CATERING POLICIES

WELCOME TO CATERING BY UNION CATERING

Our team is driven to create food that is alive with flavor and nutrition, prepared from scratch using authentic ingredients featuring our regional, seasonal, and artisan-produced products. We do this in a socially responsible manner for the well-being of our guests, our community, and the environment.

Union Catering is committed to presenting foods that appeal to both the palate and the eye. Our menus are designed to highlight the freshest local ingredients available. Within our catering menus are the most requested items to guide your planning but we will gladly assist you in selecting items and developing custom menus. Our catering team will collaborate with you to design a custom event, perfectly tailored to your needs to inspire, and create a memorable event for our guests.

CONNECT WITH US

We see ourselves as your partner, so our goal is to collaborate with you to offer an experience perfectly tailored to your needs. Please contact our catering team on 518-388-6050 or at catering@union.edu

BUSINESS HOURS

Regular business hours are 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

EVENT LOCATION RESERVATION

Union Students, Faculty, and Staff seeking an event location (indoors or outdoors) should book with the Central Scheduling Office via the on-line request form located on the Union College website at http://events.union.edu/. Once the Central Scheduling Office approves the event location they will issue a confirmation. The confirmation will also appear in My Approvals located at the above-mentioned web address. (Note: Requesting a room does not guarantee a room reservation. Event food plans should not be made until confirmation has been issued by the Central Scheduling Office. In general, the Central Scheduling Office will respond to room requests within 24 hours or the next business day.

External constituencies should request a room reservation through the Central Scheduling Office at 518-388-6390.

If your group is not part of Union College:

Catering estimates and final costs, with deposit terms, will be added to your License Agreement and final invoice issued by Union College.
A sales tax of 8.0% will be added to your invoice. If you are a tax-exempt organization, you must submit a copy of your tax-exemption certificate before your scheduled event.

PLANNING YOUR EVENT

Once your location is reserved it is time to plan your event with Union Catering.

Please have the following information ready when creating the order: event date, event start and end time, number of anticipated guests and location for your function, as well as the name, telephone number and billing information for the on-site contact. We ask that all catering orders be finalized five (5) business days prior to the event. We will do our best to accommodate last-minute requests, but please note that late requests may be subject to additional charges and/or limited menu offerings.

EVENT GUARANTEES AND CANCELLATIONS

Final guest count guarantees must be received at least three (3) full business days prior to the event. Billing of all food, equipment rental, taxes and service charges will be based on the guaranteed or actual number of guests served, whichever is greater. If the guarantee is not received within the time requested, billing will be based upon the original count given at the time the order was placed.

We require all cancellations to be in writing and received by our office three (3) business days prior to the event. Any event that is not cancelled within the three (3) day period will result in 50% payment of the total amount of the contract. Events cancelled within 24 hours of the start time will result in 100% payment of the contracted amount.

For last-minute catering requests please contact the catering department on 518-388-6050 or catering@union.edu, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Prices are quoted based on normal business days in accordance with the college calendar. Events scheduled after hours, on college holidays, or during a shutdown period may incur additional labor charges.

EVENT PAYMENT

Union College events are encouraged to use department account numbers. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, Master Card, American Express, cash, check, and department accounts.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Special menu items for guests with dietary restrictions are available upon request. These requests must be made five business days before your event.

GUESTS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES

Please be advised we handle and prepare egg, milk, wheat, shellfish, fish, soy, sesame, peanut, and tree nut products and other potential allergens in our kitchens. Please direct questions or concerns to our catering team.

SERVICE STYLES

Union Catering offers the following levels of service to meet your needs:

DROP-OFF | Drop-Off service is to the location of your choice with all disposable items needed for your event. No attendant will be on-site during the event.
SENSIBLE SERVICE | Suitable for student groups, breakfast meetings, box lunches, snack breaks, build-your-own deli, or dessert receptions. This level offers you the option of our service staff to assist with your event while keeping it casual and comfortable for day-to-day occasions.
FULL SERVICE | Our full-service option is for groups of any size that require staffing services and meticulous attention to detail. This level of service covers formal galas, corporate events, and fun parties.

EVENT STAFFING

Our service staff are available to attend buffets, pass hors d’oeuvres, and serve plated meals at your event. Our catering department will calculate your staffing needs based on the size, style, and logistics. Staffing charges will be an estimate during the booking process and will include setup, service, and cleanup.

BAR POLICIES
• A New York State Liquor License, currently $60, is required for any event in any location other than Hale House, Old Chapel, or College Park.
• Four Weeks is Required for a Liquor License application to process.
• A minimum of thirty (30) guests is required for a Cash/Credit Card Bar. Bartender and License, where applicable, fees will apply.
• A minimum of twenty (20) guests is required for a hosted bar. Bartender and License, where applicable, fees will apply.

SERVICE AND RENTAL ITEMS
All prices quotes are for disposable service. China service is available upon request and with proper notice, for an additional cost. This charge may be based on the complexity of your event. A variety of tablecloths and napkins can be arranged to give your event a more elegant appearance.

FLOWERS
Flower arrangements can be provided on buffet tables and dining tables to enhance your event at an additional cost.

LEFTOVERS
We try to plan your event so that there will be little food left. Because of state health regulations, perishable leftovers may not be taken from the event and will not be packaged for removal of premises. Catering equipment may not be removed from the event; in cases where it is removed appropriate charges will be applied to the final bill. Union Catering will not be held responsible for food items removed without our knowledge and prior consent.

CANCELLATION
48-hour notice is requested for cancellation of all orders. Orders cancelled within 48 hours will be billed at the full rate. Orders cancelled outside of 48 hours may be subject to food and labor cost incurred by Union Catering.