The individual or department initiating the event booking (hereinafter referred to as the "Booking Party") will be considered solely responsible for all communication, payment, and coordination with our office. If the event is being organized on behalf of another department or entity, the Booking Party remains accountable for ensuring all requirements are met. This includes payment, guest counts, and adherence to deadlines.
Payment Responsibility: All invoices and payment arrangements must be handled by the Booking Party. Payments from a secondary department or entity will not be accepted unless explicitly arranged and agreed upon in writing prior to the event.
Communication: Any changes, cancellations, or updates to the event must come directly from the Booking Party. No exceptions will be made for requests or modifications submitted by third parties.
Space Bookings
We do not manage arrangements for seating, indoor, or outdoor spaces. Each host must work with the appropriate CSUMB department to book space for their event. For outdoor events requiring tents, the hosting party must arrange for proper setup, including securing fire extinguishers and ensuring all tents are CA Fire Marshal approved.
Casual Catering
This discounted, no-frills catering service is ideal for smaller, informal gatherings. Casual Catering includes compostable disposable dishware. Casual Catering does not include linens, drop-off, setup, or clean-up services. Any requested drop-off service will incur an additional $25 delivery fee and will be limited to a 5-mile radius. Delivery order must be at minimum $150.
Order Minimum: No minimum required for pick-up orders. Minimum order of $150 (not including taxes and fees) required for delivery.
Order Timeline: Please place your order at least 5 business days in advance to ensure proper preparation. A 20% service fee will be added for events booked within 4 business days.
Guest Count Deadline: A final count of expected guests is due 3 business days prior to the event. Adjustments made within 3 days will be subject to a 20% service fee. No adjustments will be accepted within 24 hours of the event.
Packaging and Pickup: Menus are priced for pickup at University Center (Building 29). Delivery within a five-mile radius of campus is available for a $25 fee. All items are packaged in disposable containers, with recyclable and compostable options provided when possible.
Cleanup: Groups are responsible for cleanup and trash removal.
Sanitation and Safety: Please consume all hot and cold foods within a four-hour window for optimal safety.
Groups Over 100: For groups larger than 100, please contact the catering department to discuss logistics, as additional tables for setup may be needed.
Menu Modifications & Adjustments: Custom menu requests or adjustments may be subject to additional/Market pricing. Should the request involve ingredients not provided by our delivery vendors, additional fees may apply. 14-day notice is required for thoughtful menu planning and ingredient sourcing.
Full-Service Catering
Our regular catering service includes a variety of service types, each designed to meet the needs of your event.
Buffet
Includes all food, drop-off, set-up, clean-up, pick-up, serving line tablecloths, buffet service ware, and compostable disposable dishware (unless China is requested).
It is recommended that buffet service includes servers to ensure portion control for event guests. Servers will be billed at a fee of $50 plus 15% of the catering food order for 2 hours of service. Hosts may elect to remove servers for their event.
Plated Meals
Includes all food, drop-off, set-up, clean-up, pick-up, and China. Service attendants will provide full-plated service during the event.
Service Guidelines for Full-Service Catering
Order Minimum: A minimum order of $150 (not including taxes and fees) is required for full-service catering.
Order Timeline: Please place your order at least 10 business days in advance to ensure proper preparation. A 20% service fee will be added for events booked within 9 business days.
Guest Count Deadline: A final count of expected guests is due 3 business days prior to the event. Adjustments made within 3 days will be subject to a 20% service fee. No adjustments will be accepted within 24 hours of the event.
Delivery: Self-serve buffets, full-service buffets, and plated meals will be delivered within a 5-mile radius at no additional charge. Deliveries beyond 5 miles may incur additional fees.
Sanitation and Safety: Please consume all hot and cold foods within a four-hour window for optimal safety.
Groups Over 100: For groups larger than 100, please contact the catering department to discuss logistics, as additional tables for setup may be needed.
Menu Modifications & Adjustments: Custom menu requests or adjustments may be subject to additional/Market pricing. Should the request involve ingredients not provided by our delivery vendors, additional fees may apply. 14-day notice is required for thoughtful menu planning and ingredient sourcing.
Financial Policies
Billing & Payment
Minimum Order Policy
A minimum order of $150 is required for all catering services. Groups with orders below this amount will be charged the $150 minimum. Applicable taxes will be added on top of this amount.
Enhanced Pricing Approval
Any changes to prices outlined in these policies or during the planning process will be communicated to the client for explicit approval before being applied. No price adjustments will be made without prior consent.
Card On File
We require a credit/debit card to be on file for all catering events. If there is a remaining balance, we will charge the card on file.
Non-University Organizations
Organizations not directly funded or associated with the university will be required to make full payment in advance of their event. A 50% deposit is due 30 days ahead of the event, with the balance due 10 business days before the event.
University Organizations
Payment must be made within 30 days after the event.
Late Payments
If payment is not made by the 30th day after the event, a $50 late payment fee will be applied.
Payment Methods
Credit Card and Checks are accepted.
Tax Exempt
The sale of food and beverages is subject to a 9.25% local and state tax. If you have tax exemption status, please provide your tax-exempt forms to our office no later than 3 business days prior to your event. Submissions after the invoice has been raised cannot be accepted.
Cancellation Policy
We kindly ask for at least five (5) business days’ notice for cancellations to avoid any charges. In the event of unforeseen cancellations:
Cancellations within three (3) business days of the event will incur a 100% charge unless rescheduled to a date within 48 hours of the original event date.
Exceptions may be made for force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, public emergencies) at the discretion of the catering office. Written documentation may be required to process cancellations under this clause.
Refunds for cancellations due to force majeure or rescheduling will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Services
Food Trucks
Food truck requests require a minimum notice period of 30 days to ensure vendor availability and compliance with safety standards.
To ensure enough food for all attendees, Food Trucks require a guaranteed count of expected guests. Booking party must provide a guaranteed count of expected guests no later than 15 business days prior to the event. A quote will be provided with the minimum sales requirement. Hosting party is responsible for paying the difference should actual sales be below the sales requirement. Food trucks do not guarantee service for all members should the group exceed the guaranteed count of expected guests.
Minimum Sales Requirement: Food trucks are subject to a minimum sales requirement of $1,700 per truck. Booking party will be responsible for covering the difference of minimal sales amount or the guaranteed guest count quote, whichever is greater, if the minimum is not met.
Administrative fee: $250 per truck, which is billed directly to the booking party.
Waste Management: Otter Kitchens will manage vendor compliance, including securing necessary documentation to meet food safety standards. Food trucks must comply with waste management requirements, and the hosting department is responsible for ensuring proper disposal of waste generated by the trucks.
Bartender Fees
Standard Bartender Fee: $400 service fee for up to 4 hours (does not include alcohol consumption costs).
Bartenders will provide full bar service, including setup, breakdown, and enforcement of alcohol service rules. Service will not begin before 4:00 PM on weekdays during academic terms.
Gratuity is included in the rates, and additional tipping is neither required nor accepted.
Otter Express Bar Service: For events hosted in the Otter Express during its business hours and wishing to use the bar, hosts are welcome to hold a tab for their group or have their group members pay individually. Please note that the Otter Express bar space is open to the public, and that this will not be a dedicated bar service nor will the Otter Express bar and seating space be exclusively reserved for any group. If you would like dedicated bar service or would like to prepay for service, this option is available for a discounted bartender service fee of $250.
Wine & Beer Standard Menu: A standard wine and beer menu is available upon request. Please confirm your selections at least 10 business days before your event.
Corkage Fees: Donated wine corkage fee: $10.00 per bottle. Non-donated wine corkage fee: $20.00 per bottle.
Serviceware and China
Compostable Dishware: Provided with all orders to accommodate the guaranteed guest count, unless otherwise specified for your service type.
China and Glassware: Available for an additional fee of $10.00 per person. Events held within the University Center (Building 29) will receive a discounted fee of $5.00 per person for China and glassware rentals.
Lost/Damaged Items: Any lost, damaged, or stolen display dishes, serviceware, or China may incur additional fees to be charged to the host.
We do not loan or rent out our catering equipment, display dishes, or serviceware.
Special Service Additions: We offer special service additions, such as popcorn machines, snow cone machines, and carving stations. The equipment for these special services may only be operated by a catering attendant and is not available to be loaned or rented to any host.
Linen
Complimentary Tablecloths: Provided for all food and beverage service tables.
Additional tablecloths for non-food tables are available for $10.99 each.
Specialty Linens: Can be arranged at market price. For best selection and availability, please provide requests at least 10 business days in advance.
Special Considerations
Special Dietary Needs
Your guests’ dietary preferences are important to us. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at least 5 business days prior to your event. Our culinary team will work diligently to accommodate these needs. Exceptions for severe allergies or religious dietary restrictions may be made with advance notice. A 5% upcharge per affected person may apply due to cost variations.
Thank you for choosing Carved & Crafted. We look forward to serving you!
Quick Guides
Event/Service Deadline/Date Casual Catering Order Deadline At least 5 business days in advance Casual Catering Guest Count Deadline 3 business days prior to the event Full-Service Catering Order Deadline At least 10 business days in advance Full-Service Catering Guest Count Deadline 3 business days prior to the event Custom Menus Notice 14 days in advance Non-University Organization Deposit 30 days ahead of the event Non-University Organization Balance Due 10 business days before the event University Organization Payment Due 30 days after the event Tax Exemption Forms Submission 3 business days prior to the event Cancellation Notice At least 5 business days in advance Force Majeure Cancellations Within 3 business days of the event Food Truck Booking Notice 30 days in advance Food Truck Guest Count Deadline 15 business days prior to the event Wine & Beer Selection Deadline 10 business days before the event Specialty Linen Request Deadline At least 10 business days in advance Special Dietary Needs Notice 5 business days prior to the event
Fee/Charge Description Cost/Charge Casual Catering Delivery Fee $25 Casual Catering Service Fee (late orders) 20% service fee Minimum Order Policy $150 minimum Full-Service Catering Service Fee (late orders) 20% service fee Buffet Server Fee $50 + 15% service fee Food Truck Minimum Sales Requirement $1,700 per truck Food Truck Administrative Fee $250 per truck Bartender Fee (Standard) $400 (up to 4 hours) Bartender Fee (Otter Express Discounted) $250 Donated Wine Corkage Fee $10 per bottle Non-Donated Wine Corkage Fee $20 per bottle China and Glassware Rental Fee $10 per person China and Glassware Discounted Fee (Building 29) $5 per person Additional Tablecloths for Non-Food Tables $10.99 each Specialty Linens (Market Price) Varies (Market Price) Late Payment Fee (30+ days) $50 Additional Late Payment Fee (per day) $5 per additional day Special Dietary Needs Upcharge 5% per person Lost/Damaged Items Charges Varies (based on items)
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