Tufts Catering provides three service types: Drop-off, Classic and Full Service. Please note that space setup and custodial services are not provided by Tufts Catering.
Drop-Off Service
- Available: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Delivered to your location · Client is responsible for setting up the event
- Select menus are available for drop-off service
- Includes compostable plates, napkins, cups, utensils & paper tablecloths. There is no equipment or linen with this service.
- $40 delivery fee for under 100 guests
- 6% service fee, for over 100 guests
- Labor charges may be included, depending on the event details, if additional staffing is needed.
- Requires access to delivery location 30 minutes prior to event; large events will require additional setup time
- No Fee for customer pick-up: Customers can pick up during Mugar Café’s business hours Monday–Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Classic Service
- Available 7 days a week
- Delivered, set up & presented for your guests by Tufts Catering
- Includes black linen for food service tables. Guest table linen not included.
- Includes complimentary compostable ware (plates, napkins, cups, utensils)
- Classic service is not available for events that request china and/or glassware
- 6% service fee
- On-site event staff $50.00 per hour · bartenders $60.00 per hour, per staff · 4-hour minimum
- Requires confirmation and guest count guarantee no fewer than 3 full business days prior to the event.
- Classic Service orders placed with less than 7 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 one hour prior to event; large events will require additional setup time.
Full Service
- Available 7 days a week
- Includes full setup by Tufts Catering
- 8% service fee
- Event staff $50.00 per hour · bartenders $60.00 per hour, per staff · 4-hour minimum
- Staffing levels determined by the Tufts Catering Staffing Manager based solely on event needs
- Requires access to delivery location two hours prior to event; large events will require additional setup time
- Requires minimum lead time of 7 business days prior to the event
- Any orders received less than 7 full business days before an event may not be fulfilled; and will be subject to overtime rates.
Food & Beverage Minimums
Medford & Somerville Campus
- Monday–Friday: $250 food & beverage minimum
- Saturday: $500 food & beverage minimum
- Sunday: $1,500 food & beverage minimum
SMFA Campus
- Please contact Tufts Catering directly for more details.
Health Sciences Campuses
- At this time, Tufts Catering is unable to serve clients on the Health Sciences Campus. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Service Fee
- All Tufts Catering events are not taxable.
- Our service fee covers the unique operational requirements of executing events across campus. This includes menu coordination, managing logistics, specialized safety transport, equipment setup, breakdown labor, and university compliance costs. Because it is an operational fee, it is not a gratuity.
Ordering Guidelines
- Please place all orders at catering.tufts.edu with 7 business days notice.
- A $50 late-fee may be applied to all orders placed after this time and may be accepted by Tufts Catering on a case-by-case basis.
- A $50.00 late fee will apply to all orders placed within 72 hours.