Catering

See Also:  Catering Guide

Catering Information

 Whether you are planning an executive meeting or staff luncheon, our friendly and courteous staff assures the success of your function. Should your plans include items or selections not listed, we would be happy to customize menus for you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your guests. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (757) 823-9476 or e-mail us at NorfolkCatering@ThompsonHospitality.com .

The Catering Process

Booking a catered event at Norfolk State University is a painless process.

Call the Catering Office at (757) 823-9476 to discuss your event. Our team will assist you in deciding on a style of service and the selection of food and beverage. We will support you in customizing and creating a memorable event. The total price for your event will reflect your menu and service selections.

Payment

If the event is not in confirmed status, Thompson Hospitality cannot guarantee that the service will be rendered. Therefore, it is crucial that the communication between you and the client, the approving official office, and the catering office is effective.

Please provide one of the following forms of payment to Norfolk State University Catering Office:

• Completed copy of a University requisition with all authorized signatures or a copy of the completed purchase order.
• Foundation or Fund Certification Form
• Cash
• Certified Check
• Money Order
• Visa or MasterCard

Guarantees

To provide you with the best catered services, we request three days advance notice for standard catering events. In arranging catered events, attendance must be guaranteed three business days in advance of the event. It will be your commitment to pay for the guaranteed number or the actual number of attendees, whichever is greater.

Cancellations

We know that at times you may need to cancel an event with short notice. Due to our advance preparations, cancellations should be made at least 3 business days prior to an event to avoid cancellation fees.

Delivery Fees

A delivery fee of $30 will be applied to any event held away from The Norfolk State University Campus. This fee is for the transport of food, service equipment, china, flatware and linen.

Service Charges / Minimums

A $20.00 service fee will apply to catering invoices totaling less than $30.00.

A 20% service charge will be added to the total invoice for all on and off premise events that are not directly affiliated with the college or university and are not addressed in the terms of the contract with the College or University.

Labor

For events that are delivered, an attendant will ensure that all items are to your satisfaction. If an attendant is requested, or required based on the style of service provided, additional charges will be applied as follows:

Wait Staff: $21.00 per hour / per person for a minimum of four hours

Culinary: $25.00 per hour / per person for a minimum of four hours

Bar Tender: $25.00 per hour / per person for a minimum of four hours

Service Times

All events will include a two-hour service time. Events requiring serving time beyond what is mutually agreed upon will be assessed an additional charge.

Floral Arrangements

You can easily add a special touch to your event by letting us handle all your fresh floral needs. In order for us to meet our commitment to you, we ask that you give us at least three days notice to place the order and secure the floral arrangements. Prices will vary according to your selection.

Linen

Skirting and linen for buffet and carving tables are included at no extra charge. Skirting and/or linen for guest tables, registration tables, display tables and reception tables can be made available for an additional charge of $10.00. We can also provide specialty linen in an array of colors, prints and sizes to add to the elegance for your event for an additional yet reasonable charge.

Rentals

In the event that special equipment, china or tables are required, we will charge for the required items and add the rental charge to your final bill. You will be apprised of the final cost of the rental items when the arrangements for your event are finalized.

Miscellaneous

Unconsumed Food and Beverage
To protect you and your guests from food-borne illness, any food not consumed during an event may not be removed from the serving location.

Equipment Pick-Up
In order to protect the assets that are delivered to the event location, the client is responsible for all equipment until the designated pick-up time as indicated on the catering reservation form.

After Hours
We would be happy to service your event after our regular catering hours of 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Please let us know how we can assist you. All after-hours and/or weekend events are subject to labor charges.

Types of Service

Plated and Served
This type of event has your guests seated and served for the entire meal. This level of service necessitates a minimum of one waiter/waitress per twenty (20) guests.

Buffet Service
Buffet Service includes house linen for buffet, high-quality disposable ware, centerpiece, set-up, breakdown and clean up. For house china service, an additional charge of $2.00 will be assessed. At your discretion and depending on your budget, buffet service can be self served or the entrée can be served by one of our professional wait staff. This level of service necessitates a minimum of one waiter/waitress per forty (40) guests.

Drop-Off Service
Drop-off Service includes house linen tablecloths for buffet, high-quality disposable ware, flower centerpiece, setup, breakdown and clean up. Wait staff is not a requirement for this service. Upon delivery of your event, our professional staff will ensure that all items ordered are received and verified by your authorized representative prior to our departure.

Disposables / China Service
All deliveries will include disposable utensils, paper ware and all necessary condiments. There is an additional charge of $2.00 per person for the use of china, linen, glassware and equipment rental. For specific charges, please inquire when placing your order. China service is subject to availability.

 Equipment
Thompson Hospitality must recover all catering equipment. If in the event you move any equipment from the original delivery location, please notify the Catering Department at (757) 823-9476. Any equipment that is not recovered will be billed to your event at replacement cost.