catering guidelines

When you have a catered event in mind, please contact us as soon as possible. Even if you are not sure yet of such details as final count or exact location. We can assist with these questions to help plan a truly successful event.

Some catering arrangements through M City Catering can be made by phone, email or online; other catering arrangements require an in-person appointment with one of our event coordinators. It’s easy to get in touch with us about your catering needs.

Here are your options:
Visit AMU Event Services: You may visit us in person at the Alumni Memorial Union 245. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please be aware that we follow the University Calendar and are closed on University Holidays.
Give us a Call: You may speak with an event coordinator by calling 414.288.7202

Upon expressed interest and confirmation of space and catering, you will receive an event order confirmation for your review. Please acknowledge each confirmation via phone or e-mail. You will be asked to provide us with a final guest count five business days before your event. If a final number is not provided, the estimated number of guests will be used as your final number. The confirmation will outline the terms of your agreement for your event service and include all event details and requirements, including time, date, location, menu selections, number of attendees, professional services, equipment and staffing.

No less than five business days from the scheduled catered event, please make us aware of any event changes (including increases or decreases in the number of attendees) or if your event needs to be cancelled. Please be advised that if we are notified of your changes or cancellation after this deadline, you will be responsible for expenses already incurred by the Catering Office.

Cancellation Policy

For Non University Groups payment must be received prior to the execution of your catered event. For non-university events, the AMU and facilities policy requires 75% deposit for all services within 10 business days of the receipt of your event order confirmation. Accepted forms of payment include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash and check. Please note, the estimated total cost of the event will be due seven business days prior to the date of your event. A final invoice will be sent following the event with all remaining associated costs.

University departments are required to provide a valid university budget account number prior to the scheduled event. Charges will be processed through AMU Event Services and forwarded to the Comptroller's Office for processing.

In most cases student organizations will be permitted to provide payment post event with payment being due within 15 days.  In situations when MUSG or a university department is sponsoring the event, evidence of such should be presented to the AMU Event Services Event Coordinator during the event planning process.

If your group is NOT a Marquette University department or student organization you will be subject to a gratuity of 18% administrative fee and Wisconsin Sales Tax for all catered events. If you are a tax-exempt organization: Please submit a copy of your tax exemption certificate prior to the date of your event.

To ensure that your event is a success, catering staff will be provided for all served meals and some buffets. Continental breakfasts, breaks and receptions are priced for self-service. Buffet style functions are staffed with one attendant for every 25 guest. Prices for served meals include service staff.

THE CHARGE FOR EACH STAFF MEMBER IS:

Attendants/Waitstaff $16 per hour (minimum 1 hour)

Station Chefs $36 per hour (minimum 2 hours)

Bartenders $18 per hour (minimum 1 hours.

As the host of the catered event, you are responsible for the equipment we have provided for the service of your catered event. The cost to replace any missing or damaged catering equipment or supplies will be charged to your account. For very large events, specialty equipment may need to be rented at an additional charge

We provide china service for catering events inside the Alumni Memorial Union and Eckstein Hall. For events outside of the AMU we provide high-quality, eco-friendly plastic ware. Fees below are incurred for catering events outside of the AMU, per service.
Full Meal Service, including Silverware $3.50 per guest

Coffee or Beverage Service $2.75 per guest

Full Bar Glass Service $2.75 per guest.

We will be happy to order, receive and handle floral arrangements for you. For decorative requests, an additional fee will be determined in accordance with your specific needs.

We provide linens for food and beverage tables at no additional charge. If you would like linen to be placed on guest tables for receptions, breaks, meeting tables and boxed lunches, there will be a fee for each tablecloth. Floor length linens for 6-foot tables are also available. The same applies to registration tables, name tags, head tables and any additional table that will not be directly used for set up. Please speak with your event coordinator about color schemes for your event. Specialty linens are available upon request for an additional charge. All linen rentals are to be utilized with food and beverage provided by the department.

BBJ Linen is a preferred supplier of Sodexo Dining Services linens, chair ties, etc. While their website will provide you with the options available please know that additional service charges and ordering deadlines will apply.

For the safety of you and your guests, M City Catering, in accordance with the Health Department and industry standards, does not allow the release of time-temperature controlled leftover food to clients or guests. Time-temperature conditions require food be disposed of appropriately by our staff. Also, proper safety measures cannot be ensured after food leaves the event thus creating a health concern. The catering staff has been instructed to decline any requests for leftover food or to go containers. If time temperature controlled food has been removed from the event, a possible Food Safety Violation Fee of $100 will be assessed on the final invoice. If any food items are removed without our knowledge or consent, the client will assume full responsibility for any liability

It is the policy of Marquette University that no alcoholic beverages are brought on to the premises for consumption without written permission. All beverages are to remain within the facility. Beverages not consumed will remain the property of Marquette University and Sodexo in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
Marquette University has license to serve alcohol at the following campus facilities:

1. Haggerty Art Museum: Covers the south side of Wisconsin Avenue; academic buildings from 11th Street to 16th Street.

2. Alumni Memorial Union: Covers the AMU facilities, including East and West Town Square.

3. Union Sports Annex

Buildings not covered under the licenses will require a City of Milwaukee permit. Your event coordinator will assist with facilitating this process. Please allow three weeks advanced notice.

Your event coordinator will provide you with a wine list and bar menu. We are happy to work with you on signature cocktails and specialty bars to personalize your event.

• Campus Food Provider Guidelines

• Food and Beverage Planning Tips
• Served Dinner Service Timelines

• Sodexo Catering Fund