So that your event is a complete success, we have included some of our banquet guests most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
How do I inquire about availability on the anticipated date of an event?
Please send an email to info@rockafellers.com stating the type of event you are holding (i.e. wedding reception, birthday party, etc.), your requested event date, the anticipated start time of the event, and your estimated number of guests. You will receive a prompt response from our Banquet Management Staff!
What is the minimum number of people to book the banquet facility?
There is a 35-person minimum to book the banquet facilities.
What are the Fees associated with booking the banquet facilities?
The required fees for banquet services are as follows:
- Tax- 11.5% (including State of VA & Food Tax amounts)
Room Fee- Variable amount dependent on peak/off-peak dates and reservation size requiring use of full facilities - Beverage/Bar Set-Up Fee- $35.00
- Deposit- $500.00 and up, depending on event size and specifications
- Minimum Food Cost- Variable, depending on the size of the event and type of food service
- Service Charge- 22% of Food and Beverage Costs before tax
What is the Food Cost Minimum for banquet events?
This will be dependent on the time of year, peak demand periods, and the space needed. This minimum does not include gratuity, taxes, room rental, and any other associated fees.
How do I book the space for an event?
In order to secure a banquet reservation the financially responsible party/host must enter into a contractual agreement with Rockafeller’s. Following submission of a signed contractual agreement submission of the stipulated event deposit amount will complete the booking process.
What is the time period associated with the Room Fee?
The Room Fee reserves Rockafeller’s banquet facilities for a period of 3 hours. Depending on availability, events can be extended with an additional Room Fee charge of $150.00 per hour of extension.
How much is the deposit to reserve the space?
Deposit amounts vary from $500.00 and up, depending on the size of the event, the space reserved for the event, and the date of the event.
When is the deposit due? Is there payment in addition to the deposit due prior to the event date?
The deposit amount is due with the submission of a signed contractual agreement. Additional deposits may be required prior to the event. Your deposit amount will be credited to your final total at the close of the event. Final payment must be paid by credit card or cash. Please note we are unable to accept checks (business or personal) at the close of your event.
What is the maximum capacity of the banquet facilities?
The maximum seated capacity is approximately 100 guests with individual place settings.
Can a wedding ceremony be held on the deck, or in the indoor banquet space?
Yes, any type of ceremony can be held at Rockafeller’s. Additional set-up fees may apply.
What is the charge for children attending a banquet event?
Children under the age of 8 may order off of the Kid’s Menu. For all other guests the full buffet price will apply.
Can the entire upstairs (including the outdoor covered patio) be rented?
Yes, but availability is variable, so please communicate your interest in renting the entire patio to the Banquet Manager with whom you speak.
Can the entire upstairs (including the outdoor covered patio) be rented?
Yes, but availability is variable, so please communicate your interest in renting the entire patio to the Banquet Manager with whom you speak.
Does the banquet space feature a dance floor?
Yes, our banquet facilities have a dance floor. It can be made available upon request
Does Rockafeller’s offer projection equipment and screens for rental?
No, however, we can provide tables to facilitate the host’s set up and use of any rental equipment.
Does Rockafeller’s accept large party reservations in lieu of banquet services?
Generally, we can accommodate large party reservations throughout the year. The Banquet Management Staff can confirm the availability of large party reservations.
Can banquet event guests pay with separate checks?
No, we require payment be completed in one check at the close of a banquet event.
What is the standard table size for banquet events?
Standard banquet event seating is accommodated with tables for 8 guests each. We can accommodate a head table of up to 12 guests at the request of the host.
What are your decorations? Can additional decorations be added for an event?
For banquet events, the tables are set with white tablecloths, blue fan-folded napkins, place settings for each guest with water goblets, beach-themed glass centerpieces placed on top of mirrored glass chargers, and glass votive candle holders (candles apply specifically to evening events). Additional decorations may be added by the host to the facilities in advance of an event start time. However, the earliest the host or the host’s representative may arrive to place the additional decorations is 2 hours before the event start time. Rockafeller’s does not assume any liability for additional decorations added to the banquet facilities. Banquet service staff members will not place or remove any items that are not owned by Rockafeller’s.
Can an outside cake be brought in for an event?
Yes, the host may bring in a cake from an outside provider.
Will Rockafeller’s staff store and set-up an outside cake?
Rockafeller’s does not have the capacity to store an event cake, and will not set up a cake provided by an outside vendor. The host’s cake provider will have access to the space to drop off/set-up an outside cake no earlier than 2 hours prior to an event start time.
Will the banquet staff serve an event cake to the guests?
Yes, but additional service fees may apply.
Can the banquet facilities be used as a rain plan for outdoor ceremonies/events?
Yes, a host can coordinate with a Banquet Services Manager to develop an inclement weather plan, but additional service fees may apply.