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Policies and Serviceware

Guarantee Counts

At the time you book your event, an estimated number of people attending the event is needed. Your final guaranteed guest count and menu selections are due seven (7) days prior to your event Please provide guest dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, and food allergies and restrictions) fourteen (14) days prior to your event. Changes Made after the deadlines will be subject to the availability of products and may incur additional charges.

Children’s Pricing

Children ages 6-12 are charged at a rate of 60% of the adult meal price. Children 5 and under are complimentary and will not be charged. There is no children’s pricing on hors d’oeuvres.

Cancellations

Events may be cancelled any time prior to seven (7) days before the event (excluding holidays) without additional penalty. Events cancelled less than seven days prior to the event may be charged 50% of the contracted estimate. Events cancelled within 48 hours of the event may be charged the full amount of the contracted estimate. Fees for alcohol permits, special orders, and some specialty equipment are non-refundable.

Billing Procedures

An interdepartmental account number is required in advance of your event. Accounts will be automatically charged and are tax-exempt. If Billing will not be through an internal Cornell account number, the balance of the event charges must be paid three (3) business days prior to the event, and NYS sales tax will apply.

Outdoor Events & Weather

Food, beverages, and service staff at outdoor events must be shielded from direct sunlight and weather elements. Outdoor and tented events should have a backup indoor location booked to avoid cancelation due to inclement weather. A weather determination is made a minimum of4 hours before the event start time. When there is a greater than 40% chance of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the indoor location.

Service Charge

Attended events are charged an 18% service fee on food and beverage totals. Service staff are required for most events with hot food, and for events with over 100 guests.

Delivery Fees

Express Catering varies by order size - $25-$75
Classic Catering delivery and pickup - $125

Serviceware

All menus include high-quality recyclable service ware(flatware, plates, cups, paper napkins) for $0.35/person and buffet table linen at no additional cost.

  • Dish truck Reusable Dishware per place setting $2.75
    A pollution prevention effort with a mission to displace solid waste through use of durable dishware.
  • China and Glassware
    Buffet - $7.00
    Served Dinner - $14.60
    Price includes basic china, glassware, linen napkin, and all necessary flatware.
  • Reception China and Glassware - $2.95
    Includes basic China, glassware, and all necessary flatware.
  • Bar Glassware
    • 1-hour bar Per Person $3.00
    • 3 -hour bar Per Person $4.50
    • 5- Hour bar Per Person $6.00
  • Tables and Chairs
    Cornell Dining units utilize in-house, dining room tables and chairs. Tables and chairs for other locations should be coordinated through the building facility manager. We welcome the opportunity to assist in arranging a rental order with your catering.

Enhancements

  • Linen Napkins - $1.50
  • Standard Table Linens - $7.50
  • Specialty Linen starting at - $25.00
  • Tall Cocktail Tables - $15.00
  • Cocktail Spandex - $45.00
  • 120” Round (floor-length) Linens - $25.00
  • Bud Vases - sm. $12 |  med.$15.00 |  lg. $18.00
  • Floral Arrangements starting at - $35.00
  • Dining Table Centerpiece med.$23.00 |  lg. $33.00