ISLANDER CATERING

Catering Policies and Guidelines

Event Changes and Guest Guarantees

We want to make sure every event runs smoothly and that our team has everything needed to provide the best possible service. To help us prepare, all changes to guest counts, food quantities, menus, or event details must be submitted at least 5 business days before the event.

• New orders or changes requested less than 5 business days before the event will incur a $25 late fee.
• A signed Banquet Event Order (BEO) is required at least 5 business days before the event to confirm your order. For events booked less than 5 business days in advance, a final guest guarantee must be provided when the order is placed.
• Final guest counts and an approved, signed BEO must be received before Islander Catering can proceed with event preparation and service.
• The final guest guarantee is the minimum number of guests for which you will be charged. If additional guests attend, any additional food or beverages ordered will be charged accordingly.
• If fewer guests attend than the guaranteed number, the final event charges will not be reduced.

Cancellations

We understand that plans can change, and we ask that cancellations be communicated as soon as possible so our team can adjust accordingly.

• Cancellations must be submitted at least 5 business days before the event.
• Cancellations made within 48 hours of the event will be charged 50% of the total event cost.
• Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event will be charged the full event cost.
• Custom menu orders canceled less than 5 business days before the event will be charged in full due to the preparation and product sourcing involved.

Administrative Fees

All events not affiliated with TAMUCC are subject to a 10% administrative fee.

Delivery Fees

• A $25 delivery fee applies to orders delivered outside the TAMUCC campus and affiliated satellite locations.
• Orders under $100 are subject to a $25 delivery fee.
• The delivery fee is waived for orders of $100 or more delivered within the TAMUCC campus and affiliated satellite locations.

Alcohol Service and Bar Policies

Responsible Alcohol Service

Islander Catering follows all applicable alcohol service laws and regulations.

• Alcohol will only be served to guests who are at least 21 years of age. Valid identification will be requested from any guest who appears to be under 30.
• If a guest appears intoxicated, Islander Catering reserves the right to refuse or discontinue alcohol service to that individual.
• Islander Catering may also request that an intoxicated guest leave the event location if necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• No refunds or reductions in event charges will be provided if alcohol service is discontinued due to a guest's behavior or intoxication.

Police Officer Requirement

For events requiring a TAMUCC police officer for alcohol service, the officer must be present before the bar can open. If the officer is delayed, alcohol service will not begin until the officer arrives.

Bar Charges

For events with estimated bar charges, the final charges will be based on actual consumption and sales.

• If the estimated bar charges are greater than the actual charges, the difference will be credited to the client within 30 days.
• If actual bar charges exceed the estimate, the remaining balance must be paid at the conclusion of the event.

Catering Tables and Event Setup

The client is responsible for coordinating with University Services or the appropriate facilities department to ensure sufficient tables are available for all catering needs, including food and beverage stations.

Billing and Payment

• A credit card is required to place all catering orders. Credit cards will be charged on the day of the event.
• TAMUCC departments may request to pay through a campus purchase order (PO). All PO information must be provided to Islander Catering before the event.
• Approved direct-billing accounts will be subject to a 5% late fee on unpaid invoices more than 30 days past the event date.
• An additional 5% late fee, calculated on the outstanding balance, will be applied for each subsequent 30-day period the invoice remains unpaid.
• Accounts with outstanding invoices more than 60 days past the event date will be placed on hold until the outstanding balance is resolved.

Questions, Concerns and Service Feedback

We want every client to have a positive experience with Islander Catering. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your event or the services provided, please submit them in writing within 7 days of the event. This allows our team to review and address any concerns in a timely manner.

Outside Food and Beverage

All food and beverage service for an event must be provided either entirely through Islander Catering or entirely through an outside provider. We do not allow a combination of Islander Catering services and outside food or beverage.

For example, if you choose to provide your own beverages, Islander Catering cannot provide the food for that event. Likewise, if you choose to use Islander Catering for food, all beverages must also be provided through Islander Catering.

Any outside catering or food and beverage brought onto campus must be approved through the TAMUCC Auxiliary Services Department. Islander Catering does not provide approval for outside food or beverage.

Retail and Dining Hall Orders

Orders placed through CaterTrax for Retail and Dining Hall locations must be paid in full on the day of service.

Custom Menu Requests

Islander Catering is happy to work with you to create custom menus for your event.

• The initial custom menu is provided at no charge.
• Additional menu revisions will incur a $35 fee per revision.
• Please have your event details and menu preferences ready before submitting a custom menu request.
• Please allow a minimum of 7 days for our team to develop and provide a custom menu.

Tastings

Menu tastings are available upon request and are priced per person based on the items selected, along with any additional charges associated with the tasting.

• Tastings must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance to allow time for product sourcing and preparation.
• Tasting charges may be billed separately or added to the event BEO when the event is booked.

Linen Charges

Linen rental fees are charged on a daily basis. Charges will apply for each day linens are needed, including event days and any additional days required for setup.