Planning Your Special Event

We pride ourselves in being able to meet everyone’s catering needs. The following steps will help you through the process of organizing your special function.

Arranging and Reserving a Date
Even if the date of the event is only tentative, please make arrangements with the catering department so that we can at least get you on our records. All other information such as location, number of guests, time of the function, and menu selection, need to be decided at least ten business days before the function. You may contact the catering department via phone at 617.305.6234 or email us at dining@suffolk.edu.

Reserving a Location
The location reservation needs to be confirmed before we will deliver. Tables, chairs, and other equipment will need to be arranged by you through Facilities Management at 617.573.8110 and Media Services in the building where the event will be held. When making the reservation, please include tables and trash cans that Suffolk Catering Services will be using.

Contact the Catering Office
At least ten days before the event, contact the catering office at 617.305.6234 or email us at dining@suffolk.edu or stop by our office located at 120 Tremon St. in Sargent Hall, 4th floor. Some arrangements can be made by phone or email, others require an appointment with the Catering Director. This is the time for a thorough discussion of all specifics and details. We can help you make all the necessary decisions to determine which of the services that we offer would best fit your needs. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, closed on holidays. After we have finalized all the details of your special event, you will receive a catering order to be signed and sent back to us. All cancellations and final changes, including the customer guarantee count and payment, MUST take place at least three business days prior to your function. Charges will be incurred if you make any cancellations or changes after this time frame. If you do not contact us with a final count within the three business days allowed, we will prepare for the estimated number and charge accordingly.

Payment
All catered functions must have a secured payment before they occur. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cash, Check, Purchase Orders and Departmental Accounts numbers are all valid payment methods. Non-University related groups are required to make a deposit of 75% one week prior with the balance due at the conclusion of the event. Tax exempt organizations are required to submit a copy of their exemption certificate prior to their date.

Delivery Fees
There are no delivery fee for orders of $50 or more. Deliveries under $50 will be subject to a $20 delivery fee. Arrangements may be made to pick up smaller orders during business hours.

Alcohol Service/Policy
An open bar set up (beer and wine only) at a dinner or reception is $2.95 per person, per hour. All necessary bar items except the alcohol are provided with this charge, including non-alcoholic beverages, ice, napkins and plastic cups. An additional charge for glasses will apply. We recommend at least one bartender for every 75 - 100 guests, for beer and wine service. The charge for a bar bartendar is $125 per bartendar for a four hour minimum (includes set up and clean up). Alcohol will be charged on a consumption basis.

Attendants
We recommend that you have an attendant for all receptions, breaks and buffets for every 75 guests to ensure that your event is a success. A fee of $125 per attendant (four hour minimum) will be applied.

Catering Equipment
As the host of the catered event, you are responsible for the equipment we have provided for the service of your catered event. Any missing or damaged catering equipment or supplies will be charged to your account, at replacement costs. In the occurrence of a very large event, specialty equipment may need to be rented. We can provide this for you at an additional charge.

China Charges
Our catering department provides high-quality plastic products as our standard, unless otherwise requested. We also offer china service for any event at an additional charge.

All of the above is charged per person.

Floral Charges
We will be happy to order, receive and handle specific floral arrangements for you. For decorative requests an additional fee will be determined in accordance with your specific needs.

Event Confirmation and Guarantees
A guarantee is required three business days before your catered event. This confirmation and guarantee will include the exact times, location, attendance, menu choices and room setup. If your event is cancelled, you are responsible for contacting the catering department and canceling the event. You will be liable for 75% of your food bill for any event that is not cancelled within three business days, and confirmed in writing by the customer. If Suffolk University is closed due to inclement weather, all catering events will be automatically canceled.

Linens and Skirting
We will provide linens and skirting for food and beverage tables at no charge. If you would like linen to be placed on guests tables for receptions, breaks, meeting tables and boxed lunches there will be a $4.00 fee for each tablecloth. Other tables may be skirted and covered at $6.00 per table. The same applies to registration tables, name tag, head tables, and any additional table that will not be directly used for setup. Skirting can be done on any table not exceeding one inch in thickness. We can also provide napkins to meet your color scheme for $1.50 each. Specialty linens are available upon request for an additional charge.

Food Removal Policy
Due to health regulations, it is the policy of Suffolk University's Catering Services that excess food items from events cannot be removed from the event site. Items purchased for pick up should be properly stored prior to the event and removed and disposed of by the host of the event.