Question 1

Important Planning Dates

Accepted Answer

Date Held:  Once you have determined Pique is on your "shortlist" of options, we can place a "Hold" on that date for you. You will then have first right of refusal if we receive another inquiry for that date (you'll have 48 hours to either secure the date with a deposit or release the date) Date Secured: At the time of booking with a booking fee of 25% of the rental rate. Booking Fee:  At the time of booking (non-refundable, credited towards total rental rate, 25% of the rental rate.  Contract Due:  At the time of booking. Final Payment Due:  45 days prior to the event (non-refundable unless the date is booked by another client). Proof of Insurance Due:  If required, due 10 days prior to the event.   Final Planning Details: 10 days prior to the event a completed floorplan with any furniture moving, rentals, additional hours requested must be submitted along with a timeline of vendor arrival.

Question 2

How many guests can the venue fit?

Accepted Answer

Stand-up cocktail receptions can accommodate 150 guests. For seated dinner receptions, we recommend not exceeding 120 guests, and 100 for a buffet. There is no minimum number of guests and the space can be set up to feel cozy from 20 to 150 people.

Question 3

Why do you have preferred caterers?

Accepted Answer

We have carefully selected a range of caterers to meet your desired tastes and budget.  These are trusted partners who are intimately familiar with our venue.  Working with these them will save time, energy, and peace of mind knowing they offer a turn-key solution from set-up to tear-down.  You would contact them directly for a quote and then also contract with them directly.

Question 4

Can I use my own caterer?

Accepted Answer

No, we have preferred caterers that know our space well. They offer a variety of styles and options for you to fit every taste and budget. If you require different catering options because of a dietary restriction, please let us know that in your inquiry form. See our Partners page for your catering options.

Question 5

Are food trucks allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can but then you are required to work with Host a Toast to help you find that truck or to have them there for staffing to manage things inside,  and they can also do your bar too if you are planning on having alcohol. They will be required to park in the back parking lot (most often directly behind the venue, just off the back steps). No food trucks are allowed to park in the front of the building, or on the side of the building along the deck. Due to liability you are required to have our partner Host A Toast on site for staffing. The City of Excelsior requires a one-day permit and inspection you must acquire through them (fees apply).

Question 6

How does the bar service work?

Accepted Answer

If you are working with Host a Toast for food service, they can also do the bar for you. When using this option, you would provide the alcohol and they would provide everything else needed for the bar. Host a Toast will only do the bar with their Full-Service package.   If you are working with Deco, D’Amico or Chef Jeff for catering, you also have the option to use  Liquid Motion for bar service. You can work with Liquid Motion a few different ways:   Have Liquid Motion connect you directly to a liquor store where you pick out and purchase what you want to serve as a hosted bar. They will pick up the alcohol, bring it to Pique, get it set up and then collect it all at the end of the event. Whatever is resellable gets returned to the store and refunded back to you. No need for you or anyone in your group to manage any part of the bar! Your bar must be hosted for the entirety of your event.  You purchase your own alcohol from whatever source you like and bring it to Pique within your rental time, and plan to take back anything that is left over at the end of your event. Your bar must be hosted for the entirety of your event.  If it makes more sense for you to have a mostly or all of a cash bar at your event, Liquid Motion can bring all the alcohol and sell through their MNCATR license. When going this route, you may purchase alcohol from Liquid Motion to serve to your guests on a hosted basis, but you cannot bring in any of your own to host. All alcohol must come through Liquid Motion with this option.   Liquid Motion will bring all the items to manage the bar with any of these options: coolers, ice, cups, napkins, mixers, lemons, limes, etc. They also have the option to add on real glassware and other items to complete your event.   You may not hire your own bartender or bartending service, nor may any alcohol be self-served. If you have ANY alcohol on-site at your event, one of our bar services must also be present. If you want or need some or all of a cash bar, Liquid Motion, Deco or D'Amico can do that for you.

Question 7

Can we bring our own food?

Accepted Answer

No.  MN law does not allow for event venues to serve food brought by individuals.  All food must be commercially prepared.

Question 8

Are we allowed to bring in our own decor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We try to be as accommodating as possible but will want to make sure your plans adhere to a few key parameters.     Please do not bring in confetti, glitter or rice. Candles with live flames are not allowed, LED candles only. We do not allow nails or tape on the walls or permanent items to be affixed. We do not allow sparklers/fireworks inside, but they can be lit in the parking lot or front area (assuming they are legal). Any hanging decor from our ceiling must be installed by an insured professional.  Please ask if you have any questions about the use of any decorating items before making large purchases.

Question 9

What parking is available?

Accepted Answer

There is a 60-space lot directly behind the building that is shared by us, The Suburban restaurant, and CrossFit SISU. Additional free parking can be found across 3rd street and east of Water Street business, behind the Excelsior Brewery. Ask us for an area map of free public parking within two blocks of the event venue (can be shared with your guests).

Question 10

How much does it cost to rent?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable Rental Rates:     Monday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $600  Tuesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $600  Wednesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm |$600  Thursday | 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $800 Friday | 2:00 pm - 12:00 am |$1,750 Saturday | Noon - 12:00 am | $2,800  Sunday (Daytime) | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm | $750  Sunday (Evening) | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $750  Sunday (Full day) |  9:00 am - 11:00 pm | $1,500 Holidays = Inquire for availability and pricing   There is a $250 Ceremony Fee if having the ceremony and reception both on site and the space needs to be "flipped". ​ Rental pricing is subject to change without notice. Rental includes the space “as is” with furniture and tables on site.    Additional general liability insurance coverage may be required at the client's expense, typically a $200 expense.   Earlier set up times can be requested but not guaranteed at an hourly rate.    Cleaning Fee   A 4.0% credit card fee is applied to all charges.  You can save 4.0% by paying by check.

Question 11

What is included in the rental rate?

Accepted Answer

Seating: 4 brown leather club chairs         48 vineyard cross back chairs 36 brown folding dining chairs   6 metal bar stools Tables: 6 reclaimed wood farm tables (4’x8’)                      Reclaimed wood half-wall buffet (4’x10') 2 heavy duty wood folding 8' buffet tables 1 light duty plastic folding 6' buffet tables   5 high top cocktail tables Industrial metal cocktail table 3 metal bistro tables and 6 chairs on the deck Audio Visual: Projector (no computer) Large 10' projector screen Large screen TV (USB drive compatible) Speaker system for ipad and microphone 1 handheld microphone (wireless) Other Freebies: Free parking  WIFI 3 coat racks Room setup and tear down for Pique furnishings

Question 12

What is NOT included in the rental rate?

Accepted Answer

$250 Ceremony Fee if the space needs to be "flipped" from ceremony to reception. Additional insurance. For events that are serving alcohol, you may be required to provide insurance coverage (typically a $200 expense). This is evaluated at the time of booking. Planning Services. Excelsior Events does not provide event management services or coordinating for the event. We highly recommend hiring a planner to coordinate and assist with planning your logistics, timeline, floorplan, vendors, decor, etc. Excelsior Events can only provide information regarding our venue. Food and beverage 4.0% credit card fee.  No fee if paying by check Cleaning fee $400 fee for green space outside if you choose to add it on

Question 13

What are your food an beverage minimums?

Accepted Answer

Pique does not require a minimum dollar amount to be spent. Our catering partners provided on our Partners page have their own minimums that can be addressed directly with them. Pique does not charge a venue fee or service fee on any of your food or beverages.

Question 14

Will I need to purchase insurance?

Accepted Answer

We reserve the right to require any event to obtain event insurance, most commonly applied to weddings, receptions, or other private events serving food and alcohol. If we require it for your event, you will be responsible for providing proof of $1 million general liability coverage that includes bodily injury and property damage, and needs to be filed at least 30 days prior to the event. The “additional insured” needs to be listed as follows: Excelsior Events LLC, 306 Water Street., Excelsior MN 55331.  You can get insurance through your own insurance agent or through an online provider such as WedSafe, WedSure, or The Event Helper.

Question 15

Is staff on-site during the event?

Accepted Answer

Someone from Pique will be on site at the start of your rental time to ensure everything is set up as you expect to be and to answer any questions.   If you are having a wedding ceremony and the space needs to be "flipped" to the reception space, someone will be on site until that flip is complete (fee applies).    If you are using one Host a Toast they will supply the staff to flip the space (no additional ceremony fee).  If you need more day-of support on-site, we recommend hiring an event planner (see partners page on this site).

Question 16

Is there security on-site?

Accepted Answer

There is no security at the event site. If you are concerned that your event will be in need of security, please contact the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. In addition, you can contact a private security company of your choice (can provide security personnel on an hourly basis). The space is equipped with a security system and cameras.

Question 17

When can I get into the space?

Accepted Answer

The rental rate applies to the following specific time parameters:   Mon-Wed Evening: 4 pm - 11 pm Thursday Evening: 3 pm - 11 pm Friday Evening: 2 pm - Midnight Saturday: 12 pm - Midnight Sunday Daytime: 9 am - 3 pm Sunday Evening: 4 pm - 11 pm Sunday Full-Day: 9 am - 11 pm   All setup and tear down must occur within your rental timeframe including vendors. You can book additional time for setting up at an hourly rate (additional time not guaranteed).

Question 18

Can I ship or drop-off things in advance?

Accepted Answer

If the shipment or drop-off is minimally disruptive to any other day-to-day operations we can accept it. We try to be as accommodating as possible without charging the additional rental time so just ask if you have a specific request.

Question 19

What floorplan and set up details are required?

Accepted Answer

We will send out a final details sheet to fill out and return no later than 10 days prior to the event. Our staff will arrange our furniture according to your drawn floorplan. Please provide a floorplan with all furniture/set up for the event and share with other vendors. You may visit the space any time with your party during working hours to assist with planning/set up, but please call ahead to ensure the space is available.

Question 20

Is the space handicap accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a ramp leading up to the front entrance and bathrooms are ADA approved.

Question 21

What restrooms are available?

Accepted Answer

We have a separate men’s and women’s restroom with two private stalls in each.

Question 22

Can I have both my ceremony and reception at Pique?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the guest count, we may be able to accommodate both (ideally for 100 guests or less). There is a $250 ceremony to have someone from Pique on site to help manage and direct the "flip" from ceremony to reception. We will work with your catering staff to complete this move, but the client should still plan to have someone from their group at the ready to help with the placement of any decorations.

Question 23

Is there space for our wedding party to get ready?

Accepted Answer

We can show you a couple of potential spaces, but they are typically off-limits and available only for use by the catering partner. The restrooms would be the only guaranteed space available. Please be sure to discuss this with our team during your venue tour. 
We often suggest that wedding parties look at some hotels or AirBnbs/VRBOs in the area.

Question 24

Are there nearby hotel options?

Accepted Answer

The closest hotels are in Chanhassen. There are AirBnb/VRBO options such as The Guest House, Hotel Excelsior, DeGroodt House and private homes nearby as well.

Question 25

Are there nearby places to take pictures?

Accepted Answer

Some favorite spots for photos at Pique include our deck, front entrance, 1940’s phone booth, stable doors and floor to ceiling fireplace.     Excelsior is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful Main Streets in America with many historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s.     Lake Minnetonka is just 3 blocks away.  Popular stops include the Port of Excelsior with docks and paddle wheel dinner cruises.  The Excelsior Commons parkland has expansive green lawns and old growth Oak trees.   Charter a 1900s Trolly from streetcar.org.  Reasonable rates at $85/30 minutes.  The railroad tracks end across the street from our property.     Excelsior Brewery is also located across the street to pose with a growler of Excelsior’s best beer.

Question 26

Do I book my vendors on my own or through Pique?

Accepted Answer

You will contact and book all of your vendors on your own, including catering and bar service. If you are looking to get a quote from any of our catering or bar partners, you will also get that directly through that vendor. Pique does not quote out any pricing for any vendor or service.