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# How to Configure Catering Lead Time and Guest Limits

# How to Configure Catering Lead Time and Guest Limits

## Overview

Catering settings allow restaurant owners to control how far in advance an enquiry must be submitted and the number of guests accepted for catering events.

These settings help you establish clear booking requirements for your catering service.

## Where to Find It


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-12-at-12501_77f5ii.png =900x700)

1. Log in to your restaurant admin dashboard.
2. Go to **Settings → Catering**.
3. Locate the **General** section.

## 1. Configure Catering Lead Time


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-12-at-12502_jv713t.png =900x700)

The **Lead time (days)** field determines how far in advance guests should submit their catering enquiries.

### Steps

1. Locate **Lead time (days)**.
2. Enter the required number of days.
3. Review the value before saving.
4. Click **Save changes**.

**Example:** If you set the lead time to 3 days, guests should request catering at least three days ahead, as reflected in the storefront instructions.

Choose a lead time that gives your restaurant sufficient time to prepare for catering events.
## 2. Set the Minimum Number of Guests


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-12-at-12502_1n0rkv7.png =900x700)

The **Minimum guests** field lets you define the minimum guest count for a catering enquiry.

### Steps

1. Locate **Minimum guests**.
2. Enter the minimum number of guests required by your restaurant.
3. Check that the value matches your catering policy.
4. Save your changes.

**Example:** If your restaurant accepts catering enquiries for groups of 10 or more, set the minimum guest count to 10.

The screenshot shows a current value of `0`. Configure this according to your restaurant's requirements.

## 3. Set the Maximum Number of Guests


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/e/c/2/fec2bb2c3e13f800/screenshot-2026-10-12-at-12502_151zivs.png =900x700)

The **Maximum guests** field lets you define an upper limit for catering enquiries.

### Steps

1. Locate **Maximum guests**.
2. Enter the maximum number of guests your restaurant can accommodate.
3. Leave the field blank if you do not want to set an upper limit.
4. Click **Save changes**.

**Example:** If your restaurant can accommodate catering events for up to 100 guests, enter `100`.

## 4. Review the Settings Together

Before saving, check that your lead time and guest limits reflect your restaurant's operating capacity.

For example:

| Setting | Example value |
| ---- | ---- |
| Lead time | 3 days |
| Minimum guests | 10 |
| Maximum guests | 100 |

These are example values only. Use the values appropriate for your restaurant.

## Important Notes

* The lead time is configured in days.
* Leave the maximum guest field blank for no upper limit.
* The minimum and maximum values should align with your restaurant's catering policy.
* After saving, review the catering storefront to verify the displayed advance-booking instructions.

## Quick Checklist

* Set the catering lead time.
* Configured the minimum guest count.
* Configured the maximum guest count or left it blank.
* Saved the changes.
* Checked the catering storefront.