Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a session last?
Typical sessions last between 1 1/2 - 2 hours. After a brief introduction and tour of our studio, you can get started! Go at your own pace. This is your time. Even while socializing, it will only take 5-10 minutes to make an entire entrée.

Will this really save time?
Let's see…drive to the grocery store (ten minutes)…stop at the grocery store and shop (45 minutes)…unload and put away groceries (15 minutes)…make dinner (45 minutes)… clean up (20 minutes). All of that work, and you've only prepared one meal! Spend the same amount of time with us, and you've got 12 delicious, nutritious meals ready to go!

What is included in a meal?
Each meal consists of an entrée, a vegetable and an additional side.

How many people will one meal serve?
Each large meal is designed to provide 4 to 6 servings, though appetites vary. Small meals are designed to serve 2 to 3 people. We provide both small and large pans in our kitchen, so you can split an entrée into 2 separate meals. (Vegetables and additional sides cannot be split.)

How often does the menu change?
Each month we will offer a variety of meals for you to choose from. The 12 to 14 meal selections will change monthly with a few "favorites" available more frequently.

Can I find out the nutritional content of each meal?
Yes. We provide the nutritional content for each meal in our menu section.

Can I order more than more than one of any given meal?
Absolutely. Since we order our ingredients specifically for each customer, we will be able to provide each entrée in whatever quantity you choose. What a great idea for a dinner party!

Can I bring a friend? Yes. Feel free to bring a friend to help you assemble your order. Better yet, schedule your session together. Just let us know ahead of time, and if you both purchase 6 or 12 meals, you will both receive a free appetizer or dessert!

How is the food packaged?
Dinner on Demand will provide the aluminum pans and Zip-Loc Bags for you. After assembling your entrée in the appropriate container, you will then take it to one of our "wrap stations" where you will label it with easy-to-follow cooking directions and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the assembled entrée on your shelf in our refrigerator. Throw away your gloves, wash your hands, and move on to another station to assemble your next entrée.

Are the meals cooked and ready-to-eat?
No. All meals are only assembled at our studio. You will take them home to put in your freezer and cook at your convenience. We suggest that you place a few meals in your refrigerator to eat that week. You may even want to pop one in the oven as soon as you get home!

How much freezer space will I need?
We find that about one to two shelves of a side-by-side refrigerator or one shelf of a regular freezer should hold 12 entrées.

Are these meals easy to prepare at home?
All of our meals have been carefully designed to reduce/eliminate the preparation at home so that you can spend more time with your family or just relax. Most meals require only that you put the meal in the oven or on the grill or stovetop and cook for a specified period of time.

What do I need to bring with me to my session?
You will need to bring a large cooler to transport your meals home. You should wear comfortable clothing, as you will be standing to assemble your meals. We will provide you with an apron.

Will there be anything to eat or drink during my session?
We have a lounge area where you can enjoy bottled water or coffee. Feel free to bring your own beverage-just no alcohol, please. We will always have a little something for you to nibble on!

Will my kids like the food?
Ours do! Our menus are all taste-tested first in our own homes and by our Tasting Team. Plus, because you are the one assembling your meals, you'll be able to make sure that each recipe comes out just the way your family likes it! Modify the recipe to suit the taste of your family. If you like extra cheese, add more. If you don't like black olives, leave them out.

Can I bring my kids?
Children under age 12 are not allowed at regular sessions. In the near future, we hope to offer special "Kids in the Kitchen" sessions.

How do I book a private party?
Contact us directly to schedule a private session for your group. In order to have our studio all to yourselves, a minimum of 8 people with paid reservations are required. We will assist you in providing your group with instructions on how to register for the session. Each guest will then choose and pay for his/her own meals. If 8 people are not registered for your private session 7 days in advance of the session date, then we will open up the remaining spots to the public.

How do I register and pay?
Simply go to the Schedule a Session section of our website, and you will go step-by-step through the process to register. For those who do not have Internet access or wish to pay by cash or check, can call us at 704-455-2426 or register in person at Dinner on Demand. You must pay when you register and we must receive your payment prior to your scheduled session time. We accept Visa, Mastercard, ATM cards, checks, or cash.

If I don't have time to come to Dinner on Demand to assemble my meals, will you do it for me?
We understand that sometimes life can get very hectic. We will be happy to assemble your meals for you to pick up at our store at a scheduled time. The fee for this assembly service is $25.

What if I need to reschedule my session?
We understand that schedules change or get overbooked, and when that happens we're here to work with you. Because we place our food orders for each customer prior to your session, we ask that you give us at least 2 days notice of your need to reschedule in order to for us to work with you to find another session within that particular month. If you aren't able to give us at least 2 days notice, we can assemble your meals for you to pick-up in our facility or you can send someone else in your place. Just give us a call or email us to let us know.

How can Dinner on Demand help my group with fundraising?
For each person who books a 12-meal session and turns in your unique fundraising code, your group will receive $10! Contact us to set up a specific "Dollars on Demand" plan for your group.

Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Dinner on Demand gift certificates are available for purchase at our facility. Simply call or stop by. Who wouldn't love the gift of time?