New York Law School Dining Services

• An Event/Meeting Form must be submitted for all events, especially those requiring food service of any kind.
• Please refer to the Catering Menu Guide for selections, or, if you would like to customize your menu, contact Dining Services at ext. 2877.
• Delivery is available for orders totaling $25.00 or more.
• Wellington Center Dining Room Luncheon Service
• During the Fall and Spring semesters, normal hours of Dining Services operation are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on Friday.
• Weekend events and events requiring the closure of the Wellington Center Dining Room during normal luncheon service require a guaranteed minimum food order of $300.00.
• Always request a written estimate from Dining Services.
• Always confirm your arrangements with the Chef/Manager, prior to your event.
• Always review the order of service with the Events Coordinator and/or Chef/Manager. For example: What is the pace of service for buffet line or seated meal? Pauses in service? Coffee refills? Etc.

Order Time:

• Minimum order time is two weeks in advance of the event. This will guarantee that your event will be included on Dining Services' weekly planning schedule.
• A 10% service charge will be added to food orders placed less than 48 hours in advance of an event.
• Your cooperation in adhering to the minimum order time will result in a more successful function. Emergencies will receive the full cooperation of the Dining Services staff insofar as they are able to assist. Specific food items may not be available with less than two weeks' notice, but staff will do its best to fill your request with food and supplies that are on hand.

Billing:

All catering requests must include the Fund, Organization, and Account Code to ensure the event is charged to the appropriate budget line. A Billing Detail Statement will be sent to the contact person indicated on the Event/Meeting Form--this is NOT an invoice. Charges are submitted directly to the Accounting Office by the Office of Business Operations in the form of a Summary Billing each week. Should you have any questions regarding the charges or if you believe you are due a credit, contact Celis Whyte, ext. 2830, as soon as possible.

Catering charges for outside organizations will be billed directly by Dining Services.

Labor:

• Staffing requirements will be determined by the style of service and menu selected, as well as the location of the event. Estimated labor costs will be provided within one week of receipt of menu and/or one week prior to the event.
• In general, labor charges will be incurred for events requiring staff and/or cleanup service after regular hours, and for serving personnel. If cleanup service is not requested for after hours events, the sponsoring department will be responsible for cleaning up and returning all kitchenware/equipment to Dining Services. Replacement cost for items not returned will be charged to the sponsoring department or organization.
• For safety reasons, Dining Services staff must be present at events requiring the use of ovens, Bunsen Burners, or other similar equipment.

Attendance Guarantee:

• Dining Services will allow a five percent variance to the guaranteed number of attendees. For example, a guarantee of 100 guests means that food will be prepared for 105.
• When an order is placed, an estimated attendance number must be provided.
• Final attendance count must be provided to Dining Services not less than two days prior to the event, or the estimated attendance will be used as final guaranteed attendance upon which the invoice will be based.

Cancellations:

• Standard Catering:  Two day cancellation notice is required.
• Special Catering:  Three day cancellation notice is required.
• There will be a charge for costs incurred due to last-minute cancellations or "no-shows".

Release Form:

• A department or group wishing to provide their own food for an event at the Law School must submit a signed Dining Services Release Form at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. This form released New York Law School Dining Services from any and all responsibility related to the provision of food, services, or related items for the event. In general, permission will be granted when a particular food is not available through the Dining Services provider, or when a department demonstrates that providing its own food will be more cost-effective.
• If an outside food provider is being considered, a detailed bid sheet must accompany the Release Form. Dining Services must be given ample opportunity to bid on all events held at the Law School.
• Outside food providers are expected to provide ALL items required for the event, including, but not limited to, linens, china, paperware, ice, etc. Kitchen facilities and equipment are off-limits to outside providers. 

 China / Linen Service:

White linens for food and beverage stations are complimentary. Menu selections that indicate "China Service" include standard white linens. Menu selections that indicate "Paper Service" will require a surcharge for china and/or linens. Colored linens may be ordered at an additional cost and should be ordered at least two weeks in advance of the event. The Chef/Manager will be happy to assist with coordinating a color scheme for your event. Appropriate charges for rental china and/or linens will be noted on the event invoice.

Rental Supplies and Equipment:

In general, Dining Services maintains sufficient china, glassware, and equipment to accommodate a basic seated dinner for up to 100 guests. If you expect more than 100 guests, or if concurrent events require china, rentals may be necessary. If your event requires special equipment (e.g., champagne fountains, warming racks, fancy stemware, punch bowls, etc.), rentals may be necessary. Be sure to discuss your needs with the Chef/Manager, ext. 2877.

Once you have decided on the rentals needed for your event, a written request must be submitted to the Purchasing Department, ext. 2140, at least two weeks in advance of the event. All rentals and/or charges for missing or damaged rental items will be billed directly to the department sponsoring the event.