Getting Started

Guidelines & Details
The key to a successful event is good planning, and we are here to help you. Follow the steps below and we will work together to make sure all of the details are handled.

Call Us
The Catering Office is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We are closed on selected SDSU holidays. The minimum notice for a catered event is five business days, but we recommend that you reserve your event as soon as possible to guarantee the menu and service you want. Call us at (619) 594- 7641.

Service Levels

Pick Up Service - Client will come to SDSU Catering Office located at East Commons and pick up their order. There is no fee for this service. Disposable plateware available for an additional fee.
Delivery Only Service - Our catering department will drop off your order to any campus location. The standard “delivery only” fee is $25 (large events call for quote). Disposable plateware available for an additional fee.
“Party to Go” - SDSU Catering will bring the party to you, set up the food and then return to pick up after the event has concluded for a $45 fee. The standard fee includes covering the tops of tables with linen and placing the food. For an additional fee you can upgrade your party (full table coverage, guest linens, florals, rentals, guest table set-up). Ask for details when placing your order. Note: larger deliveries are subject to additional fees.
Full Service -
- Buffet/Reception: Our friendly staff will set-up your buffet or reception, provide and place linens on guest tables (linens are based on guest count and include standard linens only) and stay to maintain your event. This is available for all menus, but is required for all hot food service and events with china service. Service fees are $2.75 per guest. Events with china plate service are an additional $2 per guest. Additional services (tray passed hors d’oeuvres, table side wine service, etc) are available; please inquire when placing your order.
- Seated Events: Our professionally trained staff will set and serve your special occasion. China plate service includes: standard guest table linens, linen napkins, salad, dinner and dessert plates, water glass and flatware. Additional glassware, florals, rentals, or entertainment may be added upon request. Additional fees may apply. Service fee start at $6.50 per guest.

Payment Methods
A deposit or purchase order (with your signed contract) is necessary to confirm your event. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Aztec Credit Cards. Campus entities and organizations should plan to use an SDSU Foundation account number or state purchase order number for confirmation.

Locations Include:

KPBS
Athletics
Love Library
Hardy Tower
Viejas Arena
Peterson Gym
Calpulli Center
Gateway Center
Manchester Hall
Arts and Letters
Extended Studies

Don Powell Theater
Faculty Staff Center
Tony Gwynn Stadium
East Commons Dining Room
Aztec Center Meeting Rooms
Student Services East and West
Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center

Unused Food
For health reasons, all uneaten protein-based foods (meat, foul, fish, cheese, etc.) remain the property of SDSU Catering and cannot be given to your guests at the end of your event.

Sales Tax
Any event recognized as a SDSU student activity is not subject to sales tax. All other entities seeking tax-exempt status should be prepared to provide appropriate documentation.

Alcohol Policy
Due to the highly restrictive state policies for alcohol service on college campuses, all catering clients must adhere to SDSU guidelines. Student organizations must have written permission from the SDSU Student-Faculty Activities Board to order alcohol for an on campus event. Faculty and staff groups should check with their individual departments for additional alcohol policies. A copy of the San Diego State University Alcohol Policy is provided with your event agreement. Bartenders and/or security personnel are available at an additional charge. Any alcohol served on campus must be arranged for through the SDSU Catering department. The storage, service or selling of alcohol by any office, group or organization at SDSU is prohibited. Please visit our website to learn more at www.eatatsdsu.com.

Guarantee and Cancellations
Shortly after you place your order, we will email or fax you a copy of your event contract for review, changes and signature. Please sign and return your contract. Events are not listed on our calendar and labeled “confirmed” until we receive a signed contract. Secure payment as soon as possible to avoid last minute purchase order requests and complications.

To assure adequate food and staff, a minimum guarantee of attendance must be received by 12:00 p.m. five business days before your event. This is the minimum number of guests for which you will be charged. Once guaranteed, the attendance cannot be reduced. If you do not provide a guaranteed attendance, you will be charged for the attendance estimated in your contract. Should the actual number of guests exceed the guarantee, you will be billed for the actual number of guests in attendance to your event.

Cancellations for SDSU functions made three business days in advance will receive a refund (Note: some specialty rentals and menu items, if cancelled, may incur fees). Events cancelled with less than three days notice may be responsible for payment in full.

Important Information
Find all the important information you need for your event.