1) Tours/Appointments to come and see the space?
We book on appointment only to show the spaces! Our appointment hours are Monday through Friday, 10-3 pm, depending on the availability of the space and our existing appointment schedule.
2) What are the steps in planning an event at The Grove?
The first step is booking the space. To reserve the space, we require a signed contract and a paid, non-refundable & non-transferable deposit, 20% of your food and beverage minimum. Depending on how far away your event is, menu selections and planning for the event will come at a time that is much closer to your actual event date, since we will have a better idea of the number of guests attending and our seasonal menus will be set by that time. We of course are available to meet in person or via email or by phone to answer any questions you might have!
3) How do I book my event? What is your deposit?
We create custom contract for each event that we host here. With the contracts, we will need a signed copy returned to us within (48) hours to reserve the space. In addition to your contract, we will need a deposit to secure your reservation. Your deposit is 20% of your food and beverage minimum. It is also non-refundable and non-transferrable, so we recommend that you be quite certain that you would like to move forward with the space prior to booking. Your deposit is, however, applied to your final bill at the end of your event.
4) Do you offer soft holds on the event space?
We are located across from the George R. Brown Convention Center and within walking distance to stadiums and hotels. Because of our location and combined with the number of inquiries that we receive on a daily basis, we do not offer soft holds. By sending you general information or setting an appointment to view the spaces we are not committing to reserve the space for your event or limiting our availability to any other incoming inquiries.
5) What is your cancellation policy?
As your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable, depending on how far you are from your actual event date, there is an additional cancellation payment due to the loss of business. Cancellation fees start less than 90 days before your event, with a 25% of your food and beverage minimum, less than 60 days, 50% of your food and beverage minimum, less than 30 days 75% of your food and beverage minimum, and less than 9 days, 100% of your food and beverage minimum as a payment for cancellation.
6) When can events be held at The Grove?
Events can be held any time within our operating hours!
7) Can I bring in outside catering?
We do not permit outside catering to be brought in with the exception of dessert.
8) Alcohol Policy
We all are TABC certified and love to serve and would like to make sure we are be responsible in serving you any alcoholic beverages during your event! Due to our TABC permit, all alcoholic beverages must be purchased through the restaurant. We do not allow any outside alcoholic beverages to be brought into the restaurant. This also includes any give-a-ways, gifts or favors.
9) Event hours & Set Up Time
Depending on the existing schedule, private events typically have a (4) hour timespan for the event itself. This does not include the time you have prior to the event to come in at the same time the staff arrives for your event to set up, and the hour past your event for teardown.
10) When do we have to pay our balance? What do you allow for payments?
All payments have to be finalized immediately upon the conclusion of the event. We do not invoice. We accept all major credit cards, business checks, or cash. We do not accept personal checks. If paying by business check, this has to be done prior to the event, with confirmation from the catering department. We require business check payment to be finalized at least (10) business days, Monday through Friday, before your event.
11) Do you have a rental fee?
There is no room rental fee as long as you meet the food and beverage minimum.
12) What’s included in my food and beverage minimum?
The food and beverage minimums are different than an all-inclusive package that is typical in a lot of venues, restaurants and hotels. A minimum is a commitment to spend at least the quoted dollar amount on food and beverage in order to use the space. Depending on the selections for food and beverage and the number of guests attending, you may exceed your food and beverage minimum.