Catering Guidelines

The success of you event is important to us! In order to offer you a professional and personalized event, we ask that you review the policies outline below. If we have left any questions unanswered, please feel free to contact our Catering Manager.

Quality, Convenience, and Service

Whether your function is a grand affair or an intimate gathering, casual or formal, Dakota State Catering will provide the finest service and food available. Dakota State Catering, a department of Campus Dining Services, delivers the excellence you expect from Dakota State University. Our years at Dakota State grant us the unique ability to understand your needs, making us the logical choice for your event. In short, no other caterer can match the total ease with which Dakota State Catering performs.

Our highly trained staff is qualified to assist you with every detail. In addition to a variety of cuisines, we also offer linens and can offer decorations to add that special touch to your function. In collaboration with you, we will customize the event to meet your specific needs. If you have any unique requests, simply let us know, and we will gladly accommodate them.

Room Reservations

To reserve a specific facility on DSU's Campus, please call (605) 256-5146. To reserve the Dakota Prairie Playhouse, please call (605) 256-5666. All food and beverages served on the Dakota State University Campus and the Dakota Prairie Playhouse must be provided by DSU Dining Services.

Food and Beverage

Arrangements for food and beverage service can be made by calling the Catering Manager at (605) 256-5237. Please have your University account number or other billing information available when you book your party.

Guarantee

An estimated guest count is required at the time services are scheduled. A final guaranteed count must be provided to the Catering Office at least three business days prior to the event. If a count is not provided, we will prepare and set tables for the highest count given at the time of booking. You will be billed for 95% of the guaranteed number or the actual guest count, whichever is higher. As we take pride in pre-planning every detail of your event, adding guests to your event after your guaranteed count has been received may result in necessary menu or service revisions. In the event that additional guests arrive, we will do everything possible to accommodate those extra guests.

Payment

Invoices will be issued within 10 days and are payable upon receipt. A 1.5% per month late payment penalty will be assessed on invoices 30 days past due. Sales tax will be added to each invoice unless we are provided with a copy of the tax exemption certificate prior to the event. The following payment types are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, cash or check made payable to ARAMARK.

Deposits

A 50% deposit of the estimated final bill is required at time of booking. This payment may be made either by cash or charged to a credit card.

Delivery

A minimum charge of $10.00 or 4% of total invoice, whichever is greater, will be added to invoices for services outside of Dakota State Campus and Dakota Prairie Playhouse.

Pricing:

All pricing is subject to change depending on special services and fluctuations in market price.

Cancellations

Should your event be cancelled, please notify the Catering Office as soon as possible. A $25.00 cancellation fee will be charged for meals cancelled within 3 business days of the event. In addition, your initial deposit will be retained to cover food and labor costs incurred by DSU Dining Services at the time of the cancellation.

Food Quantities

A well planned event is a successful event. To make sure your event is a successful one it is essential that you have an accurate guest count, and report it to the Catering Office three business days prior to your event. Credit for unused portions will not be given.

Perishable Food Policy

In adherence with local Health Department regulations, it is our strict policy to not give credit for and/or allow carry out of perishable food not consumed at your event. Any food removed from the location of the event without the permission of the Catering Department becomes the responsibility of the event holder. Once items are removed from the event, Catering possesses no responsibility or liability for the quality or safety of these items.

Serviceware

As part of our service, equipment is provided with your order at no additional charge. However, if items are not left in the area serviced, you will be billed for the cost of the replacement.

Late Order Availability

In order to ensure the quality of your event, the Catering Office must have sufficient time to procure food and service personnel. Sufficient notification is defined as at least five business days for meals and at least two business days for refreshment setups. Events booked without sufficient notification may be subject to limited menu and service availability. Orders that are placed for same or next day are subject to an additional $25.00 rush fee.

Linen and China Rental

Linen will be provided for all tables used for food and beverage service and buffet/served meal seating. Should the need arise for linen on other tables, these can be provided at an additional charge:

Tablecloths - $3.00/each

Napkins - $.40/each

Skirting - $10.00/each

China and glassware are included in the current pricing of all meals, unless otherwise stated. If additional china or glassware is needed, it can be provided at an additional $0.40/piece.

Replacement charges may apply to damaged or lost items.

Special Menu Requests

Dakota Sate Catering is a full-service caterer. Should you require a customized menu, please let us know. Our Chef and the Catering Staff will assist you with the arrangements. Please allow a minimum of two weeks to ensure the availability of any special requests. All special requests will be charged accordingly.

Dietary Considerations

Adjustments to menus can be made to accommodate special dietary needs. Please let the Catering Manager know if this will be necessary when you are booking your party.

Specialty Decorations

We take pride in ensuring all of our events are professional. We will be happy to provide decorations for food service tables. Any additional decorations or special requests, such as themes and related items, requested specialty linens, fresh flowers, ice carvings, etc., will be charged accordingly.

Ready to Place Your Order?

Please call our Catering Office at (605) 256-5237, and we will be happy to serve you!