BOOKING

Events need to be booked as early as possible to ensure the event can be serviced by Grinnell College Catering Services. A general rule of thumb is ten business days for complex events and three business days for a coffee break set up.

All events needing catering services must first obtain a confirmation number from the Office of Communication and Events for the event being booked. You can contact them at 641-269-3178

GUARANTEES

Guarantees for all events must be made 48 hours in advance. The count is not subject to reduction after the guarantee is made. If no guarantee is received, you will be charged based on the highest count given to date. The guarantee will be charged even if the fewer guests attend. We will be prepared to serve five percent above the guaranteed count, up to a maximum of ten people. Charges will be based on a guaranteed count or actual number served, whichever is greater.

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellation fees are as follows: 7 calendar days notice - 10% of functions' total cost will be charged for parties of 25 people or more.

48 hours notice- 25% of functions' total cost will be charged. In the case of a cancellation due to weather charges will be billed for all costs incurred by Grinnell College Catering.

DEPOSITS AND BILLING PROCEDURES

All non-college accounts are required to make a deposit of $300.00 on the date of booking to guarantee a date and services. This deposit is payable to Grinnell College Dining Services. This deposit is applied to the final bill. Deposits are only returned if the date is booked with another banquet.

The final bill is payable by the tenth day of the month. Cash, check and credit cards are all acceptable methods of payment.

HOLIDAYS

The college catering services may not be available on designated Grinnell College holidays.

MINIMUM COUNTS

All buffets are prepared for a minimum of twenty-five people. If less than the minimum attend, you will be charged for twenty-five.

AMENITIES

The Grinnell College Catering Services will be pleased to make referrals or arrangements for music, entertainment, floral arrangements and other amenities of your choice.

TABLES AND CHAIRS

Grinnell College Catering Services will make all necessary arrangements for tables and chairs for all on campus events.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES

All bars will charge $2.50 per person, this charge includes mixes, garnish and cocktail paperware.

Chef attendants for reception stations (carving, pasta, saut‚, ECT.) are available for an additional fee of $25.00 per attendant.

All outside events (those not paid with college funds) will be charged a 20% gratuity fee through the Catering Department.

LENGTH OF EVENT

There is a time allotment of two hours for breakfasts, luncheons and receptions. There is a three- hour allotment for brunches and dinners. Additional labor charges of $13.00 per hour, per employee will be added to your bill if the event exceeds the allotted time frame or continues after the scheduled ending time. If there is a speaker, band, entertainment, ETC., additional labor charges will be charged.


QUOTED PRICES

Prices quoted are for in - house food service. Off- premise catering is subject to additional labor and delivery charges.

Quoted prices are guaranteed for six months, any price increase will not exceed 15%.

LEFT - OVERS

Grinnell College Catering Services reserves the right to any excess foods prepared and therefore the host may remove none. Guaranteed numbers not met shall be included under this policy. This policy is in compliance with health regulations.

SPECIAL REQUESTS

Special requests and menu items on any party will be gladly accommodated, however price adjustments may be necessary.

DELIVERY CHARGES

A delivery charge of ten dollars will be added to any catering order under fifty dollars total. Additional delivery charges will be added if you are not available for a scheduled pick up time.

REMOTE LOCATIONS

All remote locations must be inspected and approved by the catering manager before the contract is finalized. All special requirements such as electrical needs will be billed directly to the sponsor if needed.

ALCOHOL POLICY

Catering Services is fully licensed by the State of Iowa to serve alcoholic beverages at catered events.

The following are excerpts of the College's Alcohol Policy (which fully complies with state and local laws):

-There will be no service of alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age.
-Grinnell College's Catering Services must provide all alcoholic beverages served at events -- no outside alcohol allowed.
-Wine and beer are the only alcoholic beverages served. Other liquors may be provided on occasion with special permission for toasts or to uphold traditions.
-Cash bar service (wine and beer only) is available at events held in Grinnell House. Events held at other locations may include host-provided alcohol such as beer and wine service or wine with dinner, but not a cash bar.
-If a cash bar is desired at a location other than Grinnell House, at least three months' prior notification is required for approval by the College, the City of Grinnell, and the State of Iowa. Such requests are not always approved.
-The host of a catered event where alcohol will be served will be required to provide liability insurance.
-The Grinnell College manager on duty at the catered event has the discretion to place further constraints on alcohol service in order to assure a safe and enjoyable event. For example, staff serving alcohol may discontinue service to a guest who appears to have had enough, or the manager may choose to limit the amount of time that an "open bar" is available.