buffet service. To eliminate wait times, reduce lines, and ensuring guests are served promptly, we find this approach works extremely well in our unique space. This also helps minimize food waste.

For a more social and dynamic atmosphere, we also offer a fully passed cocktail-style menu, featuring a variety of small bites. While this option works well for corporate events and cocktail parties, we do not recommend it for weddings.

Your planner can help you determine which dining style best suits your event.

Our dual-entrée main course was designed to provide a seamless dining experience while offering a variety of flavors to please everyone on your guest list. With this approach, you’ll select two entrées and two sides in advance. Then, at your event, your selections are beautifully plated and served to all guests.

This eliminates the need to track individual meal choices, follow up on RSVPs, and accommodate last-minute changes—ensuring a smoother planning process for you and a more elegant experience for your guests.

If you prefer to offer guests a choice of entrée when they RSVP, you may do so for an additional fee. Based on the menu you select, we can provide you with a custom quote. You’ll also need to provide place cards indicating each guest’s selection—no exceptions. Please speak with your planner for more details.

Many children enjoy the same menu as adults, but we do offer a special kid’s meal option for guests 10 and under. You’ll confirm the number of kid’s meals needed when submitting your final guest list 30 days before your event.

Please note that kid’s meals are priced the same as adult meals and are prepared at the chef’s discretion. We are unable to accommodate special requests on the day of the event.

Your final guest list, including table assignments and special requests (such as allergies or kid’s meals), must be submitted no later than 30 days before your event. This deadline ensures we have the necessary resources to successfully staff and serve the menu and bar you have selected for your event.

You may add guests up to 14 days before the event, but any changes made less than 14 days before will incur a 20% surcharge.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Your guest count includes everyone attending the event, including you.

Yes! As part of your event package, a menu tasting for the primary and secondary contacts for your event is included in your package. Tastings may be private or in a group setting. A third or fourth decision maker may be added to your tasting for an additional fee.

Tastings take place at our catering facilities (not at the venue) and require a weekday appointment, usually on a Wednesday or Thursday, during kitchen hours.

Your planner will connect you with our food & beverage manager when it is time to schedule your tasting.

We do our best to accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, dairy-free, and vegan meals, for up to 10% of your guests at no additional charge. Specialty meals or substitutions are at the chef’s discretion and will be thoughtfully prepared based on your selected menu.

You must provide the names of guests requiring special meals when submitting your final guest list 30 days before the event. We cannot accommodate dietary requests on the day of your event, so please ask guests to share any allergies or dietary restrictions when they RSVP.

If your entire event menu requires special accommodations, a custom menu may be necessary. For kosher meals or other religious dietary restrictions, please speak with your planner to discuss separate accommodations (additional fees may apply).

Please note: Our culinary team is dedicated to providing a safe dining experience for you and your guests. We take your allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. We will take extra precautions to minimize the risk, but be aware that despite our best efforts, cross-contamination may occur as we prepare a variety of dishes in the same kitchen.

Our menu is designed specifically for CJ’s Off the Square to complement our setting and event style. While we encourage you to choose from our curated offerings, we’re happy to discuss custom menu options.

Custom menus start at a $10 per person upgrade, with final pricing based on your selections.

A complimentary menu card is included in all event packages at CJ’s Off the Square. Your planner will select a few options to choose from our collection. Minimal customization is available. You may prefer to have your own menu cards made that coordinate with your invitation and other printed pieces. Just let us know if you plan to supply your own and we will be happy to set your tables with the card you provide.

Many vendors such as photographers and videographers require that you provide them with a meal at the event. But even if they don’t require it, you really should. We offer vendor meals at a reduced rate of $65 each.

The staff of CJ’s Off the Square do not require vendor meals.

Unlike some venues or hotels, we do not impose a mandatory staff gratuity. However, gratuity for our catering team is always appreciated as a way to recognize their hard work in making your event enjoyable.

If you’d like to leave a gratuity, we recommend $10 per guest. For example, if you are planning an event for 100 guests, we would suggest a gratuity of $1000 for the catering team which includes servers, bartenders, and the kitchen crew.

The base event package price and the per person fees in place when you book your event will not change. Pricing for any additional menu items or services (anything outside of what is included in your package) is subject to change due to market fluctuations outside of our control.

We reserve the right to add, edit, or remove menu items at any time.

You will be provided with an up to date menu prior to placing your catering order.

Pricing and availability of your selected menu is not confirmed until you submit your final guest list approximately 30 days prior to the event.