Banquet Policies and Contract

Thank you for considering Louis Benton Steakhouse for your special event.  We are located in the heart of downtown, a short distance from many theatres, hotels, the arena and convention center. In addition to being Grand Rapids premier, award-winning steakhouse, we offer banquet facilities for special events, weddings, rehearsal dinners and business meetings.  We feature a wide variety of menu packages, including hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as luncheon packages, tailored to your specific needs.

Louis Benton has two private banquet rooms, The Louis Room and The Benton Room, as well as a semi-private area, curtained off from the dining room, The Rivera Room. The entire restaurant is available for your event, if minimum spending requirements are met.  Room specifications, charges and minimums are provided in the “Banquet Policies and Procedures” packet.

Valet parking, audio visual equipment, wireless network connections, custom floral arrangements, musical entertainment, an award winning wine list, impeccable service and attention to detail are just a few of the reasons that set us apart from the rest.  Our Event Planner will be happy to assist you with every detail to make your event or business meeting an extraordinary experience.

Our menus are available under the Banquets & Catering page on this website.  Contact Mary Muller at 616.454.7455 for more information or to set up an appointment to tour our facility.

Room Specifications and Rental Charges*

Louis Benton Steakhouse has a capacity for up to 150 guests, and is available for large events. Please see our Event Planner for details and minimum spending requirements.

*The rental fee includes: Linens and napkins, china, glassware, silverware, set-up, and clean-up. (Specialty linens are available at an additional cost.)

Room Reservations And Usage

• In order to best serve all of our guests, rooms cannot be held for more than one week without a completed banquet agreement.

• Louis Benton Steakhouse reserves the right to change room assignments if there is a fluctuation in the confirmed number of guests, or if there is a need to do so.

• Louis Benton Steakhouse cannot assume responsibility for the damage or loss of any merchandise or articles left in the banquet room prior to or following a scheduled event,

• The contact is responsible for damage or loss of property that occurs as a result of their event.

• All entertainment must be approved by Louis Benton Steakhouse.

• Open flames, confetti, glitter, and rice are not permitted.

• Items cannot be attached in any way to any surface of the interior or exterior of the building. State Fire Regulations require that all materials be free standing.

Menus and Counts

• Please contact us with your final menu choices two (2) weeks prior to your event.

• All food and beverages must be purchased from Louis Benton Steakhouse with the exception of pre-approved specialty cakes. (There is a $2 per person cake cutting and serving fee.)

• An estimated number of guests is to be given at the date of agreement. Your final guest count must be communicated seven (7) days prior to your function. You will be charged for the amount that you give one week prior to your function. (If you do not give a count seven days prior, you will be charged for the estimated count on your contract.) If an increase is necessary after final guarantee is given, additional charges may apply. Louis Benton Steakhouse will prepare food for the final guaranteed count, but will make every effort to accommodate additional guests if the situation arises. 

• For 25 guests or more we offer dinner packages or a customized limited menu. Special arrangements may be made (See our Event Planner for details).

• In order to provide you with the best service possible, if choices are pre-ordered please provide us with visual means of identifying each guest’s entrée choice. 

• Food and beverage availability and prices are subject to change due to market conditions. All minimums and prices will be guaranteed 30 days prior to your event.

Service Charges and AV Equipment

• All food, beverage and miscellaneous items are subject to 22% service charge and current Michigan sales tax.

• Audiovisual equipment is available through Louis Benton Steakhouse and can be rented for any event. (Contact Louis Benton Steakhouse for pricing)

• All A/V orders need to be confirmed at least 1 week prior to event. 

Payment, Deposit and Cancellation Policies

• Payment is due in full (less any deposit) at the conclusion of your event.
• Check payments must be pre-approved one week in advance.
• Groups requesting a tax exemption must notify Louis Benton Steakhouse at the time of booking and provide proper documentation.
• For parties of 50 guests or more a non-refundable deposit is required to book your event. Deposit is calculated as either 25% of estimated charges. For parties in excess of 100 guests a deposit of $2,000 per 100 guests is required.  All deposits will be credited to your final bill.
• Should the function be cancelled fifteen (15) or more days prior to the event date, we will retain the deposit and have no further obligation under this agreement. If the cancellation is too late to prevent delivery of food or rental equipment, you will be charged the cost.
• Cancellation within fourteen to seven days prior to event will incur 50% of estimated charges. Cancellation less than seven days in advance will be charged the entire amount of the gross food sales based on the guaranteed final count.