CATERING PLANNING

Our team of catering professionals is available to assist you with planning every aspect of your event. Should you desire a customized menu for your event, we will be happy to meet with you to create a unique menu.

Please contact us to make an appointment to create your perfect event.

EVENT PLANNING GUIDELINES
We pride ourselves in being able to meet everyone's catering needs. The following steps will help you through the process of organizing your special event.

ARRANGING AND RESERVING A DATE
Even if the date of the event is only tentative, please make arrangements with the Catering Department to ensure the availability of the space. You may contact the Catering Department by emailing us at Kmaniery@parkhurstdining.com , or through our Website at https://unecatering.catertrax.com. Some arrangements can be made by phone or email, others require an appointment with the Catering Director, Kayla Maniery.

Our new on-line catering access adds convenience and control. To get started with on-line ordering you may give us a call so we can walk you through the process. Our on-line catering program allows guests to save and review order history, place recurring orders and favorites without re-keying, and provides documentation for every step of the process.

After we have finalized all the details of your event, you will receive a function sheet form to confirm with a signature. Please carefully review all information on the event order form for accuracy and completeness before signing. Make any necessary changes, sign, and return to us three (3) business days in advance of the event.

RESERVING A LOCATION
Whether on or off campus, the event location needs to be reserved before we plan your event. When reserving the location allow two (2) hours for setup and two (2) hours for cleaning time. Requests for room setups, including tables and trash cans for food, should be made at this time. The Catering Department is not responsible for table requests, please reserve tables for your event immediately after you place your order. Contact the Catering Department for help at kmaniery@parkhurstdining.com.

CHANGES/GUARANTEES/CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations and/or changes referring to the menu, count, and event arrangements must be confirmed three (3) business days before noon, prior to the event. Functions cancelled with less than three (3) business days notice will incur a charge. We will prepare for the estimated number and charge accordingly should a final count not be confirmed.

PAYMENT
All catered functions must be secured by payment before they occur. Departmental Accounts, cash, and credit cards are all valid payment methods. Non-university related groups are required to make a deposit of 25% at the time of event booking with the remaining balance to be paid no later than 30 days prior to the event date. Non-university groups are subject to a 7% sales tax for all food events. Tax exempt organizations are required to submit a copy of their exemption certificate prior to their event.

LINEN
As a standard, we provide basic linens for food and beverage tables at no charge when certain packages are purchased. If you would like basic linens placed on guest tables for seating, receptions, breaks, or meeting tables, there will be an additional charge per linen. The same applies to registration tables, name tags, head tables, and any additional tables that will not be directly used for set-up. We can also provide napkins and placemats to meet your event needs at an additional charge.

Other linen colors, depending on availability, may be placed as special orders. Specialty linens are also available for your food and guest tables at an additional cost. Please contact our Catering Department for more information.

SERVICE STAFF
Continental breakfasts, breaks, receptions, and buffets are priced for self-service. Served functions, including one (1) waitstaff for every 25 guests. Station chefs and outdoor grill attendants may be assigned for additional labor fees. Additional waitstaff may be added at $35 per hour.

CATERING EQUIPMENT
As the host of the catering event, you are responsible for the equipment we have provided for the service of your catered event. Any missing or damaged catering equipment or supplies will be charged to your account at replacement cost. For very large events, specialty equipment may need to be rented at an additional charge.

FLORAL CHARGES
We will be happy to receive and handle floral centerpieces arranged by the client for an additional fee determined in accordance with your specific needs.

FOOD SAFETY
Due to food safety liability, guests may not remove food from the function site.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
It is the policy of the University that no outside alcoholic beverages are brought on the premises. Permission for alcohol at the University event must be approved at least 21 days in advance. All alcoholic beverages must be served by our personnel and consumed in designated areas. Proof of age will be required. Parkhurst Catering reserves the right to refuse service of alcoholic beverages to any person. All personnel have completed the Maine TIPS Training. Bartenders are added at a rate of $35/hour with a minimum of 5 hours. 1 Bartender is needed for every 50 people for full bars, and 1 Bartender is needed for every 75 people for beer & wine service only.

STANDARD POLICIES
Catering Services will adhere to University policies pertaining to alcohol consumption. Persons under 21 years of age may not be served or consume alcoholic beverages at university events. Sufficient food and non-alcoholic beverages (other than water) in proportion to the number of people in attendance must be present throughout the function. An additional charge for glasses will apply. One bartender is requested for every 75 guests. Ice, plastic cups, and paper beverage napkins will be included when purchasing beer and wine. Beer and wine pricing is based upon market pricing. Contact the Catering Department for a quote.