Service Types

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

Drop-off Service: 

NOT AVAILABLE MAY 21– AUGUST 17

Drop-off Service includes food and beverage delivery Monday–Friday 8:00am–7:00pm; and Saturday 8:00am–3:00pm. This service is strictly drop-off. There is no buffet set-up of catering equipment (eg: no coffee urns or linen) or anything that requires a return trip.   

Drop-off Availability: 

  • All menus are available for drop-off service, excluding plated meals.
  • Available Monday–Friday 8:00am to 7:00pm, and Saturdays 8:00am to 3:00pm.   
  • The Ordering/Confirmation will vary based on required lead time needed for each menu section. Example: Sandwiches and box lunches require a 4-day notice. Hot buffets require a 5-day notice.
  • Requires access to delivery location 30 minutes prior to event.
  • Drop-off Service orders placed with less than 4-full business days’ notice will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Accepted late orders will incur a $50.00 late fee.
  • Same-day orders will be referred to Tufts Dining Retail Locations for take-out service. 

Drop-off Service Fees: 

  • Delivery Fee: $20 for groups under 100 guests
  • Guest counts over 100 will incur an administrative fee
  • No Fee for customer pick-up: Customers can pick up during Mugar Café’s business hours Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
  • Drop-off service is not available during Recess, University Holidays, and Summer Session.
  • Medford and Somerville Campuses: $200 food and beverage order minimum 

Browse Our Menus

Standard Service catering image showing buffet with coffee urns and tea

Summer Standard Service 

AVAILABLE MAY 21 – AUGUST 17

Includes delivery and full buffet setup by Tufts Catering, and return trip for buffet cleanup, equipment and linen retrieval during regular business hours.  

Standard service is not available for events that request china and/or glassware.   

Summer Standard Service Availability:  

  • Available Monday–Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm.
  • Weekdays after 3:00pm, weekends, and University Holidays will be subject to an administrative fee (4-hour minimum).  
  • Requires confirmation and guest count guarantee no fewer than 4 full business days prior to the event.
  • Summer Standard Service orders placed with less than 4 full business days notice will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Accepted late orders will incur a $50 late fee.
  • Requires access to delivery location thirty minutes prior to event; large events will require additional setup time
  • Same-day orders will be referred to Tufts Dining retail locations for take-out service.   

Standard Delivery and Administrative Fees:  

  • Guest counts under 49 guests: $35 delivery fee 
  • Guest counts 50–100 guests: $55 delivery fee
  • Guest counts over 100 will incur administrative fees to offset staffing, delivery, setup, and clearing services
  • Medford and Somerville Campuses: $200 food and beverage order minimum
  • Boston Health Science and SMFA Campuses: $500 food and beverage order minimum  

Saturday and Sunday Events:  

  • Administrative fees will be applied (4-hour minimum)
  • All Campuses: $500 food and beverage order minimum  

 

Full Service Catering image with beef tenderloin plated meal artfully arranged

Full Service

Full Service catering requires special attention or the scheduling of catering managers, servers, bartenders, or other staff. All events requiring china or glassware are full-service. 

Full Service 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. 

Full Service Administrative Fees 

  • Internal Catering Staff will be billed a rate of $30–$42/hour at a 4-hour minimum for catering services.
  • Temporary service agencies that provide special event bartenders, waitstaff, and culinary support will be billed a rate of $40–$51/hour at a 4-hour minimum.
  • 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 

Browse Our Menus