Tufts Catering provides three service types: Drop-off, Standard, and Full Service. Please note that space setup and custodial services are not provided by Tufts Catering.
![Drop-off Service photo showing bagels and coffee in to-go box](/sites/g/files/lrezom881/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/Catering_ServiceTypeArt.jpg?itok=DN4jTDfj)
Drop-off Service
UNAVAILABLE IN SUMMER (Starting May 1)
Drop-off Service includes food and beverage drop-off or pickup only with no buffet setup, staffing, or equipment provided (eg: no coffee urns or pump pots).
Availability
- Monday through Friday only, 8:00am to 7:00pm. Not available during recess periods.
- Requires confirmation no fewer than 3 full business days prior to the event; guest count guarantee also due 3 full business days before the event
- Requires access to delivery location 30 minutes prior to event; large events will require additional setup time
- Drop-off Service orders placed with less than 3 full business days’ notice will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Accepted late orders will incur a $50 late fee.
- Same-day orders will be referred to Tufts Dining retail locations for take-out service.
Service Fees
- Delivery fee: $15
- Pickup orders: no fee
- Administrative fees will apply during summer session
- $200 food and beverage order minimum
- Boston and SMFA Campuses: $500 food and beverage minimum
![Standard Service catering image showing buffet with coffee urns and tea](/sites/g/files/lrezom881/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/Catering_ServiceTypeArt2.jpg?itok=yHvuIdIp)
Standard Service
Standard Service includes delivery and full buffet setup by Tufts Catering, and guarantees if necessary a return trip for buffet cleanup at the agreed-upon time. Standard service is not available for events that request china and/or glassware.
Availability
- Available Monday through Friday only, 8:00am to 8:00pm and weekends available in 4-hour increments (administrative fees and minimums apply).
- Available during recess and summer sessions with administrative fees applied
- Requires confirmation and guest count guarantee no fewer than 5 full business days prior to the event
- Requires access to delivery location thirty minutes prior to event; large events will require additional setup time
- Standard Service orders placed with less than 5 full business days notice will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Accepted late orders will incur a $50 late fee.
- Same-day orders will be referred to Tufts Dining retail locations for take-out service.
Service & Admin Fees
Weekday Events
- Guest counts under 49 guests will incur a $25 delivery fee
- Guest counts over 50 guests will incur a $50 delivery fee
- Guest counts over 100 will incur administrative fees to offset staffing, delivery, setup, and clearing services
- Administrative fees will apply to all recess and summer session standard services
- $200 food and beverage order minimum
- Boston and SMFA Campuses: $500 food and beverage minimum
Weekend Events
- Administrative fees will be applied to weekend services and recess periods in 4-hour increments
- $500 food and beverage order minimum
![Full Service Catering image with beef tenderloin plated meal artfully arranged](/sites/g/files/lrezom881/files/styles/large/public/2023-06/Catering_ServiceTypeArt3.jpg?itok=b9hM-WFx)
Full Service
Full Service catering requires special attention or the scheduling of catering managers, servers, bartenders, or other staff. This option is available for most of our Standard & Full Service Menus, but some menus are Standard Service only.
Availability
- Requires confirmation no later than 5 business days prior to the event
- Requires access to delivery location thirty minutes prior to event; large events will require additional setup time
- Any orders received less than 5 full business days before an event may not be fulfilled due to the availability of staff attendants, servers, or bartenders.
Service & Admin Fees
- Internal Catering Staff will be billed a rate of $30 to 40 per hour admin fee
- Temporary service agencies that provide special event bartenders, waitstaff, and culinary support require admin fees ranging from $40 to $51 per hour at a 4-hour minimum of service.
- Food and beverage prices within the Tufts Catering menu or on the event proposal do not include delivery, setup, clearing, or the cost of waitstaff and bartenders.
- Administrative Fees may increase for Weekend, Recess, and University Holidays