FAQs
Spaces & Capacity
How many guests can Echelon accommodate for a private event?
Echelon offers three private event configurations. The Private Dining Room seats 20 to 50 guests for fully seated dinners. A full restaurant buyout accommodates 80 to 180 guests. A full building buyout combining Echelon and Hunã accommodates 180 to 240 guests. Contact our events team to discuss which space fits your group best.
What is the difference between the Private Dining Room and a full buyout?
The Private Dining Room is a dedicated space within Echelon, reserved exclusively for your group while the rest of the restaurant operates normally. A full buyout means the entire restaurant, including the dining room, bar, and kitchen, is exclusively yours for the evening. Buyouts are best suited for groups of 80 or more.
Planning & Booking
How do I inquire about a private event at Echelon?
Fill out the inquiry form on the events page or reach out directly to General Manager Ben Brown at benb@echelonkitchenandbar.com. Our team will follow up to discuss your date, group size, and event vision.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for weekend dates and peak seasons. Food and beverage package selections are due 14 days prior to your event; final guest count and dietary restrictions are due 7 days prior.
Is a deposit required to hold the space?
Yes. A deposit equal to 25% of the minimum spending requirement is required to secure your date, along with a completed credit card authorization form and a signed contract. Our team will walk you through the details at time of booking.
Is there a room rental fee?
There is no room rental fee. Instead, each space has a food and beverage minimum that varies by day. For the Private Dining Room, the minimum is $4,000 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and $7,500 on Fridays and Saturdays. If a party does not meet the minimum through food and beverage spending, the difference is charged as a room fee. Minimums may increase based on local events and holidays.
When is final payment due?
Full payment is charged to the credit card on file. Food and beverage package choice is due 14 days prior to your event; final guest count and any dietary restrictions are due 7 days prior.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations within 2 weeks of the event date will not receive a refund of the deposit. Cancellations within 72 hours will also incur an additional fee equal to 25% of the minimum spending requirement.
Menus & Food
Does Echelon offer set event menus?
Yes. Echelon offers structured private dining menus across three courses (starting at $120 per person), four courses (starting at $150 per person), and five courses (starting at $170 per person) for seated events in the Private Dining Room. Full restaurant buyouts are served with passed hors d'oeuvres and buffet-style main courses. All menus include coffee, assorted teas, and soft drinks. Menus are seasonal and subject to change; current selections are confirmed at time of inquiry.
Do you offer semi-private dining for smaller groups?
Yes. For groups that don't require full exclusivity, semi-private and large party reservations are available. Contact our events team to discuss options for your group.
Is the Private Dining Room available for family-style dining?
Echelon's lounge space is served exclusively family-style for private events. The Private Dining Room offers plated, coursed menus.
Are gratuity and service charges included in the per-person pricing?
Per-person menu pricing does not include gratuity or service charges. All private event checks include an automatic 22% gratuity, which goes to the service team, and a 3% wellbeing fund fee, which supports non-tipped team members including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers.
Are menus customizable?
Private event menus are structured seasonal packages rather than fully custom builds, but our team works with you to select the right options for your group from available menu packages. Special dietary needs and specific requests are accommodated wherever possible.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?
Yes. Our kitchen team takes dietary restrictions and food allergies seriously. When you book, let your events coordinator know about any dietary needs in your group, and we'll work to accommodate them within the framework of our seasonal menus. Common accommodations include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-aware options.
Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes. Echelon's cuisine is vegetable-forward by nature, and our private event menus include multiple vegan and vegetarian options across all courses. Our events team can walk you through specific options at time of inquiry.
Can we bring an outside cake or dessert for a special occasion?
Yes. Outside desserts are welcome provided they are store-bought, not homemade. A cake cutting fee of $5 per person applies.
Beverages
Does Echelon offer wine pairings or a beverage package for private events?
Private events include full open bar service. Wine pairing is also available. Contact our events team for details on beverage options for your event.
Can we bring our own wine or alcohol?
Yes. Corkage is available at $40 per bottle.
Logistics
How long is the space reserved for my event?
The space is reserved for 3 hours. Overtime is available; pricing is based on the minimum spend. Contact our events team for details.
Is there early access for setup?
Early access for setup is available based on availability. There is no fee.
Can we bring our own decorations?
Yes. Decorations are welcome with a few restrictions: no glitter, and balloons may not obstruct security cameras.
Do you provide linens?
Linens are not provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own.
Can the room layout be adjusted for my event?
Yes. The room layout can be adjusted to suit your event. Let your events coordinator know your preferences in advance.
Will we have dedicated staff for our event?
Yes. Every private event at Echelon includes dedicated service staff assigned to your group for the duration of the event.
A/V & Technology
What A/V equipment is available?
The Private Dining Room includes a TV with HDMI connectivity and audio.
Accessibility & Parking
Is Echelon ADA accessible?
Yes. Echelon Kitchen & Bar is ADA accessible.
Is there parking near Echelon?
Street parking is available on South Main Street. The closest parking structures are Fourth & Washington Structure at 123 E Washington Street (1 minute walk), First and Washington Parking Structure at 215 W Washington Street (3 minute walk), and S Ashley Street Lot at 309 S Ashley Street (3 minute walk).
University of Michigan / Corporate Functions / Pharmaceutical Dinners
Do you accept University of Michigan P-cards or shortcodes?
Yes, we accept University of Michigan P-cards. Shortcodes are not accepted at this time.
Do you host University of Michigan department events and corporate functions?
Yes. Echelon welcomes University of Michigan department events, corporate functions, and professional gatherings. Contact our events team to discuss your group's needs.
Do you host pharmaceutical dinners?
Yes. Echelon welcomes pharmaceutical dinners and corporate dining events. Contact our events team to discuss your group's needs.
General
What types of events do you host?
Echelon hosts a wide range of private events, including corporate dinners, team celebrations, rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, anniversary dinners, holiday parties, and networking events. For larger groups, full restaurant buyouts offer flexible formats including cocktail receptions and buffet-style service.
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to General Manager Ben Brown at benb@echelonkitchenandbar.com or fill out the inquiry form on this page.