Image
DAWSON'S MARKET CATERING POLICIES & INFORMATION
Dawson's Market is committed to providing high-quality catering services while maintaining fair pricing, reducing food waste, and ensuring an excellent experience for event organizers and attendees. These policies are designed to establish clear expectations for ordering, service, and event support.
A. ORDERING & ADVANCE NOTICE
Business days are Monday through Friday, when Dawson's Market and USG are open for normal business operations, excluding weekends, University holidays, campus closures, and other announced operational closures.
Orders for 75 or more guests require a minimum of one (1) week advance notice.
All other catering orders require a minimum of three (3) business days' advance notice. Your order is confirmed only after the request is reviewed and accepted by USG and Dawson’s Market. IMPORTANT: reserving a meeting space in EMS does not constitute confirmation of catering.
Final guest counts and menu selections must be submitted no later than three (3) business days prior to the event.
Menu items are subject to availability. Dawson's Market reserves the right to make comparable substitutions when necessary.
If final menu selections are not received by the required deadline, Dawson's Market may make reasonable substitutions based on product availability and operational requirements.
SERVICE OPTIONS
B. DROP-OFF SERVICE
- Drop-off service includes delivery and setup of the ordered food and beverages.
- Quantities are prepared based on the final guaranteed attendance provided by the organizer.
- Once delivery and setup are complete, the order is considered fulfilled.
- Drop-off catering is intended for service within two (2) hours of the scheduled delivery time. Dawson's Market is not responsible for food quality, temperature maintenance, or food safety after delivery and setup have been completed.
- Additional food, beverages, disposables, condiments, or replenishment are not included in drop-off service but may be available for an additional charge and subject to product availability.
- Additional requests may be accommodated based on availability and may incur additional charges.
C. PICK-UP SERVICE
- Pick-up service may be available for select catering items, including items designated for pick-up such as pizza, subject to menu availability and operational capacity.
- Pick-up orders must be collected at the agreed-upon time.
- Dawson's Market is not responsible for food quality or temperature maintenance after pickup.
- Pick-up orders do not include delivery, setup, replenishment, or event support.
D. ATTENDED SERVICE
- Attended service includes Dawson's Market staff to monitor, replenish, and maintain buffet presentation during the contracted service period.
- Attendant fees apply as outlined on the menu.
- Replenishment is intended to maintain service quality for the contracted attendance and service period.
- Dawson's Market cannot guarantee additional food availability for attendance that exceeds the final guaranteed guest count.
E. ATTENDANCE & FOOD QUANTITIES
- Catering quantities are prepared based on the final guaranteed attendance provided by the organizer.
- The final guaranteed guest count is the maximum number of attendees for whom catering service is planned.
- Additional guests may not be added after the final guarantee deadline, even if food appears to remain available. Any overage is intentionally planned to support appropriate presentation and service throughout the contracted event period.
- Food, beverages, condiments, disposable products, and service items are intended for use by event participants during the contracted event.
- Organizers are encouraged to provide accurate attendance estimates to ensure sufficient quantities for all attendees.
F. ATTENDANT FEES
- Attendant fees are $75 per attendant for up to two (2) hours of service unless otherwise specified.
- Events with 50 or more guests may require one (1) attendant for every 50 attendees.
- Certain buffet stations, carving stations, bars, and specialty services require dedicated attendants as indicated on the menu.
G. MINIMUM ORDERS
- The minimum catering order is 10 guests or $100 in food and beverage purchases, whichever is greater.
- Orders below the minimum threshold may be subject to a $20 service fee.
H. FOOD, SUPPLIES & EVENT USE
- Catering products and supplies are prepared specifically for the contracted event and attendance.
- Distribution of food, beverages, condiments, disposable products, and accompaniments should be limited to event participants and event-related use.
- Buffet service is intended for consumption during the event. Organizers and attendees should not package food for later consumption unless specifically arranged in advance.
- For food safety reasons, Dawson's Market reserves the right to remove or discard perishable food items remaining after the contracted service period.
- Remaining food, beverages, or supplies should not be redistributed, donated, or removed without coordination with Dawson's Market staff.
- To-go containers are available only when requested in advance and included in the catering agreement.
- Plates, cups, utensils, and service ware provided for the event are intended for event use and should not be used as take-away containers.
I. CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
- Cancellations, reductions, or significant changes must be submitted at least three (3) business days prior to the event.
- Changes requested after the final guarantee deadline are subject to additional charges and product availability.
J. SERVICE CONCERNS
- Any concerns regarding food quality, service, or event setup should be communicated immediately to Dawson's Market and USG Business Office staff so corrective action can be taken whenever possible.
K. DIRECT CLIENT COMMUNICATION
- For buffet service, receptions, staffed events, and other complex catering functions, Dawson's Market may communicate directly with the event organizer regarding menu selections, attendance estimates, service requirements, dietary accommodations, and event logistics.
- Direct communication helps ensure accurate ordering, appropriate food quantities, and successful event execution.
- Event support staff may continue to assist with room reservations, setup, audiovisual needs, and other logistical requirements as determined by departmental procedures.
L. GENERAL INFORMATION
- Additional staffing, equipment, delivery, or specialty service charges may apply depending on event requirements.
- Dawson's Market reserves the right to modify service recommendations based on attendance, menu selections, venue requirements, and operational considerations.
- This policy is intended to support responsible stewardship of USG resources while providing exceptional service to the campus community.
- Dawson's Market and USG reserve the right to interpret and apply these policies as necessary to address circumstances not specifically covered herein.