Catering Policy - Northern Michigan University

CATERING INFORMATION

General Information

Simply Superior Catering and Events is your link to Northern Michigan University resources. We offer the services, facilities and professional staff to meet the needs of groups up to 10,000. Our staff is dedicated to providing the highest level of hospitality and service to faculty, staff, students and guests of NMU. All events are catered by NMU Dining Services.

Reservations

Reservations for your event should be made as early as possible to enable us to best serve your group. Large events with over 250 people require a lead time of six weeks or more. Coffee services in the University Center require a 24 business hour notice and deliveries outside of the University Center require a 28 business hour notice.    Reservations can be made in office 1104 of the Don H. Bottum University Center or by calling (906) 227-6338 or (906) 227-2623. You may also direct inquiries to simplysuperior@nmu.edu or our fax, (906) 227-2518. Reservations made after 3pm will be considered the next business day.

Prices

Prices are subject to change without notice. Written price quotes are good for 90 days. Michigan State sales tax, delivery charges or special event charges are additional to all food and beverage prices quoted. There may also be additional charges for events requiring complex set-up, delivery, and/or service. If a banquet is being held and food is served, then the room fee is waived. No gratuity will be added to your catered event.

Deposits

Simply Superior Catering and Events requires a $250 deposit for both wedding receptions and class reunions. We ask that this deposit be paid at least 14 days after the reservation has been made.

Menu Selection

In order to assure availability, we request that you select your menu three to four weeks prior to your event.

Guaranteed Guest Counts

You must contact the Simply Superior Catering and Events office 72 business hours prior to your event with your final guaranteed guest count.

Changes to your count after 72 business hours cannot be guaranteed and may result in substitution of product. You will be charged for the actual number served or your guaranteed guest count, depending on which is greater.

ALL BUFFET MEALS REQUIRE A 20 GUEST MINIMUM.

Time, Set-Up, Other Changes and Cancellations

Change requests with less than five working days notice may not be possible to accommodate and may result in additional costs to the customer and/or substitution of product. We understand that changes, excluding guaranteed guest count, may sometimes be unavoidable but we will do everything possible to assist with the changes.

Cancellations require a seven working-day notice and will not result in any charges (exceptions will apply to specialty product). Cancellations received less than five working days prior to the event will result in charges for the time, product and labor incurred thus far. Events cancelled the day of will result in a full charge. The University Center remains open for business when NMU otherwise closes for inclement weather. Events booked for these days will not be affected by school closure.

Service Time

We will be ready to serve your meal at your requested time. In order to maintain food quality and sanitation standards; buffets, continentals, and breaks will not be up for longer than two hours. Please make every effort to begin your function on time.

Alcohol Policy

Simply Superior Catering and Events adheres to the State of Michigan Liquor License provisions and related policies established by the University.

ALL ALCOHOL MUST BE PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY.

Decorations

Linen table cloths, napkins, simple centerpieces and table skirting are included with served or buffet meals. When decorating on your own or using an outside decorator, please adhere to the following: No crepe paper, glitter, loose sequins, sparkle, rice or confetti and no open flame candles. All decorations must be removed immediately following the event and additional cleaning charges may be incurred for excessive circumstance.

Excess Food

Due to the State of Michigan Health Department regulations, food and/or beverages not consumed during an event catered by Simply Superior Catering and Events cannot be taken off the premises. Items purchased for customer pick-up are the property of the customer and cannot be returned for credit.

Billing

Simply Superior Catering and Events offers convenient billing options, including NMU departmental transfers and billing directly to an event or meeting planner. Forms of payment accepted are cash, check, credit card and departmental transfers. Please provide accurate billing information when booking an event. For charges to an NMU account, provide department name, account number, customer name and phone number. For a non-university account, please provide a full name, billing address, home and cell phone numbers and any other relevant contact information. Payment is expected upon receipt of your bill. If your organization is tax exempt please provide a completed Michigan Sales/Use Tax Certificate prior to your event.

Payments may be sent to:

Northern Michigan University
Financial Services
1401 Presque Isle
Marquette, MI 49855

Wedding Cakes

Simply Superior Catering and Events does not provide wedding cakes, however, the customer is welcome to bring in cakes from an outside vendor without a fee as long as the cake is being used for a wedding reception.

Audio/Visual Information

Simply Superior Catering and Events can make arrangements for use of audio and visual equipment with Northern Michigan University Audio Visual Services. We can also make arrangements for allowing customers and groups to bring in their own equipment.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Northern Michigan University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, familial status, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status in the employment or provision of services and provides, upon request, reasonable accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in all programs and activities.