Private Event FAQ

Please refer to the Private Events Menu. Each item specifies approximately how many each will serve.

We only serve our food buffet-style.

We have water taps at each store that guests are welcome to use.

We have a one-time $50 fee to bring in any/all outside food or drinks. Please be aware our servers are not trained bartenders. They are trained to make drinks on our menu, but cannot mix any cocktails that are brought in. Guests may bring coolers of canned or bottled drinks or premixed drinks in dispensers. Alcohol is allowed.

Guests are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled event to set up. If you need extra time for set up or tear down, extra time may be added for an additional fee.

The store is set as it is during business hours.

Guests may move around tables and chairs, but servers cannot do this for you.

After the event, we ask that all tables and chairs be as they were when you arrived. We recommend adding an additional half hour to your event time if you plan to rearrange the store.

There is an additional fee to add on time to your after hours event.

Payment is due on the day of the event when the event is over. One of the servers will assist you with payment. Guests are welcome to use cash or card.

Gratuity can be applied to your credit card payment if you prefer to add a tip that way.

Guests may bring tablecloths, centerpieces, balloons, etc., to decorate the space.

If you bring crafts, paint, or other activities that may involve messy materials, we ask that you provide a tablecloth to cover the table. Guests are responsible for ensuring that no residue, paint, glue, or other materials are left on surfaces.

You are NOT allowed to bring glitter or confetti (by itself or inside balloons).

Live-flame candles are NOT allowed.

Items hung or displayed on the walls should not leave marks, or holes or remove paint.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in a cleaning fee.

Advance notice is required when adding time to events.

We provide all serving ware necessary for food and beverages.

We do NOT supply linens, audio/visual systems, microphones, whiteboards, decorations, or ceramic plates and glasses for over 35 guests. Our servers are unable to cut cakes, please be prepared to do so.

Absoutely!

The $200 service fee allows for 45 minutes of set up time, and includes two servers.

This fee covers up to 25-50 guests for a two hour event (with additional 45 mins of setup and 45 mins of tear down time). Our ratio is 1 server per 25 guests. If your event exceeds 30 guests, additional servers must be hired.

To add on time to your after hours event, it is an additional $25/half hour or $50 per full hour. We require advance notice when adding time to events.

Servers are responsible for opening and closing the building. To prepare for your event, they will help you turn on the music and set up the food buffet and drink station. During the event, they will serve drinks as needed, and clean up plates and trash to ensure the building is clean and reset for the next day’s business. As the event ends, servers will package any leftovers for you and your guests to take home and assist in taking care of the bill. They are available during the event if you have any questions or concerns. The two server minimum is for the safety of our staff.

The service fee is a flat fee to take care of the staff. Gratuity is not included in the fee but is encouraged.

Our venue coordinator works with guests to ensure they know all the details about renting a space at McLain’s.

They will help you secure a space and date and will help build a food and beverage menu. They are not a full-service planner and do not assist with decoration, planning, or table and chair arrangements.

If you would like a full-service planner, our venue coordinator can refer you to one.