Gusie's Cafe Ordering & Catering Policy

Authentic West African slow cooking is an art. Our heritage greens (Cassava Leaves, Crain Crain, Bitter Leaves) require extensive cleaning, pounding, and slow simmering with smoked meats to develop deep signature flavors.

• Full & Half Party Pans: Minimum 7 days' advance notice required for all event catering trays.
• Individual & Small Orders: Minimum 24 to 48 hours for savory meat pies ($2/ea), fish balls, scotch eggs, and gallon drink jugs.
• Rush Inquiries (< 48 Hours): Accommodated when kitchen prep allows; subject to a 15% expedited kitchen fee.

To reserve your date and guarantee kitchen capacity on our culinary calendar, the following payment schedule applies:

• 50% Non-Refundable Deposit: Due at the time of reservation to secure your date and kitchen booking.
• Final Balance: Due in full strictly 7 calendar days before your scheduled pickup or delivery.
• Payment Methods: All major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay) processed securely via Stripe invoices.

We deliver hot, fresh, sealed party trays throughout the greater Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia regions.

• Kitchen Pickup (Free): Orders can be picked up directly from our Bowie, MD catering kitchen during agreed pickup windows.
• White Glove Delivery: Tiered delivery fee calculated by distance from Bowie, MD. Delivered in temperature-insulated transport.
• Chafing Dish Warmers: Heavy-duty disposable aluminum pans are standard. Wire chafing stands with 2-hour Sterno heat fuel cans available for $15/set.

We understand plans change. Because we purchase specialty African ingredients and begin slow-cooking days in advance, our cancellation policy is structured as follows:

• 8+ Days Prior: 75% refund of total order amount (25% administrative fee retained), or 100% store credit applied to a future date within 90 days.
• 0 to 7 Days Prior: The 50% deposit is non-refundable, as specialty proteins and produce have already been acquired and prepped.
• Date Transfers: One complimentary date change permitted if requested at least 72 hours prior (subject to kitchen calendar availability).