Catering

Policies and Requests

Review important policies about catering an event on the CBS campus, submit requests to Columbia Dining, and browse additional catering resources

Policies

What to know if you are planning to offer catering at an upcoming event

Requests

Request catering services from University Event Management

Resources

Browse additional catering resources compiled from past events

Policies

Event hosts are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by the following policies

Deadlines

Initial Request

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.

Final Confirmation

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.

Regulations

Columbia Dining Requirement

Your event must be catered by Columbia Dining if either of the following are true

  • Heated Food | Food will be heated with Sternos  during your event
  • Alcohol | Alcohol will be served during your event.  Columbia Dining offers Beer/Wine Service or Full Bar Options.  Student Groups may not serve hard liquor.
  • Waitstaff | Your event requires waitstaff (see requirements below)

Waitstaff Requirement

Waitstaff are required for the following types of events:

  • Heated food | Food will be heated with Sternos
  • Alcohol | A bar will be provided
  • Plated Dinner & Passed Hors D'Oeuvres | Formal dinners and cocktail parties with passed Hors D'Oeuvres require waitstaff
  • Greater than 25 people | You will serve more than 25 people through Columbia Dining at your event and the event requires refreshing or continual service.  Drop-offs of more than 75 people require waitstaff to set-up and clear.

Furniture Setup

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.

Payment

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.

Amplified Music

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.

Additional Catering Options

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.

  • Local caterers | You may use a local caterer
  • Food delivery services | You may order from a local restaurant for delivery to the CBS campus
  • Smith Dining Hall  |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 using a voucher (no cost to your guests) during Smith Dining Hall's regular operating hours
  • Columbia Dining | You may use Columbia Dining even when not required

Public Safety Guard Requirement

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

  • Samberg Commons | Kravis 170
  • Smith Dining Hall | Kravis 201
  • Executive Lounge | Kravis 1050
  • Horton Lounge | Geffen 310

Building Access

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.

BYOB Forbidden

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.

Open Flame

Candles (i.e. votives, tea lights) may not be used anywhere on the CBS Campus.

Fees

Cleaning fee

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.

Liquor Licenses

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.

Dishwashing

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.

Service options

Columbia Dining food and beverage service

New menu coming soon! Check back!

Table Dressing

For events using Columbia Dining:

  • Florals | Flowers and plants may be purchased through Columbia Dining.
  • Table Linens | Tablecloths & Napkins may be rented through Columbia Dining. Columbia Dining keeps Columbia Blue and Navy Linens in inventory, but different colors and fabrics are available with advanced notice.  Table Numbers are available at no charge with advanced notice.
  • Table Numbers are available at no charge with advanced notice.

Food Delivery Services

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.

Waitstaff and bartenders

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.

Smith Dining Hall Vouchers

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.

Local Caterers

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.

COLUMBIA DINING REQUESTS

To request catering services from Columbia Dining, click the button below

SUBMIT Request

RESOURCES

Local caterers

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

Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights

Caribbean home-stylings with meat, vegetable, and vegan options

The Little Hot Dog Wagon

Hot dogs, vegan sausages, salmon steakburgers, and more, topped with homemade, all-natural kraut

Evelyn’s Kitchen

Elevated comfort food and quirky, indulgent baked goods

Tres Leches Cafe

Dominican tres leches cakes made with the freshest and finest ingredients

Food delivery services

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.

EZ Caterers

Catering for meetings or events, delivered by restaurants and caterers

UberEats

Food delivery to your doorstep from local and national restaurants

Grubhub

Pickup or delivery from nearby restaurants

DoorDash

Online food ordering and delivery from local restaurants

CaterCow

Catering for a crowd. Menus created to feed groups large or small, with a variety of dietary customizations.

Dining Hall Vouchers

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

Submit a request here.

FAQ

Columbia dining is not UEM

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.

Contact

Submit a request for catering services here or contact us with questions at cbscatering@columbia.edu.

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