Policies

We’re thrilled to be part of your upcoming event! Our goal is to deliver a remarkable catering experience through fresh flavors, reliable service, and a touch of creativity. Whether you’re planning a laid-back lunch or a celebratory gathering, our team is here to make it easy and enjoyable. Our catering professionals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to assist you with planning, customizing menus, and answering any questions.

Reach out to us at 409-880-8925 or our email CardinalCatering@compass-usa.com for friendly, personalized support.

Before placing your order, we kindly ask that you review our catering policies to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.

Planning Your Event

To ensure that your event is everything you envision and more, we kindly request that you book at least 7 days in advance. If you are hosting an event with over 100 guests, we suggest placing the order 14 days in advance and directly contacting catering.

Meeting Room and Equipment

Meeting space reservations and non-food equipment rentals must be arranged through Events Management or other designated building manager/coordinators. Because there are multiple event spaces across campus, once your event location has been confirmed, please keep both the Cardinal Catering team and the event space contact informed of all event details, changes, and updates throughout the planning process to ensure a successful event.

Billing & Payment

To streamline the process, we kindly request payment information be provided at the time of booking or three business days prior to your event. We accept checks, purchase orders, and credit cards. All payments are kept on file and processed the week of the event. We kindly ask that if you are paying with a purchase order, the order number is required the day prior to the event to execute the order. For off-campus partners or events, we ask for payment, whether by check or credit card, to be received seven days in advance.

Late Fee

In the event that a short notice order is placed after seven business days, there will be a late fee of $50 added to the final bill.

Tax Exempt

Off-campus clients need to provide tax-exempt forms to our office three business days before your event to ensure smooth processing.

Cancellations

Cancellations made with less than three days’ notice will result in a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations made with less than two days’ notice will be billed the full contracted amount. In the event the campus is closed due to unexpected weather or a major event, there is no penalty for canceling, and we will do our best to reschedule.

Special Dietary Needs

Your guests’ dietary preferences are important to us. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements as soon as possible, and no later than three business days prior to your event. Our culinary team will work diligently to accommodate these needs.

Nutritional Information

For those who require it, additional nutritional information is available upon request.

Custom Menus

For a truly customized experience, such as custom menus and themes, we kindly request a 14-day notice to allow for thoughtful menu planning and sourcing of the freshest ingredients.

Guest Counts

Your confirmed guest count is crucial for us to deliver impeccable service. Please provide us with the final count three business days prior to your event to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees. If you have selected a plated meal option with personalized guest selections, we will request a seating chart, along with menu cards indicating the entrée preference.

Linen

We include tablecloths for all food and beverage service tables at your event. Additional tablecloths for non-food tables are available for $6.99 per tablecloth. We offer black, white, and red linens. Please inquire about sizing and any additional colors that may be available. Specialty linens can also be arranged at market price. If desired, event planners may work directly with the rental company to avoid additional costs associated with ordering rentals.

Serviceware and China

For your convenience, disposable serviceware is provided with all orders to accommodate the guaranteed guest count. Should you desire china and glassware, these are available for an additional fee of $5.00 per person.

Event Timing

Our structure is based on four-hour increments, allowing ample time for setup, service, and cleanup. Events exceeding this time frame may be subject to additional service fees. Should your event require more time, please consult with our catering team for further assistance.

Additional Fees

• Bartenders are $225 per bartender for every four hours of service; each additional hour is $100 per bartender.
• Catering Attendants are $150 per catering attendant for every four hours; each additional hour is $70 per attendant.
• Station Chefs are $200 with a minimum of two hours; each additional hour is $75 per chef.
• Events that require setup and cleanup are subject to a $100 service fee.

Food Safety

Sanitation and safety are our top priorities. Please consume all hot and cold foods within a four-hour window. Any unused food remains the property of Cardinal Catering and cannot be removed from an event in accordance with state health regulations. All condiments and disposables also remain the property of Cardinal Catering.