Most venues hand you a preferred vendor list and call it flexibility. At Ambient Plus Studio in Atlanta, you bring your own caterer, who must be insured, and you control every aspect of your menu. No markup on alcohol. No required packages. No limitations on cuisine. The open vendor policy lets you work with the exact team that understands your vision, whether that's a taco truck, a family-style Italian feast, or passed hors d'oeuvres from your favorite local chef.
How Open Vendor Policy Creates Real Flexibility
When you're not locked into a preferred vendor list, your private party becomes personal. You choose the caterer, design the menu, and control the budget. Here's how hosts take advantage of flexible catering at Ambient Plus Studio.
Kitchen Access That Supports Any Catering Style
Stage 1, our 10,000-square-foot main space, includes a kitchen with refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. Your caterer gets access to equipment for holding, warming, and final plating. Stage 3, our 2,000-square-foot backroom, has a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave. Ground-level access at Stage 1 and dock-high unload with drive-in access at the Quonset make load-in straightforward for teams bringing equipment or ingredients.
The hardwood floors and industrial setting create an environment where food presentation looks intentional. Some hosts set up family-style service on farm tables, available as an add-on. Others arrange cocktail service with passed appetizers and stations. The open layout lets your caterer design the flow that works best for your menu.
BYO Alcohol Without Venue Markup
You bring your own alcohol, which must be given away rather than sold. A full bar is allowed if you're working with a licensed caterer. This means you're not paying venue markup on drinks. You stock the brands your guests prefer, or keep it simple with beer and wine. Bar kits are available as an add-on.
The BYO approach gives you control over quantity. If your crowd leans toward wine over cocktails, you adjust accordingly. You decide what makes sense for your budget.
Why Caterers Work Well Here
Caterers mention the kitchen access in Stage 1, giving them space to work. Ground-level access means they're not hauling equipment up stairs. The flexibility to set up service wherever it makes sense lets them design around the food rather than forcing the food into a predetermined layout.
Natural lighting throughout the venue means dishes look vibrant. If your party runs into evening, west-facing windows deliver dramatic evening light.
Conclusion
When you're ready to host a private party with the food and drinks you actually want, we'd welcome the chance to show you the space. The open vendor policy, kitchen access, and flexible layout create an environment where your caterer can do their best work.
Contact us to request our Private Party Pricing Guide and see how flexible catering works at Ambient Plus Studio.
FAQs
Do we have to use a caterer from your preferred vendor list?
No. You bring your own caterer, who must be insured. The open vendor policy means you work with the catering team that fits your vision and budget.
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes. You bring your own alcohol, which must be given away rather than sold. A full bar is allowed if you're working with a licensed caterer. Bar kits are available as an add-on.
What kitchen facilities are available for our caterer?
Stage 1 includes a kitchen with refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. Stage 3 has a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave.
How does load-in work for catering teams?
Stage 1 has ground-level access. The Quonset offers dock-high unload with drive-in access for larger catering setups.
Can we set up different food stations in multiple spaces?
Yes. You can bundle multiple studios. Some hosts use Stage 1 for main service and Stage 3 for cocktails or dessert.