Terms and conditions

Last updated: 6 October 2026

1. Scope

These terms apply to all catering, private chef and meal delivery services provided by Julie Stoelzel, trading as The Zest Catering, Hannoversche Straße 88a, 21079 Hamburg, Germany ("The Zest", "we"). Different terms of the client apply only if we agree to them in writing.

2. Quotes and contract

The menus and prices on this website are examples, not binding offers. Every event is quoted individually. A contract is formed when you accept our quote or order form in writing (signature or email) and we confirm it.

3. Prices and payment

Prices are as stated in the quote or order form. Unless agreed otherwise, payment is due as follows:

  • 20% of the total when you confirm the order

  • a further 30% four weeks before the event date

  • the remaining 50% the day before the event

You can pay by bank transfer or by card via a payment link. For meal delivery, prices and payment are agreed individually in the order.

4. Changes

Please tell us about changes to the order, such as guest numbers, menu or timings, at least 5 days before the event. Later changes are possible only if we can still accommodate them.

5. Cancellation by the client

Cancellations must be made in writing (email is sufficient).

  • More than 7 days before the event: we keep the initial 20%; any further payments are refunded.

  • 7 days or less before the event: payments are not refunded and the full price is due.

You are free to prove that we incurred no loss or a significantly lower loss.

6. No right of withdrawal

For catering services provided on a specific date, consumers have no statutory right of withdrawal (§ 312g(2) no. 9 German Civil Code, BGB).

7. Allergies and dietary requirements

Please tell us about all allergies and intolerances in writing when you book. We plan your menu accordingly. Our kitchen handles common allergens, so we cannot rule out traces. If in doubt, please ask us before the event.

8. Venue

You make sure we have access to the venue at the agreed times and any permissions the venue requires. Unless agreed otherwise, the venue provides suitable space, power and water. Extra costs caused by restrictions we were not told about in advance may be charged.

9. Equipment

Equipment we bring remains our property. Loss or damage caused by guests may be charged at replacement cost.

10. Circumstances beyond our control

If we cannot provide the service because of circumstances beyond our control (for example severe weather or official orders), we will try to find a new date with you. If that is not possible, we refund all payments you have made.

11. Liability

We are liable without limitation for intent and gross negligence, for injury to life, body or health, and under the German Product Liability Act. For slight negligence, we are liable only for breach of essential contractual obligations, limited to the typical, foreseeable damage.

12. Final provisions

German law applies. If you are a consumer, this does not take away the protection of mandatory provisions of the law of the country where you live. If you are a merchant, the place of jurisdiction is Hamburg. If any provision is invalid, the rest of these terms remain valid.