Policies

At Your Service…

Panther Catering has an exceptionally experienced staff that is dedicated to your every catering request. We can customize any menu idea to meet your needs and budget. Our full service catering is available with a variety of service styles to include receptions, buffets and plated meals. All events are artistically prepared, beautifully presented and served with a gracious attention to detail.

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Ordering, Guarantees, and Contracts

Once you have reserved your event date and secured the venue on campus, please contact the Panther Catering office at 305-348-0168 or panthercater@fiu.edu. Panther Catering will confirm your online order within two business days of online ordering. Once arrangements and details have been confirmed for your event, please submit your final guaranteed guest count no later than one week prior to the event date. Guest count increases can be accommodated up to three business days prior to the event date. Panther Catering will bill the client on the guaranteed number of guests. After creating your online CaterTrax profile you will be able to track your orders and make changes online. The contracts will provide you with all pertinent information about the event to include the date and time of the event, time of service, menu, service fees, delivery fees, and any special item orders or additional charges. The client is responsible for reviewing pertinent information and communicating changes if needed.

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Delivery and Pick Up

All Panther Catering orders will incur a $20 delivery fee. Orders under $250 will incur a small order fee of $50 in addition to the $20 delivery. Please read through your contract carefully to ensure the delivery and pick up times listed capture the needs and timing of your event. If your event runs over the stated pick-up time, beginning at 15 minutes, you will be assessed a $50 convenience fee and additional labor fees based on overages of 4 hour labor increments.

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Staffing

Should your events require staffing, such as bartenders and wait staff, you will be charged accordingly at a minimum of $120 per attendant, $140 per bartender and $150 per chef attendant for a minimum of 4 hours. We recommend one attendant per every 25 guests. Panther Catering staff does not have access to areas and rooms that are locked, and it is crucial that the venue is unlocked prior to the set-up time.

 

Payment

The University requires all catering functions to have a purchase order prior to your event. FIU orders may be paid through Foundation, Controllers or University Pro-Card. You will receive a formal invoice after the event has taken place. If your event is not an FIU sponsored event, we require a 50% deposit to confirm the booking and full payment by credit card one week prior to the event day with a guaranteed guest count. Sales tax will be added to all non-University sponsored events unless we receive a Florida tax-exempt certificate prior to the event. Please note, some departments are allocated food credit at the start of the FIU fiscal year. Should you wish to use these for your event, you will need to notify our office before services are rendered. Food credits communicated after your event will not be honored.

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Catering Equipment

All equipment provided for catered events is guaranteed to be in good working order, and free of any damages. All equipment is property of Panther Catering, and any damages or missing equipment shall be the financial responsibility of the event host and appropriate charges for repair or replacement will be billed accordingly.

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Food Removal Policy

Due to health regulations, leftovers cannot be removed from any catered events. In accordance with food safety standards, any food that exceeds the 4 hour sitting time limit will be discarded. If guests are still expected to eat after 4 hours, a fresh delivery of food must be accounted for.

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Cancellations

Cancellations will be accepted up to four business days prior to the event. Should the client cancel within four days of the catered event they will be responsible for 50% of the invoice price. If the client cancels within two days of the catered event, the full invoice price will be charged.

 

Service Ware and Rentals

All catered events include high grade plastic disposables. Additional service ware, such as China service and ecofriendly disposables, are available for an additional fee. Please note, Panther Catering does not supply tables, chairs, or specialty linen. Should you need any of those items, please let Panther Catering know and a quote can be issued for additional goods based on event needs. Additionally, Panther Catering offers themed décor, floral arrangements, and other decorative elements upon request. Should you wish to add these items to your event, please contact us, and we will provide recommendations and pricing based on your vision.

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Alcohol Service

Panther Catering is licensed and prepared to serve alcohol for your event. Our staff has been trained on safe alcohol handling to ensure your guests and event are safe. Bartending staff will be added at a fee of $140 per bartender for a minimum of 4 hours. Panther Catering's liquor license does not allow for the sale of alcohol without food present. All alcohol purchases must include food items. Please contact our office directly at 305-348-0168 or panthercater@fiu.edu for specific information regarding bar information and options

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