General Information

• Guarantees

  University Catering requires all events to be booked two weeks prior to the day of the event with a tentative guest count. A final guaranteed guest count is required for all events five business days prior to the function date and may not be reduced. If you are not able to meet this timeline, the estimated figure will automatically become the guarantee. Any changes outside of the timeframes listed may incur an additional fee.

• Special Diets

  We will accommodate almost any special dietary need for catered events. Please communicate your guest’s needs to our booking manager during the menu planning. We have a variety of items within our Core Menu that meets most common requests, such as gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, vegetarian, and nut-free items. We have several 'all-in-one’ selections that are perfect for large groups. Whatever your guest’s needs are, our culinary team will provide a solution so that they are well fed and happy. We also offer halal meals. Final counts for all special meals are due with the guarantee three days before the event date. Some special meals may incur an additional fee that is greater than the meal price for the group.

• Food Quantities for Cocktail Reception

  Menu selections for your reception are just as important as the main event. At University Catering, we can work with you to create a custom reception menu that will set the stage for the evening and compliment your selected meal. This is the first chance to please the palate with taste sensations of things to come. When hosting a reception before dinner, a good rule of thumb is to allow 4 – 6 pieces of hors-d'oeuvres per guest. If the reception fare is the main event, 10 -12 pieces per guest are standard. The allocation of hot items to cold is generally 2:1.

• Outside Vendors

  WSU University Catering is responsible for the quality and freshness of the food served to our guest. As the exclusive caterer for the Compton Union Building (CUB) and for spaces operated and managed by WSU Dining, our culinary staff must provide food. All food prepared by our culinary staff may not be taken off-premise by any attendee. Per request by a group, WSU University Catering will entertain the request of an outside culinary consultant to work alongside the department’s culinary staff to ensure the authenticity of ethnic and/or regional dishes. Registered Student Organizations may discuss other catering choices with our teams within the CUB spaces.

• Alcohol Guidelines

  Events that include alcohol must obtain special permissions and permits with longer lead times than other events. University Catering can serve beer and wine provided by your group for your event at WSU, with staffing charges applied. Additionally, events that require a full bar our team has partnered with Fork in the Road Catering who can supply products and services to fulfill any of those needs.

• Decorations

  Centerpieces and decorations are available, and/or you may provide your own. Please inform the Scheduling Office and University Dining of your needs and/or plans so that we may make sure our planning team makes time and room to accomplish the goals of your event!

  NOTE: In accordance with Washington State Safety Regulations, burning candles used for decoration must be contained within glass or fireproof enclosures, 1 inch below the rim.

• Prices

  All prices are subject to change, based on market and product availability. Events that go longer than the confirmed event time, additional labor charges may result. Registered Student Organizations get a 20% discount on all menu pricing with University Catering.

• Delivery/Tableware/Linens

  All events outside of the Compton Union Building will have a delivery fee ranging from $35 to $200. All menus include appropriate tableware. For events that are supplied with disposable tableware, china service is available. However, outside of the Compton Union Building, there will be an additional charge depending on the range of service requested. Tablecloths for non-food tables are also available to be rented.

• Tax

  Tax (currently 7.9%) must be added to all catering prices. There is no mandatory gratuity. If you wish to offer a gratuity after receiving your billing, please enclose a note indicating the amount of the gratuity that is to be awarded to the wait-staff that worked during your event.

• WSU Administration Fee

  As an auxiliary unit of Washington State University, WSU University Catering is required to add a 10% Administration Fee to all pricing. The Administration Fee support the University General Fund.

  Guarantee/Cancellation: Please submit the guaranteed attendance figure for your event to the Catering Office by noon of the third (3rd) working day prior to the event. New requests for catering received within three working days of the event may have a limited menu selection. Reductions in total customer count are not allowed within three business days of the event's time of service.

• Can I customize a menu or substitute something from a current buffet menu?

  We are happy to plan a customized menu for your special event. Please request to speak with the Catering Chef when discussing your event with our catering coordinator. Additional planning time is necessary and we will provide the appropriate price for the requested menu.

• Are you able to provide a meal to a guest with multiple dietary needs?

  Incorporated into our menus includes many gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options. When booking your catering, please specify the requested dietary needs.

• When will I receive an invoice? Do you accept credit card payments?

  You will receive an invoice about 2 weeks after your event, through either campus mail or United Postal Services. Once you receive the invoice, please submit payment. We accept campus IRI’s, checks and Visa or MasterCard payment.

  Pay invoice with a credit card.