Policy

Catering isn't just about serving food - it's about orchestrating an event. We make delicious food, attentive service, and creative presentation flow seamlessly together. Whether you need a snack plate for an impromptu meeting or a five-course dinner for a gala awards ceremony, we will suit your occasion and budget.

We have put together menus and catering packages that, in most cases, will meet your needs. However, we understand that each catering event is unique, and we can customize a menu that fulfills all of your special requests.  Our culinary staff takes great pride in all they do and will ensure that you get the freshest ingredients and the highest quality products available.

Catering requests are honored for official university events only. In most cases, our operation is limited to campus facilities.

You must submit your request before we can plan your catering event. This should be done before invitations are printed and final plans arranged.

We request a minimum of two weeks advance notice for all large catering requests. It may be difficult to accommodate your needs if you do not reserve your function within this time frame. Orders placed within two weeks of the event may incur additional costs. Your order is not placed until the order is approved by the budget approver.  Further confirmation is recommended for orders places within a week of the event.

It is your responsibility to make arrangements with the Events Department for the reservation of rooms, set-up of tables, and so forth. Please receive confirmation from the Events Department as to the location of your event before you finalize your Food Service request. 

You must notify the Department of Food Service of your final number of guests within two working days of the event. Your department will be billed either for this number, or for the actual number of people at your function, whichever is greater. Please note: Substantial increases in the final number over the original estimate may affect menu selection availability.

Functions that occur outside the Department of Food Service’s full complement of staffing may incur additional charges.

Modification Policy:  You can modify your order on the catering website up to 1 week prior to your function.  If you wish to make changes within a week of the event, we strongly suggest that you contact the catering manager to ensure that your needs can be accommodated.  Your changes are not confirmed until we have contacted you either by email or by phone to confirm your changes.

Cancellation Policy:  If there are costs incurred as a result of your cancellation, you will be billed for those costs (not the entire cost of the event). If you need to cancel an event at the last minute, please call us.  Do not email, fax or leave voice messages for last minute cancellations. You must speak directly to one of our Food Service Managers. Speaking to any other staff member or leaving a message on our voice mail is not considered a valid cancellation.

Pricing:  The prices on our menus and website are to be used for estimation purposes only. Pricing is subject to change due to market price fluctuations, product availability and staffing requirements. A priced out copy of your request reflecting any price changes and the cost of your function is available for viewing within your web account.

Staffing:  Professional staff is available for your function and usually costs about $275 per wait staff.  The number of service staff required for your event will be determined by the Department of Food Service, based upon the information contained in your request and our experience in planning such events. Please discuss your special needs with us.

Substitutions: We reserve the right to vary menu selections when necessary to meet market conditions and operational needs.

If your order does not meet the minimum $50 required for delivery, feel free to avoid a service charge by arranging to pick up the order instead. 

For assistance with all of your catering needs, please call us at 212-960-5248, or email us at catering@yu.edu.