Catering policies and procedures
Catering hours: Monday – Friday, 7am-4pm
Changes and cancellations
We understand that plans change, and we encourage you to let us know as soon as possible if adjustments are needed. However, additional charges may apply, and late changes are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Changes to existing orders
Changes to guest count, menu selections, or event location are accepted up to 5 business days before the event. Requests made after this point may incur a 10% change fee or may be declined based on product availability, staffing, and existing commitments.
Cancellations
- 5 or more business days before the event: No charge
- 2–4 business days before the event: 50% charge
- Less than 48 hours before the event: Full charge
- Events canceled due to PCC campus closures, such as weather emergencies, are not charged.
- Special circumstances may be reviewed individually.
Rush orders
Rush orders are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. To accommodate last-minute requests, additional charges may apply:
Rush order surcharges
- 4 business days before the event: 10% surcharge
- 3 business days before the event: 15% surcharge
- 2 business days before the event: 20% surcharge
- 1 business day before the event: 25% surcharge
- Less than 24 hours before the event: 30% surcharge
Minimum order requirements
- Buffets: Minimum 12 people per selection. Under 12, add $3 per person.
- Boxed lunches: Minimum 5 per selection. Under 5, add $5 per box.
- Bites and appetizers: Minimum order of 12 per item. Under 12, add $2 per person.
Delivery fees
- On-campus delivery:
- Orders over $75: Free delivery and setup
- Orders under $75: $25 delivery fee (or free pickup at a Food Services location)
- Off-campus delivery:
- Available for orders of $300 or more and are subject to driver and staffing availability. Distances are calculated one way from the preparing campus. Delivery fees cover one standard trip. Additional trips, equipment retrieval, or replenishment may require additional charges.
- Standard business hours, within 10 miles of the preparing campus: $50
- Standard business hours, beyond 10 miles: $100
- After business hours or weekend events, within 10 miles: $100
- After business hours or weekend events, beyond 10 miles: $200
- Available for orders of $300 or more and are subject to driver and staffing availability. Distances are calculated one way from the preparing campus. Delivery fees cover one standard trip. Additional trips, equipment retrieval, or replenishment may require additional charges.
After-hours events
We do our best to accommodate events outside our regular service hours. After-hours catering fees apply when Food Services personnel are required after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays or for weekend events. The selected base service fee includes standard setup, service, and teardown for up to three hours. Applicable guest-count, additional service-time, and specialized service charges may apply.
Base fees
- Drop-off service:
- Monday – Friday, 4-8pm: $125
- Saturday and Sunday: $250
- Cold setup service:
- Monday – Friday, 4-8pm: $250
- Saturday and Sunday: $500
- Hot setup service:
- Monday – Friday, 4-8pm: $500
- Saturday and Sunday: $1,000
Additional fees based on criteria
Service time
- Up to 3 hours: $0 additional
- Over 3–5 hours: $125 additional
- Over 5–8 hours: $325 additional
- Events longer than 8 hours may require additional fees.
Guest count
- Up to 50 guests: $0 additional
- 51–100 guests: $100 additional
- 101–200 guests: $200 additional
- 201 or more guests: $300 additional
Menu items and service style
- Simple service: $0 – standard drop-off or routine buffet.
- Moderate service: $150 – specialty staffed buffet, enhanced guest-facing service, or multiple staffed stations.
- Premium service: $300 – plated meals, carving stations, passed appetizers requiring elevated service, or specialized culinary preparation.
- Custom menu requests: PCC Food Services welcomes custom menu requests and will work with clients to accommodate their event needs whenever possible. All custom menu selections are subject to review and final approval by PCC Food Services, based on ingredient availability, staffing, operational capacity, and event requirements. Custom menu items will be priced individually based on current market costs, ingredient availability, preparation requirements, and associated labor. Pricing will be provided for client review and approval prior to order confirmation.
Event equipment and rentals
Linen and serveware
- Buffet table linens: Included
- Additional table linens: $10 each
- Linen napkins: $1.50 each
- China and reusable dishware: In partnership with PCC’s Sustainability team, we encourage the use of reusable dishware for catered events whenever possible. China and other durable serviceware are available upon request. A small per-person fee applies to cover washing, handling, and service. See the fee table below for details.
| Service type | Included items | 1–30 guests | 31–100 guests | 101–200 guests | 200+ guests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plates only | One reusable plate per person |
$2 per person | $2 per person | $1.50 per person | $1 per person |
| Plates and utensils | Plate, fork, knife, and spoon |
$2.50 per person | $2.50 per person | $2 per person | $1.50 per person |
| Full durable setup | Plate, utensils, and cup |
$3 per person | $3 per person | $2.50 per person | $2 per person |
Additional dishware
Events requiring multiple plates or other additional durable items per person (for example, separate appetizer, entrée, or dessert plates) will incur an add-on fee of $0.25 per extra item per guest.
Leftovers and free food alert program
Food paid for by clients is considered the property of the client. However, we encourage donating any extra catered food through the Free Food Alert Program, which notifies students and staff about available free food on campus. You may also allow us to collect and donate leftover food on your behalf. If you would like to become a host and send alerts for future events, reach out, and we can help you get set up.
Release of liability
Sterno and other flame warmers must be monitored and extinguished by the client after service. Once these heat sources are set up, responsibility for their safe use rests with the client. Food Services is not liable for unattended or improperly managed flame sources.
Guest tickets (meal vouchers)
Meal vouchers are a flexible option for individual meals and can be redeemed at any PCC dining center. You are billed only for vouchers that are redeemed. Printing charges will appear as a line item on your catering invoice.
Voucher printing prices
*Prices are per voucher.
- 1–20: $1.15
- 21–40: $0.70
- 41–100: $0.60
- 101–150: $0.52
- 151 or more: $0.50
For orders placed with fewer than four days of lead time, the following rush fees apply:
- Orders under $100: $6 flat fee
- Orders over $100: 10% rush fee
PCC inclusive event planning
As you are planning your event, please consider event accessibility. This , created by the PCC Accessibility Council, helps our community members consider accessibility and accommodation when planning events. Please also check out these helpful accommodation tips.