Catering Services provides exclusive services to the Penn State Mont Alto campus community. From table services, beverage services, coffee breaks, and buffets to multi-course meals and theme celebrations, Catering Services provides unparalleled quality at a reasonable cost. Catering Services can tailor a menu to match your food service needs—and your budget.

For your next business meeting, luncheon, banquet, or afternoon break, contact Catering Services at 717-749-6080 or E-mail MAcater@psu.edu. To ensure a successful event, please make all arrangements a minimum of two weeks prior to the event.

Catering Guidelines

1. The Catering Services department of Penn State Mont Alto Housing and Food Services is available to provide detailed information and offer assistance in planning your catered event. During the initial planning stages, clients must provide an estimated number of guests.

2. Clients may request either china service or disposable products. Customized linens, tables, and table service can be provided at an additional cost of $8.00 each for linen tablecloths, and $0.50 each for linen napkins. Arrangements for these items must be made a minimum of two weeks prior to the scheduled event.

Flowers can be added to any event for market price.

3. Deliveries for catered events can be made to any location on campus. For events held off campus, a travel fee of $25.00 will be accessed.

4. Student organizations that request catering services must submit either a purchase order or a written authorization approval from their staff or faculty advisor, and must include the appropriate budget number that will be charged for the catering event. This approval must be received before any services are rendered.

5. Any changes in the estimated number of guests should be given to the Food Services Manager at least one week prior to the scheduled event.

6. The guaranteed number of guests that will be attending the event must be provided to the Food Services Manager at least 48 hours before the scheduled event. Any changes to the order must also be made by this time. Guest numbers stand confirmed at 48 hours in advance.

7. The client will be billed for 100% of the guaranteed number of guests. Catering charges will be based on the guaranteed number of guests or the actual number of guests in attendance, whichever is higher. To ensure a quality catered event, food and service will be provided for 5% above the guaranteed number of guests.

8. In the event of a cancellation less than 48 hours before the scheduled event, 50% of the non-recoverable costs incurred by Food Services will be charged to the appropriate group or organization.

9. If an unusual or uncontrollable circumstance arises, and Food Services must make menu changes or substitutions, items of comparable quality will be served. When possible, clients will be notified of any changes in advance.

10. If an event begins more than 30 minutes after the scheduled starting time, Food Services cannot be held responsible for the overall quality of the meal. The client will be responsible for any additional labor costs incurred. These costs will be applied to the catering bill.

11. Due to standard Board of Health practices, leftover prepared food items may not be removed from the premises.

12. The client is responsible for ensuring that all property belonging to Food Services is promptly returned. Clients may be assessed a fee for any items that are not returned.

13. If an event is scheduled during a time when overtime would be incurred by Food Services, an overtime fee will be accessed. The average overtime rate is $22.50/hour, per employee.

14. If your group or department is considering using an external catering company, please review Policy AD26 Sale of Food and Beverage at University Locations.