Effective July 1, 2025, approved caterers will no longer be charged a 3% administrative fee on the total price of catered events. Any catered events held before July 1, 2025 will still be subject to the 3% fee.
If you are looking to host an event or gathering on campus where food and/or beverages is offered and purchased with University funds, you must use either Palm & Pine Catering or a University-approved caterer.
Our list of approved caterers changes weekly. Please refer to this list when placing catering orders to ensure your specific caterer is currently listed. If you have specific question about a specific caterer, please email our office at catering@bsd.ufl.edu or call us at 352-392-0306. Thank you.
Contact
PalmandPineCatering.com
gatorcatering@compass-usa.com
352-392-3463
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If you are a small business interested in becoming an approved caterer or mobile food supplier but need assistance, please contact Business Services at (352) 392-0306 or email catering@bsd.ufl.edu.
FAQs for Catered Events
When do I need to use a UF approved caterer?
- All catered functions on Campus must use the University’s on-campus food service provider, an Approved Caterer or, under certain conditions as defined in sub-section d, a University department can self-cater an Event. Exceptions may be granted with prior written approval from the Director of Food and Beverage Services, Office of Business Services.
Why do I need to use a UF approved caterer?
- The University has a responsibility to manage the risks associated with all activities that take place on campus. Accordingly, the University has determined that the approved caterers meet standards for liability and other business insurance, business license, health department certification, and have had regular State Health inspections. It is anticipated that meeting these criteria will safeguard University students, faculty, staff, administration, and guests.
What if I want to use a caterer not on the approved list?
- Caterers may be added to the approved list after appropriate due diligence by Business Services. For more information on the process please contact (352) 392-0306.
Do I need to use a UF approved caterer if I’m only ordering pizza for my office?
How can I pay for catering expenses?
What is the University’s Beverage Contract?
- The University has a contract with PepsiCo for exclusive beverage pouring and representation rights on campus. The contract requires the University to only offer Pepsi products. The only other exceptions to this policy are milk products, freshly brewed coffee or tea and poured water (if offering in bottle form, it should be a Pepsi product). All University units and departments are required to abide by this contract when purchasing beverages through an approved caterer.
Will the University’s approved caterers know to comply with the University’s beverage contract?
- Yes. Part of their agreement is to accept and abide by the University’s Beverage Contract. The University asks for your support in notifying Business Services of any non-compliance by calling (352) 392-0306 or emailing catering@bsd.ufl.edu.
Will the University’s approved caterers know to comply with the University’s Sustainability Initiative and the use of compostable packaging?
- Yes. Part of their agreement is to accept and abide by the University’s sustainability initiative through the use of compostable packaging. The University asks for your support in notifying Business Services of any non-compliance by calling (352) 392-0306 or emailing catering@bsd.ufl.edu.
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How do I become a UF approved caterer?
FAQs for Mobile Food Vending Events
When do I need to use a UF approved mobile food vendor?
- Any function on campus where food and/or beverages are offered and purchased with University funds, and utilizing a mobile food vendor, must use a University of Florida approved mobile food vendor.
Why do I need to use a UF approved mobile food vendor?
- The University has a responsibility to manage the risks associated with all activities that take place on campus. Accordingly, the University has determined that the approved mobile food vendors must meet standards for liability and other business insurance, business licensing, health department certification, and regular State Health inspections. It is anticipated that meeting this criteria will safeguard University students, faculty, staff, administration, and guests.
What if I want to use a mobile food vendor not on the approved list?
- Mobile food vendors may be added to the approved list after appropriate due diligence by Business Services. For more information on the process, please contact 352.392.0306 or email catering@bsd.ufl.edu.
Can I bring a mobile food vendor to my event and have my guests pay for their own food?
- No, you may not have your guests pay for their own individual food purchases. You may bring a mobile food vendor to your event to supplement and support your event just like you would purchase catered food to support your event.
Is there a minimum fee required to bring a mobile food vendor to an event?
- Yes, most mobile food vendors require a minimum fee to cover their overhead and expenses in bringing their service to campus. Minimums vary from vendor to vendor. Please contact Matt Mueller from Business Services at 352.392.0306 or email catering@bsd.ufl.edu for minimum fee requirements for particular approved vendors.
What is the University's beverage contract?
- The University has a contract with PepsiCo for exclusive beverage pouring and representation rights on campus. The contract requires the University to only offer Pepsi products. The only other exception to this policy are milk products, freshly brewed coffee or tea, and poured water (if offering in a bottle form, it should be a Pepsi product). All University units and departments are required to abide by this contract when purchasing beverages through an approved caterer.
Will the University's approved mobile food vendors know to comply with the University's beverage contract?
- Yes. Part of their agreement is to accept and abide by the University’s Beverage Contract. The University asks for your support in notifying Business Services of any non-compliance by calling 352.392.0306.
Will the University's approved mobile food vendors know to comply with the University's sustainability initiative and the use of compostable packaging?
- Yes. Part of their agreement is to accept and abide by the University’s sustainability initiative through the use of compostable packaging. The University asks for your support in notifying Business Services of any non-compliance by calling 352.392.0306 or emailing catering@bsd.ufl.edu.
How do I become a UF approved mobile food vendor?
