Grinnell College’s Catering Services welcomes the opportunity to assist the College community and other campus guests with special events of all sizes, from small coffee calls to lunches, dinners, or receptions, at a variety of locations on campus.
We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of food quality and service, not only to meet but to exceed your expectations. Our award-winning catering staff, led by our executive chef, includes 13 chefs certified by the American Culinary Federation. It is their talents and creativity, complemented by the expertise and caring of our service staff, which makes the difference in our catered events.
Order your event today in 4 easy steps!
Step 1: Book a Space
Contact Conference Operations and Events to reserve a space for your event. Details concerning the type of event, date, time, the estimated number of guests, and your contact information will be discussed at this time. An electronic confirmation, which includes a reservation number, will be emailed to you. Refer to the reservation number when making arrangements for your event. Our experienced catering coordinator will contact you to discuss all your food and beverage needs.
Step 2: Review the Catering Policy
Remember to read the entire policy to ensure the best for your event!
Step 3: Choose the Right Service
Grinnell Catering offers many styles of service from refreshment service to a full service with china, stemware, and white linens. fAll service levels provide all the needed equipment, service utensils, and proper signage.
Table Service
- Platinum Level (only available for groups up to 75) offers tables set with china, stemware and flatware, linens, salt and pepper, butter knife, bread and butter plate, coffee cup and saucer, creamer, and sugar. All food courses and beverages are served to the customer by our trained staff.
Buffet Service – Customers will serve themselves.
- Gold Level – Tables are set with china, stemware and flatware, linens, salt and pepper, butter knife, bread and butter plate, coffee cup and saucer, and sugar. Coffee and iced water pitchers are placed on tables.
- Silver Level – Stainless flatware is rolled in a cloth napkin and china plates are placed on the buffet line. The beverage cups are disposable. All beverages are charged separately.
- Bronze Level – All plates, cutlery, and cups are disposable. All beverages are charged separately.
Reception Service – Customers will serve themselves.
- Gold Level – All tables are cloth covered and skirted. China plates, glassware, and flatware are used for service. All hot beverages are served from silver urns and cold beverages from clear beverage dispensers. Service staff is on-site to resupply and care for customer needs. All beverages are charged separately.
- Silver Level – All tables are cloth covered and skirted. All plates, cups, and cutlery are disposable. All beverages will have Grinnell College covers. This service style may or may not have attendants on-site and is at the discretion of the catering manager if service staff will remain on-site for the event. All beverages are charged separately.
- Bronze Level – Tables are cloth covered. All plates, cups, and cutlery are disposable. This service style may or may not have attendants on-site and is at the discretion of the catering manager if service staff will remain on-site for the event. All beverages are charged separately.
Refreshment Service – Customers will serve themselves.
- Gold Level – All tables are cloth covered and skirted. China plates, glassware, and flatware are used for service. All hot beverages are served from silver urns and cold beverages from clear beverage dispensers. All beverages are charged separately.
- Silver Level – All tables are cloth covered and skirted. All plates, cups, and cutlery are disposable. All beverages will have Grinnell College covers. All beverages are charged separately.
- Bronze Level – All tables are covered. All plates, cups, and cutlery are disposable. This service is not attended. All beverages are charged separately.
Step 4: Pick the Menu
College employees, please refer to Catering Services on GrinnellShare for details. All other customers please call our friendly staff in the Catering office at 641-269-3665 or email catering@grinnell.edu for all catering considerations.