The Sanford Center maintains the exclusive right to provide all food and beverage, and concession services. Any exceptions must be requested and obtained by prior written approval of the Executive Director and/or Director of Catering. Food items may not be taken off the premises; however, excess prepared food may be donated under regulated conditions to agencies feeding the underprivileged at our sole discretion.

To reserve the room and specific date, a Facility Lease Agreement must be signed and a non-refundable deposit equal to the room rent is due at the time of signing the Lease.
A non-refundable 50% deposit, as outlined in your Food & Beverage contract, is due with the return of said Food & Beverage signed Contract. The final balance for all expenses must be paid in full 3 business days prior to the event. A credit card authorization form must be on file for any incidentals incurred day of event. An invoice will be emailed or mailed out and balance due within 15 days by check or credit card. If no payment is received, we reserve the right to charge the credit card on file for balance.

A final guarantee of attendance is required 5 business days prior to all food and beverage events. In the event of a split entrée, the client is responsible to notify us of the exact count of each item 5 business days prior to the event. Split menus, which are not included in a package, are to be charged at the higher entrée price. Billing will be based on either your minimum guarantee (even if fewer guests actually attend) or the actual guest count, whichever is greater.

19% Service Charge and current state and city sales tax will be applied to all food and beverage purchases. The "Service Charge" is not paid out to the employees as a gratuity.

Choose a menu from the preceding suggestions or have us custom design a menu for your particular needs. Menus for food functions must be finalized at least 30 days prior to the event.

All banquet prices include white or black table linens and the choice of white, green or black cloth napkins.

High-grade disposable products will be used as a standard for coffee breaks, receptions. China service is available for all plated and buffet meals located in the convention center. All service on the Arena Floor will be high grade disposable unless pre-approved by the Executive Director or Director of Catering.

We are happy to address special dietary requests for individual guests. We will automatically prepare 3% vegetarian dinners for plated served dinners. There will be a $3.00 upcharge, per plate, for any special dietary requests after the guarantee has been given.

Catering personnel are scheduled in four-hour shifts for each meal period. These shifts include setup, service, and breakdown. Anything over a 4 hour time will incur an $11.00 per hour charge for each service staff member.

We offer a complete selection of beverages to compliment your function. As a licensee we are responsible for the administration of these regulations. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may not be brought onto the premises from outside sources. We reserve the right to ask patrons for proper identification for alcoholic beverage service. We reserve the right to refuse alcohol service to intoxicated or underage persons. Alcoholic beverages may not be removed from the premises.
*For events with alcohol there is an insurance policy. Click here to view policy.

The Sanford Center exhibitors may distribute Food & Beverage samples in authorized space and must not be in competition with products or services offered by The Sanford Center. Samples must be representative of products manufactured or sold by the company exhibiting. Free samples are limited to 2 ounces of non-alcoholic beverages and 2 ounces of a food sample. Exact descriptions of sample and portion size must be submitted to the F&B Office for written approval 14 days prior to the opening of the event. The distribution of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited unless provided by The Sanford Center. Any exhibitor giving away and/or selling food in their booth must have a permit and all appropriate fees on file with the Minnesota Board of Health.

In the event of a cancellation, no deposit refunds shall be made. Cancellation of food functions must be sent in writing to your Sales Manager. Any cancellation received more than 15 business days of the scheduled event will result in a fee equal to 25% of the estimated food and beverage charges as outlined in the contract. Any cancellation received less than 15 days of the scheduled event will result in a fee of 50% of the estimated food and beverage charges as outlined in the contract. Any cancellation received after the Final Guarantee has been provided will result in a fee equal to 100% of the charges on the affected Banquet Event Order(s) or signed agreement, whichever is greater of the two.