Catering Terms & Conditions

Catering for large, complex, or multi-day events should be ordered at least one month ahead of the event date. For smaller events, we normally require a minimum of seven business days to process a catering request.

We offer full-service catering and drop-off service. A 20% service charge is assessed with our full-service catering. Drop-offs are subject to a 10% service charge. We are not able to mix and match full-service and drop-off within the same event (for example, we cannot provide beverage full-service and drop-off platters of food). Full-service pricing is based on events lasting up to two hours. Longer events may necessitate an additional labor charge.

For institute-level events, all final details (guarantee of attendance, details of any special dietary requirements, event timing, etc.) are due two weeks prior to the event date. For all other events, final details are due one week before your event. The guarantee of attendance is not subject to reduction. Increases to your guarantee are subject to approval and may be assessed additional charges.

Events or items canceled or changed after the original placing of your order will be subject to all charges directly incurred in the preparation of your event. Catering canceled less than one week prior to your event may be subject to a fee.

The event location must be unlocked and available at least 1-2 hours prior to the event start time (depending on the scope of the event) as shown on the event order. A member of the catering sales office will let you know what tables are needed for food and beverage. It is the customer’s responsibility to order these tables, along with room set up and reset from Facilities Management Services.

Off-campus locations within a 15-mile radius of campus necessitate a $75.00 delivery charge. For delivery locations further afield, please contact our sales office. Events off-campus typically are with plastic ware only. If china service is desired, a surcharge will apply.

Our full service catered events require a minimum of 25 persons. In a case where we provide service for a smaller group, a $50.00 flat fee will be added. Drop-offs between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday require a $50.00 minimum purchase. Drop-offs outside those hours and on Saturdays require a $100.00 minimum purchase. Requests for catering services on a Sunday are subject to approval based on availability.

RIT Catering and RIT Dining have exclusivity at the Gene Polisseni Center. RIT Catering has first right of refusal at the University Gallery. Additionally, RIT Catering is the preferred caterer for the Joseph M. Lobozzo Alumni House and Tait Preserve.

A temporary New York State Liquor License is required for most events involving alcohol, taking place anywhere other than the Gene Polisseni Center Club Lounge/Alumni Terrace. We are required to apply for one license per bar setup at the event. Each license costs $60.00, and is charged to the sponsoring organization. All bars must be ordered at least 25 business days prior to event. Please contact our office at 585-475-2346 to determine if a liquor license is needed for your event.

For internal groups, all charges are billed directly through the accounting department to the specified RIT account number. For external groups, 50% of the event total is due a minimum of two weeks prior to the date of the event. Payment is accepted in the form of check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card, and is due in full within 30 days after you receive your final bill. A copy of your bill will be sent electronically to the contact person.

All food, beverages, and props are the property of RIT Catering. No food can be removed from the catering event unless prior arrangements have been made. For drop-off services, and in instances when prior arrangements have been made for the customer to remove food from the catering event: it is the customer's responsibility to observe safe food handling procedures and to ensure that food and beverage is maintained at the appropriate temperature. Food that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours should be disposed of promptly

Current pricing is good through June 30, 2024; however, pricing is subject to change without notice.