Elon Catering Policies & Procedures


Contact Information


Our team of catering professionals is available to assist you with planning every aspect of your event. Whether you are hosting a small meeting or a large formal function, we are committed to helping you create a successful and memorable experience.

If you would like a customized menu, we will be happy to schedule a consultation and design a menu that meets your specific needs.

Phone: (336) 278-5330

Email: catering@elon.edu


Event Planning Guidelines


Reserving Your Event Date


To ensure the best possible service, we encourage you to contact Elon Catering as early as possible, even if your event details are still tentative. Our event calendar changes daily, and dates during the fall and spring semesters fill quickly.

To check availability or begin planning your event, contact the Catering Office at:

Clients may also use our online catering management system, CaterTrax, to:

  • Submit new catering requests
  • Check date availability
  • Review order history
  • Manage catering requests through a single account

In addition to Elon Catering, here are our approved catering vendors for qualifying events.

Domino’s (Elon Location) Hong Kong
Address: 417 W Haggard Ave, Elon, NC 27244
Phone: (336) 584-3336

Mediterranean Deli
Address: 202 W Haggard Ave, Elon, NC 27244
Phone: (336) 524-6644

Pelican's Snowballs
Address: 1147-A St. Marks Church Rd., Burlington, NC 27215
Phone: (919)-641-9073

Simcha Sweets & Treats (Stacy)
Phone: (336) 402-1117

Wam Bam Bagels
Address: 1046 S Williamson Ave, Burlington, NC 27215
Phone: (336) 391-0155

Cakes by Cindy
Address: 301 W Haggard Ave., Elon, NC 27244
Phone: (336) 270-6060

Hong Kong
Address: 2736 S. Church Street, Burlinghton, NC 27215
Phone: (336)584-3031

Taaza Indian Bistro
Address: 3252 S. Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215
Phone: (336)524-0488

Bondi's Bakery
Phone: (336)684-6716

Reno's Pizza
Address: 119 E Main St., Gibsonville, NC 27249
Phone: (336) 449-9220


Policies & Procedures


To ensure the highest level of service, catering orders and menu selections should be finalized no later than seven (7) business days before your event. Although we will make every effort to accommodate requests submitted with shorter notice, advance planning allows us to properly schedule food production, staffing, equipment, and delivery.

New event requests or changes submitted within 72 hours of the event are subject to approval based on staffing and resource availability. Approved late requests may incur additional fees.

Buffet Service


Buffet events serving 50 guests or fewer include one service attendant at no additional charge. This service includes:

  • Delivery
  • Event setup
  • Buffet maintenance
  • Food replenishment, when necessary
  • Event breakdown and equipment retrieval

This staffing level is based on a two-hour event. Events exceeding two hours will incur an additional labor charge of $25.00 per hour.

For events exceeding 50 guests, one additional attendant will be assigned for every additional 50 guests at a charge of $100.00 per attendant for the initial two-hour service period. Additional hours are billed at $25.00 per hour.

Plated meal service requires additional staffing charges based on guest count.

Reserving an Event Location


Your event location must be reserved before catering arrangements can be finalized, whether the event is held on or off campus.

When reserving your venue, please ensure that the following arrangements have been made:

  • Tables and chairs
  • Trash receptacles
  • Any additional equipment required for the event
  • Building access during setup and breakdown

Please allow two (2) hours before your event for setup and one (1) hour afterward for cleanup.

It is the event organizer's responsibility to ensure that the venue is accessible and that all requested equipment has been delivered and arranged prior to the arrival of the catering team. Elon Catering cannot guarantee timely setup if these arrangements have not been completed.

Additional labor charges may be assessed if the venue is not properly prepared or accessible upon our arrival.

Standard event setup and breakdown are based on a two-hour event. Events extending beyond two hours are subject to additional attendant labor charges.


Changes, Guarantees, and Cancellations


Any changes to your event, including menu selections, guest count, event location, date, or time, or event cancellations must be submitted at least three (3) business days before your scheduled event.

Cancellation Policy


  • Events canceled fewer than three (3) business days before the scheduled event will be billed 75% of the confirmed event total.
  • Events canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled event, or any Business Event Order (BEO) changes made within that time, will be billed 100% of the confirmed event total.

Final Guest Count and BEO Approval


Once an order has been confirmed through the CaterTrax system, Elon Catering will begin preparing food, staffing, equipment, and other resources based on the approved Business Event Order (BEO).

Final approval of the BEO is required 72 business hours prior to the event. After the final BEO has been approved, the client becomes financially responsible for the confirmed order.

Any requested changes, including guest count adjustments, menu revisions, or additional equipment and services submitted within 72 hours of the event:

  • Are subject to Elon Catering approval based on availability.
  • Will incur a $75.00 change fee.
  • Must be submitted through the CaterTrax system so they are properly documented with a date and time stamp.

Exceptions


The Director of Catering reserves the right to make exceptions to these policies when warranted by unforeseen circumstances, including:

  • Severe weather
  • Campus closures
  • Emergency situations
  • Other exceptional circumstances

Any exception will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the goal of minimizing revenue loss while making the best use of available catering resources.


Payment Policies


All menu changes, guest count revisions, and event modifications must be confirmed no later than three (3) business days before the event.

Elon University departments charging their events are required to give a 12-digit billing code at the time of ordering. The order cannot be processed until the budget code is received.

Third-Party Payments


Events paid by a third party must include a complete credit card authorization form. Full payment (100%) is due prior to the scheduled event.

Non-University Groups


Non-University organizations may pay using:

  • Check
  • Visa
  • Mastercard

If paying with credit card, a 3.5% service fee will be added to the final BEO total.

A 75% deposit is required seven (7) days before the event. The remaining 25% balance must be paid 24 hours before the scheduled event.

Sales Tax


Non-University groups are subject to 6.75% North Carolina sales tax on all food and beverage purchases.

Organizations claiming tax-exempt status must provide a valid tax exemption certificate before the event.

If a final guest count has not been confirmed, Elon Catering reserves the right to prepare food and invoice the client based on the estimated attendance.


Service Ware Options


Elon Catering provides environmentally friendly disposable service ware for catered events unless otherwise requested. Premium service ware options are available for an additional charge.

China and Silverware


Service Price
Full Meal China & Silverware Service* $3.99 per guest
Reception China & Silverware Service* $2.29 per guest
Coffee or Beverage China Service* $1.79 per guest
Full Bar Glassware Service* $2.49 per guest

*Services are subject to availability. Rental fees may apply if inventory is unavailable.

Premium Disposable Service Ware


Service Price
Disposable Masterpiece Plates with Reflection Silverware $2.49 per guest
Disposable Acrylic Plates with Reflection Silverware $1.49 per guest

Please contact the Catering Office for additional information regarding service ware options and availability.


Linen Services


Standard buffet packages include table linens for food and beverage service tables. Linens are not included for ŕ la carte orders and must be requested for an additional charge.

Additional linens for guest seating, registration tables, head tables, name tag tables, or other nonfood service tables are also available for an additional fee.

The following pricing applies to black or white linens:

Linen Type Price
85-inch Square, Round Tables, Standard Drop $10.29 each
114-inch Rectangle, 6' or 8' Banquet Tables $10.29 each
120-inch Round, Floor Length $16.99 each
90" x 132" Rectangle, 6' Floor Length $16.99 each
90" x 156" Rectangle, 8' Floor Length $16.99 each
90" x 156" Burgundy Rectangle, 8' Floor Length $22.99 each
Cloth Napkins $1.49 each

Specialty colors and premium linens may be available upon request, subject to availability and additional rental costs. Clients are encouraged to schedule an appointment to review available linen samples.


Staffing and Event Attendants


Professional event staff may be required to ensure the successful execution of your event. Unless otherwise noted, staffing is billed according to the rates below.

Buffet Events


Buffet functions include one complimentary attendant for events serving 50 guests or fewer. This service includes:

  • Delivery
  • Event setup
  • Service table linens
  • Buffet maintenance
  • Food replenishment, when required
  • Post-event cleanup and equipment retrieval

This service is based on a two-hour event.

Ŕ la carte catering orders requiring delivery, setup, and post-event retrieval without replenishment are subject to a $100 service fee based on a two-hour event.

Additional attendants may be required depending on guest count and event complexity.

Staffing Rates


Position Rate
Event Attendant $25.00 per hour, 4-hour minimum
Station Chef $30.00 per hour, 2-hour minimum
Bartender $30.00 per hour, 4-hour minimum

Events extending beyond the standard two-hour service period will incur additional labor charges.


Catering Equipment


The event host is responsible for all catering equipment and supplies provided by Elon Catering during the event.

Any equipment that is lost, damaged, or not returned will be billed at replacement cost.

Large-scale events or specialty functions may require rental equipment. Any associated rental charges will be added to the event invoice.


Floral and Decorative Services


Elon Catering is pleased to coordinate floral arrangements and decorative elements upon request.

Floral orders, delivery, setup, and handling services are available for an additional fee based on the client's specific requirements.


Food Safety


To comply with food safety regulations and liability requirements, food may not be removed from the event location unless the client signs an Elon Catering Food Liability Waiver.

This policy helps ensure that food is handled, transported, and stored in accordance with established food safety standards.

Food Removal Policy


To comply with local Health Department regulations, food, unless a waiver has been submitted, and alcoholic beverages may not be removed from a catered event.

Elon Catering is committed to presenting each event with the same level of quality and abundance for the last guest as for the first.

To ensure an attractive presentation throughout the event, additional food and disposable serviceware, including plates, cups, utensils, and similar items, may remain at the conclusion of the event.

Any remaining food or serviceware is considered part of the event presentation and is not included in the event pricing. These items are not available for guests to take with them and will not result in additional charges to the client.

The client is responsible for all catering equipment and reusable serviceware provided by Elon Catering. Any missing or damaged equipment or reusable service items will be billed at their replacement cost and added to the final invoice.


Student Catering Guide


Elon Catering's Student Catering program provides high-quality, affordable, no-frills catering designed specifically for student organizations and campus groups. The ŕ la carte menu allows students to order the right amount of food while staying within budget.

Eligible Organizations


Student Catering pricing is available to the following groups:

  • Student Government Association, SGA
  • Residential students and Residence Hall Senate organizations
  • Registered student organizations that support and enhance student life on campus

Ordering Requirements


To qualify for Student Catering pricing, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Orders must be placed at least one (1) week before the event.
  2. Food selections must be ordered from the Student Catering menu.
  3. A signed and authorized requisition or approved method of payment must be received 72 business hours before the event.

Please Note: Depending on menu availability, orders submitted within three (3) business days of the event may not qualify for Student Catering pricing.

Service Information


Student Catering pricing does not include event service.

The following items and services are available for an additional charge:

  • Service ware
  • Wire chafers
  • Sterno fuel
  • Serving equipment
  • Linen rentals
  • Delivery, when applicable

Students are responsible for cleaning up after their event unless additional service staff has been requested.

Pickup and Delivery


Student Catering pricing is based on pickup from:

Lakeside Dining Hall
200 Campus Drive
Elon, NC 27244

Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Delivery is available for:

  • A minimum delivery fee of $25.00, or
  • 10% of the food and beverage total, not to exceed $100.00

For weekend events or events scheduled after 5:00 p.m., please contact the Catering Office to discuss special arrangements.

Phone: (336) 278-5330


Special Orders


Elon Catering offers a wide variety of menu options beyond the Student Catering program, including:

  • Casual barbecues
  • Business lunches
  • Trendy receptions
  • Formal plated dinners
  • Banquets
  • Special events
  • Customized menus

For additional menu selections and event planning assistance, please visit the online catering system or contact the Catering Office.


Important Deadlines at a Glance


Requirement Deadline
Reserve event date As early as possible
Confirm menu selections 7 business days before event
Student Catering order 1 week before event
Final payment, third-party events Before event
Non-University deposit 7 days before event
Non-University final payment 24 hours before event
Final BEO approval 72 hours before event
Menu or guest count changes 3 business days before event
Late BEO changes Within 72 hours, approval required plus $75 fee
Cancellation At least 3 business days before event

Contact Elon Catering


Phone: (336) 278-5330

Email: catering@elon.edu

The Elon Catering team is committed to providing exceptional food, outstanding service, and personalized event planning for every occasion. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and look forward to helping make your event a success.

Mill Point Catering
2998 Campus Box
Elon , NC 27244
336.278.5330

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