Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Catering Events Exclusively By Sodexo

In a world where time is at a premium, those instances where people come together deserve to be special. Whether celebrating achievement or planning future success, it is during these gatherings where the power of human connectivity is elevated. This same connectivity is what makes Virginia Aquarium decidedly different.

Virginia Aquarium Catering Events is about more than great food. It’s about a team of dedicated professionals who are united by a common passion to deliver a successful catering experience. Building on a legacy of hospitality excellence, we leverage our vast expertise to create engaging events that exceed the expectations of everyone we serve. We accomplish this by focusing on service, performance and guest satisfaction throughout the entire Virginia Aquarium experience.

Our team of catering professionals are specially trained to assist you with planning your event, focusing on every aspect to ensure quality and consistency. Our culinary team has created a variety of healthy and delicious menus to fit a wide range of budgets and tastes, including choices featuring organic and/or sustainable selections. They also take great pride in using the best possible local and seasonal ingredients, regional favorites and specialty items that will make your event a complete success.

This Virginia Aquarium guide will take you through the planning process for your catered event. We will be happy to meet with you to create a signature selection that meets your specific needs.

Contact us by phone at 757-385-0258, email us at LHaser@VirginiaAquarium.com or visit our website: www.VirginiaAquarium.com.

From the on-trend creations of our talented chefs to the interactive support of our management team to the attentive service of our well-trained staff, Virginia Aquarium delivers fulfillment, enjoyment and peace of mind.

= Mindful = Vegan= VegetarianWe can also accomodate Gluten Free requests.

SERVED DINNERSAll served dinners include a choice of salad or starter, two accompaniments, freshly baked dinner rolls (1 roll | 30 cal) and butter, choice of dessert, freshly brewed Starbucks Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, herbal and non-herbal Tazo teas with hot water and freshly brewed iced tea or sweet iced tea (8 oz | 0 - 20 cal). Services include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up. All entrées are available buffet style, upon request.

CHICKEN GRILLED CHICKEN WITH BRUSCHETTA TOPPING (1 plate | 360 cal) $29 Balsamic-Glazed Chicken Breast Grilled, then Topped with a Colorful, Classic Tomato Basil Bruschetta Salad

LEMON BASIL CHICKEN (1 plate | 830 cal) $29 Chicken Breast Marinated in Basil, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Seasoned with a Salt-Free Lemon Pepper Blend and Grilled

BEEF AND PORK BALSAMIC GRILLED FLANK STEAK WITH ROASTED ROSEMARY MUSHROOM SAUCE (1 plate | 360 cal) $31 Chef-Selected Flank Steak Tenderized in Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette Marinade Served with Mushrooms Sautéed with Olive Oil,Fresh Rosemary and Garlic Added to a Simmering Plum Tomato Base

GORGONZOLA ENCRUSTED FILET WITH CABERNET DRIZZLE (1 plate | 290 cal) $37 Choice Cut of Filet Mignon, Grilled in Butter, Finished with Savory Gorgonzola Crumbles and Served with Cabernet Sauce

PAN-SEARED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH APPLES & ONIONS (1 plate | 530 cal) $31 Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin Covered in a Savory Apple and Onion Sauce with a Hint of Lemon Zest, Brown Sugar and Nutmeg

CRANBERRY PORK WITH BRAISED CABBAGE (1 plate | 290 cal) $31 Cranberry Glazed and Sage Pork Pan-Fried Cutlet with Braised Red Cabbage and Tart Apples

2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary. Additional nutrition information available upon request.

COMBINATION PLATE GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN & CRAB CAKE WITH A DEMI DIJON MUSTARD SAUCE (1 plate | 560 cal) $44 Tenderloin of Beef Dusted with Salt, Pepper, Rosemary and Parsley, then Charred for a Light Smoky Flavor and Light, Crispy Crab Cakes with a Crunchy Crust Served with a Stone Ground Mustard Sauce

SEAFOOD BARBECUED SHRIMP WITH BACON-CHEDDAR GRITS (1 plate | 840 cal) $35 BBQ Shrimp and Plum Tomatoes atop Creamy Stone Ground Grits with Bits of Applewood Smoked Bacon and Cheddar Cheese

PARMESAN-CRUSTED TILAPIA WITH CHIVE BUTTER SAUCE (1 plate | 560 cal) $29 Roasted Tilapia Fillets with a Parmesan Bread Crumb Crust, Served with a Generous Dollop of Chive Butter

BLACKENED COD WITH SALSA VERDE (1 plate | 280 cal) $29 Blackened Cod Drizzled with Green Tomatillo Sauce, Paired with a Colorful Watercress Salad and Fresh Cilantro

VEGETARIAN BALSAMIC MARINATED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS (1 plate | 580 cal) $25 Balsamic-Sweetened Portobello Mushrooms with a Quinoa and Zucchini Pilaf Seasoned with Fresh Basil, Rosemary and Garlic

SMOKED GOUDA FARFALLE (1 plate | 510 cal) $27 A Casserole of Farfalle Pasta Hand-Prepared with Fresh Spinach, Savory Smoked Gouda and Grated Parmesan Cheeses

VEGETABLE WHOLE WHEAT PASTA PRIMAVERA (1 plate | 340 cal) $25 Al Dente Whole Wheat Pasta Tossed with Sautéed Zucchini, Broccolini, Heirloom Tomatoes and Onions in a Creamy Béchamel

ENTRÉE ACCOMPANIMENTS

SALADS AND STARTERS Market House Salad with Homemade Croutons and Balsamic Vinaigrette (1 salad | 110 cal)

Iceberg Wedge with Maytag Bleu Cheese (1 salad | 130 cal)

Caesar Salad with Anchovies and Homemade Croutons (1 salad | 160 cal)

Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Stack with Fresh Basil (1 salad | 430 cal)

Greek Salad with Feta Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette (1 salad | 190 cal)

Pear and Fresh Spinach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Cranberry Dressing (1 salad | 740 cal)

Roasted Beets with Soft Goat Cheese and Drizzled with Nuts and Balsamic Glaze (1 salad | 350 cal)

SIDES Choice of One:

Fresh Green Beans (4 oz | 40 cal)

Chef’s Choice of Seasonal Vegetable (4 oz | 30 - 130 cal)

Roasted Fresh Seasonal Asparagus (4 oz | 30 cal)

Fresh Carrots with Dill (4 oz | 40 cal)

Choice of One:

Oven-Herbed Roasted Red Potatoes (4 oz | 130 cal)

Horseradish Mashed Yukon Potatoes (4 oz | 120 cal)

Lemon Rice (4 oz | 140 cal)

Chef’s Choice of Side Pairing (4 oz | 100 - 400 cal)

DESSERTS Chocolate Fudge Cake (1 slice | 590 cal)

New York Cheesecakes (1 slice | 450 cal)

Dutch Apple Pie (1 slice | 450 cal)

Cora’s Red Velvet Cake (1 slice | 760 cal)

BUILD YOUR OWN BUFFETSelections from these menus are presented buffet style. Services include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up. Build your own buffet by selecting - one salad, one entrée, two sides, two desserts and two beverages. Add an additional entrée for $13 per guest. Waited service is available upon request. These menus are available for groups of 20 or more.

SALADSChoose one: Market House Salad (1 salad | 110-370 cal) with a Choice of Two Dressings: Ranch, Italian, Honey Mustard and Low-Fat Ranch Dressing Greek Salad (1 salad | 190 cal) Caesar Salad (1 salad | 460 cal)Includes Assorted Dinner Rolls with Butter (1 roll | 90 cal)

ENTRÉES POULTRY Chicken Marsala (1 entrée | 280 cal) $30 Lemon Parmesan Chicken with White Wine Chive Sauce (1 entrée | 530 cal) $30 BEEF Beef Stroganoff (1 entrée | 410 cal) $30 Braised Beef Sicilian (1 entrée | 310 cal) $31 PORK Roast Pork Loin with Mustard Herb Crust $28 SEAFOOD Citrus Baked Tilapia (1 entrée | 180 cal) $30 Barbecued Shrimp with Bacon-Cheddar Grits (1 entrée | 560 cal) $37 VEGETARIAN Vegetable Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera (1 entrée | 340 cal) $25 Marinated Portobellos with Quinoa Pilaf (1 entrée | 170 cal) $25

SIDESChoose one (4 oz serving): Oven-Roasted Herbed Red Potatoes (4 oz | 130 cal) Garlic-Mashed New Potatoes (4 oz | 120 cal) Rice Pilaf (4 oz | 150 cal) White Rice (4 oz | 140 cal) Olive Oil and Garlic Spaghetti (4 oz | 380 cal)

Choose one (4 oz serving): Balsamic Herb Roasted Vegetables (4 oz | 110 cal) Lemon Garlic Broccoli (4 oz | 60 cal) Sautéed Zucchini (1 each | 50 cal) Glazed Carrots (4 oz | 120 cal) Variety of Seasonal Vegetables (4 oz | 40-120 cal) Fresh Green Beans (4 oz | 40 cal)

DESSERTSChoose two: Double Chocolate Layer Cake (1 slice | 350 cal) Chocolate Mousse (1 scoop | 90 cal) Cora’s Red Velvet Cake (1 slice | 760 cal) Assorted Cookies and Brownies (1 serving | 160-510 cal) Assorted Pies (1 slice | 350-520 cal)

BEVERAGES Freshly Brewed Starbucks Coffee (8 fluid oz | 0 cal) Decaffeinated Coffee (8 fluid oz | 0 cal) Tazo Herbal and Non-Herbal Teas (1 tea bag | 0 cal) Decaffeinated Tazo Tea with Hot Water (1 tea bag | 0 cal)Choose two: Iced Water Station Freshly Brewed Iced Tea Assorted Canned Soft Drinks, Regular and Diet

CHICKEN Ginger Chicken Satay with Coconut Peanut Sauce (1 each + 1 oz sauce | 110 cal) Chipotle Maple Bacon-Wrapped Chicken (1 each | 50 cal) Coconut Chicken with Orange Dipping Sauce (1 each | 60 cal) Blackened Chicken Sliders (1 each | 140 cal) PORK Pork Pot Stickers with Garlic Soy Sauce (1 each + 3 oz sauce | 50 cal) Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms (1 each | 20 cal) Maple-Glazed Apple Rumaki (1 each | 60 cal) SEAFOOD Mini Crab Cakes with Cajun Rémoulade Sauce (1 each | 70 cal) Crab and Risotto Balls (1 each | 80 cal) Bacon Wrapped Scallops with BBQ Sauce (1 each | 45 cal) Tuxedo Shrimp with Diablo Sauce (2 each | 150 cal) BEEF Chipotle Beef on Tortillas with Avocado Créme (1 each | 120 cal) Mini Cocktail Meatballs Choice of: Swedish, Barbecue or Sweet & Sour (1 each + 3 oz sauce | 45-130 cal) Petite Beef Wellington (1 each | 70 cal) Beef Satay with Sweet & Spicy Sauce (1 each + sauce | 110 cal) Ground Beef Samosas (1 each | 170 cal) VEGETARIAN Mini Greek Pizzas (1 each | 80 cal) Mini Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup (1 sandwich + 6 oz soup | 700 cal) Mini Eggplant Parmesan with Smoked Chutney (1 each | 90 cal) Fried or Baked Mini Egg Rolls with Spicy Dipping Sauce (1 each + 3 oz sauce | 120-150 cal) Tomato, Vidalia Onion and Goat Cheese Tart (1 each | 100 cal)

HOT HORS D’OEUVRES FROM PLATTERS TO PASSED

Waited or butlered services are available upon request. Services include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up. Select six hors d’oeuvres. Hors d’oeuvres service is for one hour at $19 per person. Minimum guest count is 50 people.

COLD HORS D’OEUVRESWaited or butlered services are available upon request. Services include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up. Select six hors d’oeuvres. Hors d’oeuvres service is for one hour at $19 per person. Minimum guest count is 50 people.

Shrimp Cocktail with Cajun Rémoulade and Cocktail Sauce (shrimp + sauce | 150 cal)

Sun-Dried Tomato and Gorgonzola Bruschetta (1 slice | 100 cal)

Crostini with Spicy Mango Shrimp Salsa (1 each | 70 cal)

Miso Crab Salad on Cucumber (1 each | 50 cal)

Charred Peaches Wrapped in Prosciutto (1 each | 60 cal)

Fresh Mozzarella and Shrimp Skewers (1 each | 230 cal)

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon with Dijon Dipping Sauce (1 wedge + 1 tsp. sauce | 100 cal)

Cucumber Rounds with Feta and Tomatoes (1 each | 30 cal)

GOURMET DIPS & MOREServices include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up.

HOT DIPS Sold per guest

Warm Parmesan Artichoke Dip with Bagel or Pita Chips (1 oz + 2 oz chips | 250 cal) $7 Spinach and Crab Dip with Baguette Rounds (1 oz + 1 chip | 120 cal) $8 COLD DIPS Sold per guest

Tzatziki Cucumber Yogurt Dip (1 tbsp. | 5 cal), Hummus (1 oz | 50 cal) $7 or Baba Ghanoush (1 oz | 15 cal) with Pita Chips (2 oz | 190 cal) $7 Vegetable Layer Dip with Tortilla Chips (1 oz + 2 oz chips | 360 cal) $7 COLD DISPLAYS Small (15-25), Medium (25-50) and Large (50-75)

Fresh Farm Crudités with Ranch Dip (2 oz + 2 oz dressing | 15-190 cal) $65/ $125/ $185 Seasonal Cubed Fresh Fruit (4 oz | 50 cal) $65/ $125/ $185 Domestic Cheeses with Crackers (2 oz + 6 crackers | 340 cal) $140/ $280/ $455 Artisan Cheeses with Baguette Rounds (2 oz + 6 crackers | 280 cal) $160/ $320/ $520 Antipasto Platter with Crackers and Baguette Rounds (1 serving + 1 cracker | 390 cal) $160/ $320/ $520 HEALTHY SNACK BAR $5 per guestChoose Two Healthy Snacks: Popcorn with Assorted Seasonings (3 oz | 350 cal) Celery and Carrot Sticks (6 sticks, 3 each | 15 cal) Seasonal Whole Fruit (1 piece | 70 cal) Assorted Granola Bars (1 bar | 90-160 cal)

SPECIALTY & CARVING STATIONSCreate a delightful culinary experience for your guests by adding an interactive flair. Add one or more of these chef – attended action or bar stations and watch your event come alive! Services include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up.

MAC AND CHEESE SMALL PLATE $18 per guest

The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Your Way. Customize Your Mac and Cheese (1 cup | 270 cal) with an Incredible, Mouth-Watering Assortment of Toppings. Including:

MASHED POTATO BAR $18 per guest Yukon Gold Sweet Potatoes (4 oz | 210 cal) Served with Whipped Butter and Sour Cream.Choose Six:

CARVING STATIONSOur Beef, Poultry, and Pork selections are cooked to perfection and carved by an experienced uniformed Chef. $160 per uniformed chef per station. Served with wonderful sauces and condiments, as well as assorted Mini Rolls (1 roll | 70-160 cal) and Baguettes (1 baguette | 100 cal).

Roast Breast of Turkey (3 oz | 100 cal) with Cranberry and Orange Mayonnaise (1 oz | 30 cal) and Creamy Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp. | 180 cal) $18

Roasted Beef Tenderloin (3 oz | 220 cal) with Horseradish Aioli (1 oz | 50 cal) and Stone Ground Mustard Sauce (1 oz | 20 cal) $26

Roast Prime Rib of Beef (3 oz | 230 cal) with Horseradish Cream (1 oz | 50 cal) and Roasted Garlic Au Jus (1 oz | 70-160 cal) $21

Mustard Apricot Glazed Ham (3 oz | 100 cal) with Honey Mustard Sauce (1 oz |70 cal) $18

Roast Beef (3 oz | 140 cal) with Horseradish Cream (1 oz | 50 cal) and Roasted Garlic Au Jus (1 oz | 25 cal) $19

Roast Pork Loin (3 oz | 160 cal) with Chipotle Mayonnaise (2 tbsp. | 80 cal) $19

Chopped Scallions (1 tbsp. | 0 cal) Crumbled Bacon (1 oz | 160-170 cal)Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 oz | 110 calCountry Brown Gravy (1 oz | 10 cal)Caramelized Onions (1 oz | 30 cal)

Fried Onion Crisps (1 oz | 50 cal)Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 oz | 120 cal)Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese (1 oz | 100 cal) Toasted Pecans (1 oz | 200 cal)Horseradish Sauce (1 tbsp. |20 cal)

Blackened Chicken (1/2 breast | 65 cal)

Grilled Chicken (1/2 breast | 75 cal )

Ground Beef (1 oz | 70 cal) and Ham (2 oz | 60 cal)

Parmesan Cream (1 oz | 120 cal)

Aged Cheddar Cheese Sauce (1 oz | 110 cal)

SWEET & SALTYServices include linen-draped service tables, set up and clean up.

ASSORTED HOME-STYLE COOKIES (2 cookies per serving) $3 per guest Chocolate Chip (360 cal) Sugar (330 cal) Double Chocolate Chip with White Chips (330 cal) Sugar (330 cal)

BROWNIES (1 cut per serving) $5 per guest Fudge (350 cal)

GOURMET DESSERT BARS (1 cut per serving) $7 per guest Luscious Lemon Bar (70 cal) Raspberry Almond Bar (190 cal) Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar (290 cal) Raspberry Almond Bar (190 cal)

MULTI-GRAIN BARS AND GRANOLA BARS (1 bar | 90-160 cal) $4 per guest

INDIVIDUAL BAGS OF PRETZELS AND POTATO CHIPS (1 bag | 110-230 cal) $3 per guest

ASSORTED POPCORN (1 bag | 120 cal) $5 per guest

MIXED NUTS WITH PEANUTS (1 oz | 120 cal) $7 per guest

TRAIL MIX (1 oz | 150 cal) $7 per guest

DESSERT STATION $9 per guest

Choice of Four (1 each per serving): Assorted Cupcakes (160-340 cal), Mini Red Velvet Whoopie Pies (390 cal), Assorted Mini Cookies (400 cal), Gourmet Bars (140-280 cal) or Seasonal Sliced Fresh Fruit (2 oz | 25 cal)

OPEN BAR PACKAGES

HOSTED/FULL OPEN BAR Full hosted/open bar provides your guests with unlimited beverages from the bar including, cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water station for a set price per guest. All bars require one bartender for every 100 guests for up to 4 hours at $100 per bartender, $35 for each additional hour. There is a $150 bar setup fee per bar.All guests 21 and older must be included in bar package guest count. All necessary bar items are provided with this service and includes ice, mixers, napkins and stirrers. Champagne Toast and Butlered Wines are not included but may added for an additional fee. Top Shelf/Premium pricing below.

BEER AND WINE BAR Full hosted/open bar provides your guests with unlimited beverages from the bar; beer, wine, soft drinks and water station for a set price per guest. All bars require one bartender for every 100 guests for up to 4 hours at $100 per bartender, $35 for each additional hour. There is a $150 bar setup fee per bar. All guests 21 and older must be included in bar package guest count. All necessary bar items are provided with this service and includes ice, mixers, napkins and stirrers. Champagne Toast and Butlered Wines are not included but may added for an additional fee.

2-hour ............. $24 per guest3-hour ............. $31 per guest4-hour ............. $37 per guest

2-hour ............. $20 per guest3-hour ............. $26 per guest4-hour ............. $32 per guest

TOP SHELF BAR BRANDS Ask About Pricing To Upgrade Your Open Bar To Top Shelf Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Chivas Regal Scotch, Bacardi Rum, Crown Royal Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth. Includes House Red, House White, three domestic and one import or craft beer from available selection depending on season and assorted soda and juices.

PREMIUM BAR BRANDS Included In Open Bar Jack Daniels Bourbon, Tanqueray Gin, Absolut Vodka, Dewar’s Scotch, Bacardi Rum, Seagram’s 7 Whiskey. Includes House Red, House White, three domestic and one import or craft beer from available selection depending on season and assorted soda and juices.

2-hour ............. $24 per guest3-hour ............. $31 per guest4-hour ............. $37 per guest

2-hour ............. $20 per guest3-hour ............. $26 per guest4-hour ............. $32 per guest

OPEN BAR PACKAGES

WINE AND CHAMPAGNE Please ask us about local and premium wine and champagne.

BEER Beer choices include two domestic and two imports.

DOMESTIC BEER Bud Light, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, LandShark, Yuengling and seasonal beer

IMPORTED/PREMIUM BEER Heineken, Stella Artois, Corona, and local craft beer

WINES Served wine for the dining tables may be purchased by the bottle. Charges are based upon bottles opened. Wine choices include House White and House Red. Special order wines are available upon request.

SIGNATURE DRINKS This is a fun way to bring the color palate of your event to your guests. Signature drinks come in many styles and types. We can create fun drinks based on your favorite libation. Signature drinks are a custom menu item. Please ask your Catering/Event Planner for details.

CONSUMPTION & CASH BARS

CONSUMPTION BAR For those who wish to pay for each drink their guests actually consume. Bartender fee is $100 per hour with a four hour minimum. Consumption bars require one bartender per every 100 guests. $150 setup fee per bar. Cash and consumption bars do not contribute to your food and beverage minimum and do not qualify for the non-profit discounts.Liquor is charged by the glass. Wine is charged by the glass. Beer is charged by the bottle.

CASH BAR For those who wish for their guests to pay for their own drinks.Bartender fee is $100 and cash bars require one bartender per every 100 guests. Cash and consumption bars do not contribute to your food and beverage minimum and do not qualify for the non-profit discounts. Prices are inclusive of tax and service. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the cash bars.

A set up charge of $150 includes all set up, service and non-alcoholic drinks for the event.

TOP SHELF BAR BRANDS $8 per drink

PREMIUM BAR BRANDS $7 per drink

Consumption Bar provides your guests with beverages from the bar including, cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water station for a set price per beverage per guest. All bars require one bartender for every 100 guests for up to 4 hours at $100 per bartender, $35 for each additional hour. There is a $150 bar setup fee per bar. All necessary bar items are provided with this service and includes ice, mixers, napkins and stirrers. Champagne Toast and Butlered Wines are not included but may added for an additional fee.

SPIRITED BEVERAGES

WINE AND CHAMPAGNE HOUSE WINE $7 per drink

LOCAL/PREMIUM WINE $8 per drink

SPARKLING WINE/CHAMPAGNE SELECTIONS Champagne $5 per toast Sparkling Cider $2 per toast

BEER DOMESTIC BEER $6 per drink Bud Light, Coors Light, Yeungling, Michelob Ultra, Land Shark IMPORTED/PREMIUM BEER $7 per drink Corona, Stella Artois, Heineken LOCAL AND CRAFT BEERS $7 per drink Depending on Availability. Choices will be in bottles or cans.

SIGNATURE DRINKSThis is a fun way to bring the color palate of your event to your guests. Signature drinks come in many styles and types. We can create fun drinks based on your favorite libation. Signature drinks are a custom menu item. Please ask your Catering/Event Planner for details.

CONSUMPTION & CASH BARS

PLANNING YOUR EVENT Virginia Aquarium has exceptional culinary skills and extensive capabilities to satisfy a wide range of catering needs. We are passionate about food and dedicated to making sure things are as perfect as possible for your special occasion! Please use this guide to understand processes, procedures and expectations as we work together to achieve a smoothly executed and memorable catered event.

Our experienced event planning specialists are very consultative and will be happy to answer all of your questions and concerns and assist you in planning every detail. We look forward to serving you!

HOW TO CONTACT VIRGINIA AQUARIUM CATERING & EVENTS

When you have a catered event in mind, please contact us as soon as possible. Even if you are not yet sure of such details as the exact event date, event location and number of guests that will be in attendance, it’s a good idea to touch base with us as early on in the process as possible.

Some catering arrangements can be made by phone, email or online; other catering arrangements require an in-person appointment with one of our event planning specialists. It’s easy to get in touch with us about your catering needs. Here are the options:

Visit Our Office: You may visit us in person with an appointment at the Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.. Please be aware that we are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visit us on the Web: You may contact us about your catering needs through our online catering website at VirginiaAquarium.com.

Give us a Call: You may speak with an event planning specialist by calling 757-385-0258. Send us an Email: LHaser@VirginiaAquarium.com.

EVENT LOCATION RESERVATION

Please contact us to make arrangements to secure a location for your event. To reserve a room for an event, please contact Cecelia Campbell at 757-385-0306 or CSCampbe@VirginiaAquarium.com.

EVENT TABLES, CHAIRS & OTHER EQUIPMENT

Please contact us to make arrangements to secure tables, chairs and other equipment you may need for your event. Please contact 757-385-0258 to make these arrangements.

EVENT CONFIRMATIONS & GUARANTEES

No less than seven days from the scheduled catered event, you must sign a Banquet Event Order. You will also be asked to provide us with a final number of guests that will attend your event; the estimated number will be used if you don’t know the final number. This document will outline the terms of your agreement with our Catering Office and include all event details and requirements, including time, date, location, menu selections, number of attendees, professional services, equipment, and staffing. If you do not provide us with a final number, we use the estimated number.

EVENT CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

No less than five business days from the scheduled catered event, please make us aware of any event changes (including increases in the number of attendees) or if your event needs to be canceled. Please be advised that if we are notified of your changes or cancellation after this deadline, you will be responsible for expenses already incurred by the Catering Office and forfeit the deposit.

EVENT PAYMENTPayment must be received prior to the execution of your catered event. Upon approval of selected menu items, 25% non-refundable deposit and signed contract are due immediately. 30 days prior to the event, 50% of balance is due. Five business days prior to the event, final guest count and balance is due to be paid in full. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, Master Card, American Express, cash, check, department accounts and foundation accounts. There will be a 20% administrative charge on all food and beverage, exclusive of alcohol.

If you are a tax-exempt organization: - You must submit a copy of your tax-exemption certificate with your signed contract.

DELIVERY FEESThere is no delivery fee for catering services held within the Virginia Aquarium.

SERVICE STAFF AND ATTENDANTSTo ensure that your event is a success, catering staff will be provided for all served meals and some buffets. Buffet style functions are staffed with one attendant for every 25 guests. Served meals are priced on an individual basis.

CATERING EQUIPMENTAs the host of the catered event, you are responsible for the equipment we have provided for the service of your catered event. The cost to replace any missing or damaged catering equipment or supplies will be charged to your account. For very large events, specialty equipment may need to be rented at an additional charge.

CHINA CHARGESWe offer china service for any event at an additional charge for 150 or more guests.

FLORAL CHARGESWe will be happy to receive floral arrangements for you. For decorative requests, an additional fee will be determined in accordance with your specific needs.

LINENS AND SKIRTINGWe provide linens and skirting for food and beverage tables at no charge. Specialty linens are available upon request for an additional charge.

EXTERNAL FOOD No food items may be brought to any catered event with the exception of wedding cakes or any specialty items that have received previous approval.

PLANNING YOUR EVENT

717 GENERAL BOOTH BLVD., VIRGINIA BEACH

VIRGINIAAQUARIUM.COM/VISIT/CATERING

757-385-0258