How we source and verify our data
BYOVenueFinder is an independent directory of venues that allow outside catering. We only list a venue's catering and alcohol policies when we can point to where they came from — because a policy you can't verify is worthless when you're planning an event. Here's exactly how we handle it.
Where the data comes from
- The venue's own website — outside-catering and BYO-alcohol policies, fees, and capacity are quoted directly from the venue's own pages (FAQ, pricing, or rental info), with a link to the source.
- The venue itself — once a venue claims its listing, its details come straight from the people who run it.
We do not copy listings from other directories. If we can't trace a policy to the venue's own words, we don't publish it as fact.
What "verified" means
Every catering and alcohol policy carries a source link and a "checked" date. We label each listing by how it was confirmed:
- Published by the venue — the policy is quoted verbatim from the venue's own website, with the source linked.
- Verified with the venue — confirmed directly by the venue through a listing claim.
Where a venue publishes conditions — licensed-caterer requirements, kitchen-use fees, corkage — we include them, because those details matter to your budget.
How often we update & why to confirm
Venue policies and fees change, and some venues switch to exclusive caterers over time. We stamp each listing with the date it was last checked — always confirm the current policy directly with the venue before you book.
Corrections and claims
Manage a venue and something's wrong or out of date? Claim your listing to correct it — it's free, and every submission is reviewed by a person before it goes live. Anyone else can flag an error at corrections@byovenuefinder.com.
Advertising and featured listings
Listings labeled "featured" or "sponsored" are clearly marked. Payment never changes how we report a venue's catering or alcohol policy. We report what the venue actually allows, regardless of whether they pay for placement.
Who maintains this site
BYOVenueFinder is built and maintained by Riverdale Products LLC, trading as RiverdalePro, of Oakdale, New York — owner John Hauser. We publish who we are so that the sourcing standard above is attributable to someone. RiverdalePro's own verification record lists its stated identity, owner, location and live projects.