Terms of Service

Terms and conditions for using our services

Last Updated: January 2026

Welcome to Apex Culinary Consulting. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Services Overview

Apex Culinary Consulting provides Food & Beverage consulting services, task force leadership, operational support, and related hospitality consulting services to hotels, resorts, restaurants, and hospitality groups. Our services are tailored to each client's specific needs and are subject to individual engagement agreements.

Engagement Terms

Service Agreements: All consulting engagements and task force deployments are subject to separate written agreements that outline scope, deliverables, timeline, and fees. These Terms supplement but do not replace individual service agreements.

Initial Consultation: Initial consultations are provided to assess your needs and determine the appropriate service level. These consultations do not constitute a binding engagement until a formal agreement is executed.

Scope Changes: Any changes to the agreed scope of work must be documented in writing and may result in adjusted fees and timelines.

Client Responsibilities

Clients engaging our services agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information about their operation
  • Grant reasonable access to facilities, staff, and operational data as needed
  • Designate appropriate points of contact for communication
  • Provide timely feedback and decision-making on recommendations
  • Comply with payment terms outlined in the service agreement
  • Maintain confidentiality of proprietary methodologies and materials

Fees and Payment

Pricing Structure: Fees are determined based on service level, scope, duration, and specific requirements. All fees will be clearly outlined in your service agreement.

Payment Terms: Payment terms vary by engagement type and will be specified in your service agreement. Typical structures include project-based fees, monthly retainers, or role-based compensation for task force deployments.

Expenses: Reasonable expenses incurred during service delivery (travel, accommodation, materials) may be billed separately as outlined in the service agreement.

Late Payment: Late payments may be subject to interest charges and may result in suspension of services.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information, operational data, and business strategies shared during the engagement. This obligation continues beyond the term of the engagement. Specific confidentiality terms will be detailed in individual service agreements or separate non-disclosure agreements.

Intellectual Property

Client Materials: All client-specific deliverables, reports, and recommendations created during the engagement become the property of the client upon full payment.

Proprietary Methods: Our consulting methodologies, frameworks, templates, and general knowledge remain our intellectual property and may be used for other clients.

Website Content: All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Apex Culinary Consulting and protected by copyright laws.

Limitation of Liability

Our services are advisory in nature. While we strive to provide accurate, practical, and effective recommendations, we cannot guarantee specific business outcomes. Our liability is limited to the fees paid for services rendered, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. Specific liability terms will be outlined in individual service agreements.

Termination

Either party may terminate an engagement under the following conditions:

  • By mutual written agreement
  • For material breach of the service agreement, with appropriate notice
  • As specified in the individual service agreement

Upon termination, the client remains responsible for payment of services rendered through the termination date, plus any committed expenses.

Website Use

By using our website, you agree to:

  • Use the website for lawful purposes only
  • Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website
  • Not transmit any harmful code or malicious software
  • Not copy, reproduce, or distribute website content without permission

Disclaimer

Information on this website is provided for general informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any action you take based on website information is at your own risk.

Governing Law

These Terms and any service agreements are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, United States, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any disputes will be resolved through arbitration or in the courts of Illinois.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Apex Culinary Consulting

Chicago, IL

Email: info@apexculinaryconsulting.com