Food and Beverage

Selecting a Caterer

Contact Classic Fare Catering by Aramark, which can provide food and beverage services for campus events, at: 850.644.7508, 850.644.7509 or <www.seminoledining.com/catering.php> for more information. Submit your catering request by fax to 850.644.7510 no less than seven business days prior to the event date. Requests should include event date, sponsoring organization, number of guests, the type of event and your contact information.

You will need to speak with an Aramark representative to discuss availability, menu options, billing information and other logistics. A contract, or an event sheet with a cost estimate, will need to be signed.

If you choose to provide your own food at an event or to work with an off-campus caterer, you must first call the Department of Environmental Health & Safety at 850.644.9117 to obtain approval.


Additional Catering Considerations

• Are tables and trashcans provided by the catering company, or will you order them through the Service Center?
• Does the catering company provide centerpieces?
• Does the catering company provide linens?
• Will adequate staff be scheduled to work the event?
• Is the catering company licensed to serve alcohol? (Permission to serve alcohol must first be granted by the Office of the Dean of the Faculties — see campus alcohol policy.)
  
  
  

Determining a Menu

Your menu selection will depend on the type of event you are planning.

• Will your event involve a breakfast, brunch, lunch, reception or dinner?
• Will there be cocktails? (The alcohol bill will be more costly for a full bar than for just beer and wine.)
• Will you have a short reception prior to dinner?
• Will you serve hors d’oeuvres?
• Will the food be presented on a buffet, salads pre-set or entire meal served?
• Will the plates, cups and cutlery be plastic or china?
• Will you consider special dietary needs of your guests? (Checking with the guest(s) of honor prior to planning the menu is always a nice gesture, and it is always a good idea to have several vegetarian or alternative dishes available.)

The caterer will help with menu suggestions, which might include foods in season. It is important to take the time of year into consideration. You don’t want to serve anything very heavy when the event is outside during the summer.


Floral Arrangements and Centerpieces

Centerpieces can only be obtained either through the caterer or through an off-campus private vendor. Since these can be costly, you can try to come up with alternatives such as purchasing small plants and decorating them with ribbon, using containers or items that enhance your theme and fit your location.