Policies and Requests
Review important policies about catering an event on the CBS campus, submit requests to Columbia Dining, and browse additional catering resources
Review important policies about catering an event on the CBS campus, submit requests to Columbia Dining, and browse additional catering resources
What to know if you are planning to offer catering at an upcoming event
See below
Browse additional catering resources compiled from past events
See below
Event hosts are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by the following policies
Columbia Dining catering requests should be submitted at least two weeks prior to your event date: either through the Campus Groups request form or directly to cbscatering@columbia.edu. Service is not guaranteed if requests are submitted past this deadline.
The details of your Columbia Dining catering needs must be confirmed at least three days prior to the event. Changes are not able to be accommodated after this deadline.
Your event must be catered by Columbia Dining if either of the following are true
Waitstaff are required for the following types of events:
Catering services are separate from facilities services. If you need assistance obtaining or arranging furniture for your event's catering setup, you are responsible for booking services with the operations team here.
You are responsible for remitting payment for your selected method of catering in a manner that does not violate Financial Planning Office policy. Acceptable modes of payment vary depending on what catering method you select. Review Financial Planning Office policies on paying for catering here.
Catering services are separate from technology services. If you need assistance with amplified music setup or any other technology setup, you are responsible for booking services with the EventsTech team here.
If (and only if) catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details), there are three other ways to cater your event.
You must schedule a public safety guard to be present at your event if you plan to serve alcohol in one of the following locations
In order for vendors (such as local caterers) to enter Henry R. Kravis or David Geffen Halls, they must be met in the lobby and escorted upstairs. An exception is made for delivery persons from Manhattanville Market and Dear Mama who are permitted to access the buildings without an escort. Any items that require hand carts for transportation must go through the loading dock.
Per NY State Law, a liquor license is required to serve alcohol in Henry R. Kravis and David Geffen Halls. Thus, events must be catered by Columbia Dining if alcohol is to be served.
Candles (i.e. votives, tea lights) may not be used anywhere on the CBS Campus.
A custodial fee of $60 minimum will be charged for any event hosted on the Columbia Business School campus that offers food and/or beverages.
The State Liquor Authority (SLA) charges a $50 fee for a liquor permit. Columbia Dining will obtain this permit for you. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable (should your event date change, a new permit must be procured). The SLA requires permit applications be filed 15 days in advance of the event date. Any permit applications submitted inside of the 15 days may be rejected for non-timely filing.
A dishwasher is required for events that use china for more than 15 people from Columbia Dining. The rate is $48/hour, with a 5 hour minimum.
New menu coming soon! Check back!
For events using Columbia Dining:
If catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details above), you may order from a local restaurant for delivery to the CBS campus. Consult the resources section below for a list of our favorite restaurants and services.
Event hosts may hire food and beverage servers through Columbia Dining for events catered by Columbia Dining. Waitstaff and bartenders are charged at a rate of $48/hour, with a 5 hour minimum.
If catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details above), you may arrange for your event guests to obtain food and drink from the Robert F. Smith Dining Hall on the second floor of Henry R. Kravis Hall during regular business hours using a voucher. Payment may be made by Chart String or Credit Card. Consult the resources section below for more details.
If catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details above), you may use a local caterer. Consult the resources section below for a list of our favorite caterers.
To request catering services from Columbia Dining, click the button below
If catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details above), you may use a local caterer
Payment method | Contract
Caribbean home-stylings with meat, vegetable, and vegan options
Hot dogs, vegan sausages, salmon steakburgers, and more, topped with homemade, all-natural kraut
Elevated comfort food and quirky, indulgent baked goods
Dominican tres leches cakes made with the freshest and finest ingredients
If catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details above), you may order from a local restaurant for delivery to the CBS campus
Payment method | Contract, P-card, or reimbursement. Review important policies about each of these options here.
Catering for meetings or events, delivered by restaurants and caterers
Food delivery to your doorstep from local and national restaurants
Pickup or delivery from nearby restaurants
If catering through Columbia Dining is not required for your event (see Columbia Dining Requirement details above), you may arrange for your event guests to obtain food and drink from the Robert F. Smith Dining Hall during regular business hours on the second floor of Henry R. Kravis Hall using a voucher
Payment method | Chart String or Credit Card
Submit a request here.
Is Columbia dining the same as UEM? The answer is No. Please do not rely on online UEM resources when event planning through Columbia Dining.
Submit a request for catering services here or contact us with questions at cbscatering@columbia.edu.
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