Catering

Catering Office & Ordering Information

The OHIO Catering office, located in Baker University Center 125, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays and University closures. To place an order or speak with our team, contact us at 740.593.4035 or catering@ohio.edu.

catering set up on a table with a white tablecloth

Plan Ahead
We encourage you to contact OHIO Catering as early as possible when planning your event. Please submit your catering request at least two weeks before your event, and in no case fewer than five business days in advance.

Two weeks of lead time allows us to:

Plan the best event experience for your needs
Schedule appropriate staff
Order the necessary food and beverages
Arrange linens and other event supplies

Services Offered

server holding platter of food at an event

From a simple drop-off to a fully served meal, OHIO Catering offers a range of service options to help you create an experience that works for your event, your guests and your budget. Whether you’re hosting a meeting, reception, celebration, awards program or formal dinner, you can choose the level of service and support that best fits your plans.

Each service style is designed to meet different event needs and includes varying levels of delivery, setup, service and equipment support. Consider the size and format of your event, your room setup, your schedule and the level of involvement you’d like from our catering team when selecting your service option.

Explore the options below to find the service style that best fits your event. Expand the selections below to learn more about buffet, carryout service, delivery & drop-off, delivery, setup & pickup, and served meal options.

Buffet

This style of service offers a variety of menu choices, with quantities prepared to adequately serve the number of guaranteed guests.

Please note that a buffet is not intended to be all-you-can-eat.

Buffet service may be a good option for events where:

Guests are arriving at different times
The physical layout of the room is better suited to buffet service
A varied menu is needed to accommodate a mixed group
The space does not have adequate facilities for formal table service
A more casual or informal style of event is desired

Carryout Service

Arrangements can be made for you to pick up your order from Baker University Center, Room 125, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

You are responsible for the prompt return of any OHIO Catering equipment used at your event. Equipment must be returned within two business days of the event. Your account will be charged the full replacement cost for any equipment that is damaged or not returned within this timeframe.

Delivery (Drop Off Only)

This service includes delivery to an on-campus location with no setup, return pickup or cleanup provided by OHIO Catering.

A delivery fee applies to orders delivered outside of Baker University Center. Drop-off service is not available for menus that require reusable catering equipment.

Delivery times are available between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Deliveries requested before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. may incur an additional charge based on the delivery time, guest count and location.

Delivery (Setup and Pickup)

Delivery & Setup Information

For catered events requiring delivery and setup on campus, please keep the following in mind:

Tables & Chairs

Customers are responsible for ordering adequate tables and chairs through the appropriate campus partner:

Tables and chairs must be set up at least three hours before the event start time.

Catering Setup & Pickup

OHIO Catering will typically arrive and complete setup approximately 30 minutes before the event begins, unless other arrangements have been made.

If you need catering service or equipment picked up promptly at the scheduled event end time, please let us know when arranging your catering service.

Delivery

A delivery fee applies to orders delivered outside of Baker University Center.

Delivery times are available between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Please make any necessary building access arrangements in advance.

Deliveries requested before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. may incur an additional charge based on the delivery time, guest count and location.

Equipment

Catering pricing includes the pickup of all OHIO Catering equipment.

All equipment remains the sole property of OHIO Catering and must be secured by the customer until it is picked up by our staff. Any equipment that is not returned or is returned damaged will be charged at its full replacement cost.

Served

All courses are served to each guest at their dining table. Depending on the timing and schedule of your event, the salad and/or dessert courses may be preset.

Pricing is based on one entrée selection for the group, with an additional gluten-free or vegan entrée option available.

Fees, Deposits & Pricing

Understanding the costs associated with your event can help you plan with confidence. The information below outlines deposit and cancellation requirements, staffing, delivery and service fees, and pricing policies for OHIO Catering events.

Delivery Service and Fees

Delivery drop-off: $25 on campus
Delivery with setup and pickup: $60 on campus
Linen fee: A table skirt fee will be added to orders under $150
China relocation: $3 per person to move china outside Baker University Center
Off-campus mileage: Mileage at the current IRS Standard Mileage Rate will be added for off-campus events, in addition to standard delivery fees.

Deposits & Cancellations

A 50% deposit of the total event price is required for all events scheduled by an off-campus entity.

Cancellations made at least 30 days before the event are eligible for a 100% refund of the deposit.
Cancellations made at least 11 business days before the event are eligible for a refund of up to 50% of the deposit.
The deposit is non-refundable for cancellations made within 10 business days of the scheduled event.

Last-Minute Orders

OHIO Catering will make every effort to accommodate requests received fewer than five business days before an event. However, late fees will apply based on the amount of lead time provided:

25% late fee: Orders placed with 4 business days' lead time
Example: An order placed Monday for an event on Friday has four business days of lead time.
35% late fee: Orders placed with 2–3 business days' lead time
45% late fee: Orders placed with 1 business day or same-day notice

Menu & Pricing

OHIO Catering makes every effort to provide the menu items and pricing included in your event proposal. However, the following conditions apply:

Menu substitutions: OHIO Catering reserves the right to substitute menu items based on product availability, seasonal availability or other circumstances beyond our control. We will make every effort to notify you of any changes as far in advance as possible.
Advertised pricing: OHIO Catering reserves the right to adjust or change advertised pricing based on location, seasonal product availability, current market prices, and fluctuations in food and labor costs.
Contract pricing: Once your contract is signed, the pricing outlined in the contract is guaranteed.
Sales tax: Sales tax will be added to the bill for all non-OHIO University events unless proof of tax-exempt status is provided.

Staffing

Breakfast and lunch buffets and receptions do not include wait staff.

Full-service dinners include appropriate wait staff for a two-hour event, based on one hour for dinner and one hour for the program. Additional staffing charges apply to events that exceed two hours, including weddings, award ceremonies and gala events.

Additional Staffing Rates

Server/Attendant: $22 per hour
Bartender: $30 per hour, with a maximum of five hours of bar service

Planning Your Event

We’re here to help make planning your event as seamless as possible. Before getting started, please have the following information ready. The more details you can provide, the better we can help bring your event together.

Billing & Budget

Account number, billing authorization or credit card information, as applicable
Budget or budget parameters

Contact Information

Please provide the name and contact information for your primary event contact. A cell phone number is preferred so we can easily reach you with questions or updates as you plan your event.

Event Details

Department or group name
Event date, time and location
Event itinerary or schedule
Program details, including speakers, awards, presentations or other special activities

Food & Beverage

Vegetarian or vegan meal requests
Special dietary needs or considerations
Preferred service style: buffet, served meal, delivery/setup, delivery/drop-off or carryout
China or disposable serviceware preference

Ordering & Final Guest Counts

Catering orders should be placed at least five business days before the event.
If you have an unexpected event or a time-sensitive request, please contact the Catering Office for assistance.
Final guaranteed guest counts must be submitted by phone or email at least five business days before the event.
- OHIO Catering automatically prepares approximately 5% above your guaranteed count.
- If your actual guest count is higher than your guaranteed count, you will be charged for the actual number of guests served.
- If your actual guest count is lower than your guaranteed count, you will be charged based on the guaranteed count provided.

Setup & Logistics

Special room or seating arrangements, such as reserved seating, head tables or table skirting
Rain location for outdoor events
Any other setup or event-specific needs

Additional Planning Information

A successful event involves more than selecting a menu. The information below covers important policies, requirements and planning considerations that may apply to your event, including alcohol services, catering exemptions, dietary needs, event space and equipment, and food safety. Please review these details as you plan your event.

Alcohol Services, Selections, and Policy

OHIO Catering offers hosted and credit bar service for events where alcohol service is permitted. All alcohol services are subject to Ohio University and State of Ohio requirements.

Prices effective January 1, 2026

Bar Service Options

Both hosted and credit bars have a maximum service time of five hours.

Hosted Bar
The event organizer pays for drinks consumed by guests. Charges are added to the event bill following the event.

Credit Bar
Guests purchase their own drinks using a credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted.

Beer & Wine

Tier 1 Wine — $10 per glass
Bogle wines. Choose up to two:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay

Tier 2 Wine — $14 per glass
Josh Cellars wines. Choose up to two:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay

Domestic Beer — $5 each
Choose up to four:

Bud
Bud Light
Miller Lite
Michelob Ultra

White Claw Hard Seltzers — $7 each

Jackie O's — $7 each
Choose up to four:

Mystic Mama IPA
Ricky
Kinda Fuzzy
Razz Wheat

Seasonal selections may vary.

Liquor

Tier 1 Liquor — $10 per drink

Smirnoff Vodka
Seagram's Gin
Castillo Silver Rum
Lady Bligh Rum
Evan Williams Bourbon
Seagram's 7
Lauders Scotch
Jose Cuervo Tequila

Tier 2 Liquor — $12 per drink

Tito's Vodka
Tanqueray Gin
Bacardi Silver
Captain Morgan's Rum
Bulleit Bourbon
Jack Daniel's
Dewar's Scotch
Cabo Wabo Tequila

Additional Bar Services

Champagne Toast: $7 per guest
Bartender: $30 per hour, in addition to the cost per drink
Full Bar Liquor Setup Fee: $100

Responsible Alcohol Service

For the safety of our guests and compliance with applicable regulations, OHIO Catering:

We do:

Check identification for every person purchasing a drink.
Plan for approximately one drink per hour per guest.
Reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated.

We do not:

Pour shots.
Make multi-liquor drinks, such as Long Island Iced Teas.
Allow one person to have more than two drinks at one time, even with two unique IDs.

Liquor License & Permitted Locations

OHIO Catering holds a D5I Liquor Permit through the State of Ohio Division of Liquor Control, allowing the sale and service of alcohol in specified areas of:

Baker University Center
Walter Rotunda
Nelson Commons and Patio
Shively Dining Court

Only OHIO Catering may sell and serve alcohol in these permitted spaces. For information about the specific areas permitted within Baker University Center, please contact OHIO Catering.

Retail Sales

OHIO Catering offers beer and wine for carryout purchase using a credit card, debit card or Foundation account number.

Carryout beer and wine may be:

Picked up from Baker University Center, Room 125, or
Delivered to your event for an applicable delivery fee.

Catering Exemption Policy and Process

Catering Exemption Request Information

Catering Services will work with any group to meet their unique menu needs within their budget. Catering Services will also work with your recipes and provide a taste testing before recommending an exemption to the Assistant Director of Retail Operations.

The catering exemption request and process described below is in accordance with University Policy 47.015: Catering.

Timeline / Steps to Follow

30 days prior to start of event
Schedule a meeting with Ohio University Catering 740.593.4035 to go over needs. If Ohio University Catering cannot meet your needs, they will give you a printed copy of the Catering Exemption Request to complete.

21 days prior to start of event
Email completed “Catering Exemption Request Form” to catering@ohio.edu. Exemption will be granted or denied within 3 business days via e-mail or phone call.

If you are not using an outside caterer, complete the Food Prepared by Someone Other Than Restaurant/Caterer section on the Catering Exemption. Request and submit the credentials of the person preparing the food along with the Catering Exemption Request to the Catering office.

Ohio University Catering will inform the organizer of the decision as promptly as possible. If the decision is not to grant the exemption as requested, Ohio University Catering may inform the organizer of alternatives that would be approved, and shall inform the organizer of the opportunity to appeal the decision as described in part (D)(8) of University Policy 47.015: Catering.

14 days prior to start of event
If exemption is granted, find an outside caterer and submit the caterer’s food license and proof of $1 million liability coverage to the Ohio University Catering office, Room 125 in Baker University Center.

All food must be prepared in the licensed kitchen specified by the caterer's Food Service Operation License from the state, meeting all food handler permit requirements.

If food is to be prepared by an individual or group of individuals, it must be prepared in a licensed kitchen that has been inspected by the Ohio department of Health, has been issued a food license, and that is managed by an individual with certification in food safety (e.g., "ServSafe").

7 days prior to start of event
Complete the Permit to Sell/Serve Food on Campus and receive approval from Chad Keller, Environmental Health & Safety, University Service Center Rm 143, 49 Factory Street, Athens, 740.593.0022.

The Permit to Sell/Serve Food on Campus is available on the Environmental Health & Safety website. The Permit to Sell/Serve Food on Campus must be on display at the event site, during the event.

Dietary Restrictions and Requirements

OHIO Catering is happy to work with you to accommodate special dietary needs whenever possible. When planning your event, please let us know about any dietary requirements or food allergies, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other medically necessary restrictions.

For the best experience, please provide dietary information as early as possible so our team can review menu options and determine appropriate accommodations. Some dietary requests may require menu modifications or alternative selections.

Please discuss any special dietary requirements with the Senior Catering Manager at catering@ohio.edu or 740.593.4035.

Event Space & Equipment

Planning the space and equipment for your event? OHIO Catering can help coordinate the food and beverage details, while other event arrangements should be made through the appropriate campus partners.

Room Reservations & Event Equipment

Please contact OHIO University Event Services at 740.593.4000 to reserve most non-food-related equipment and make arrangements for your event.

Reservation requests for spaces managed by Culinary Services and Housing can be submitted online using the Housing and Residence Life and Culinary Services Reservation Request form.

Non-food-related event arrangements include:

Room reservations
Room setup and configuration
Technology and audiovisual needs
Other facility-related needs

Outdoor Events

All events planned for outdoor service must have an emergency plan in place in case of inclement weather.

Outside Rentals

Linens, china, cutlery and décor items rented from an entity other than OHIO Catering are the responsibility of the person, group or department placing the order.

OHIO Catering can assist with these items as part of your event but is not responsible for receiving or returning items rented from an outside vendor. Please make arrangements in advance for all outside rental items to be delivered, picked up and accounted for before and after your event.

Food Safety Information

OHIO University follows recommended food handling and food safety practices to help protect the health and well-being of our clients and guests.

To maintain these standards, OHIO Catering follows service guidelines that include:

Serving only food and beverages produced or supplied by OHIO University Culinary Services or an approved vendor
Following established time limits for safely holding food for service
Limiting certain foods to locations and conditions where food safety requirements can be maintained
Not allowing customers to remove perishable foods from events for later consumption

These guidelines help reduce the risk of foodborne illness and protect both our guests and the University.