Banquets: Clara’s on the River

Battle Creek Michigan

Clara’s on the River is the most memorable location for your special event in the area! The old Michigan Central Railroad Depot, where we are located, was built in 1888. The wonderful river front development and linear river trail going right by makes Clara’s a favorite destination for your group. Whether it’s a club meeting, a bicycle meet up destination or a wedding reception, Clara’s will be proud to be your host for your next special event.

Welcome to Clara’s!

Here is our current banquet menu so you can begin planning.

2024-Banquet-Information.pdf
Prices are subject to change.
269-963-0966

Room Reservations

Thank you for considering Clara’s on the River for your upcoming private function.
To plan your event at Clara’s, please contact the management staff by telephone at (269) 963-0966 during the hours of 10am to 11am, or 2pm to 4pm Monday through Saturday to check on room availability. It is important that you reserve the date of the function with as much notice as possible. A deposit is required to reserve your function date and time.

We will discuss your menu and other special needs when making your reservation. We can provide a wide variety of services from casual luncheon meetings to formal receptions and dinners. Our award-winning Breakfast Buffet is also available on Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. The private Banquet Room accommodates up to sixty guests with an additional patio area for cocktails or picnics during good weather months.

Deposit, Minimums and Room Charge

A deposit of $100 will be required to reserve your function date and time. A minimum food and beverage charge not including tax and gratuities of $300 for lunch (11am to 4pm), and $400 for dinner service (4pm to close) is required for use of Clara’s Banquet Room for an event duration of up to two hours. The deposit will be applied towards the bill at final settlement. If the food and beverage totals do not equal these minimums, the difference will be applied to the final bill as a room charge. An additional $50 per hour room charge will be applied to all events lasting over two hours.

Menu Selection

Your menu selection from this guide should be finalized with Clara’s on the River at least two weeks in advance. We will be happy to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice. A conformation detail of the upcoming event will be provided for your reference, which will list all catering arrangements and applicable charges.

Food and Beverage Policy

Clara’s on the River must supply all food and beverages. Upon completion of the event, all extra food and beverages remain the property of Clara’s on the River and cannot be taken with you. However, wedding cakes and birthday cakes may be provided by outside vendors and cake leftovers are yours to take home.

Guarantees and Cancellations

A final guarantee of the number of guests is required two weeks prior to your event. We will prepare meals for that number, and depending on the menu selection, we may be able to accommodate a few “last minute” additions. If no final guarantee is received, we will consider the number indicated on the original event forms to be the correct and guaranteed number of guests. Billing will be based on the final guaranteed number of guests, or the number of meals served, whichever is higher. Clara’s on the River reserves the right to adjust prices and menus for groups less than twenty persons. In the event of a cancellation, notification is required a minimum of two weeks prior to the event and your $100 deposit will be refunded. If cancellations are made after this period, the deposit is non-refundable, and any expenses incurred will be billed.

Other Services

You may wish to consider flowers and other table decorations to enhance the appearance of your event. You may have these items delivered to Clara’s on the River from local suppliers and we will place them on the tables at no charge. Decorations, and how they are affixed, must be approved by Clara’s on the River to prevent damage to the property. Rental of other special equipment can also be arranged with local suppliers. All outside rental charges and fees must be handled directly between the customer and the local supplier.

Alcoholic Beverages and Policies

Clara’s on the River offers a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits. Our complete beverage menu is available via waitpersons from our main bar.

We reserve the right to restrict the service of alcohol in compliance with the policies of Clara’s on the River and the State of Michigan. Alcoholic beverages must remain inside Clara’s on the River or within the fenced-in patio area. No one under the age of 21, or without proper identification, will be allowed alcoholic beverages. Drinking to excess, whether the person will be driving or not, will not be allowed. We ask that you share in the strict enforcement of these policies.

Event Schedule and Duration

To insure the best possible food quality, please adhere to the pre-arranged service schedule. Based on experience, we will plan an ample time allotment of two hours for your event duration. Please be aware that there may be another function scheduled in the facility after your event. Consequently, the schedule must be followed. If more than two hours is required for your group, please check for the availability of additional time and arrange for this necessity when booking your party to prevent any scheduling conflicts. An additional $50 per hour room charge past two hours reserved duration will be applied to your bill.

Terms of Payment

Payment is due upon completion of the function. All prices are subject to 6 percent Michigan sales tax. Food and beverage prices are subject to an 18 percent service charge.

All food and beverage prices are subject to change without notice. Prices can be guaranteed for your group up to 30 days in advance.

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For further information, please contact:

Clara’s on the River
Attn. Management Staff
44 North McCamly Street
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Voice (269) 963-0966
Fax (269) 963-4750