UNC Catering

Administrative Department

Plan Your Event

Planning an event doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We're here to help you every step of the way. Here's how to get started!

Schedule Your Event

Before anything else, call UNC Conference & Event Services at 970-351-2558 or send an email to event.services@unco.edu to coordinate with one of our event planners. They’ll walk you through venue options, catering menus, and more.

Visit CaterTrax to view our menus and place your catering order.

The catering staff working hard to prep beautiful plates of food

Be Ready to Share These Details

To help us make your event a success, please have the following info ready when you call:

  • Name, date, and time of event
  • Estimated attendance
  • Location (and if you need a campus venue)
  • Type of event (e.g., wedding, lunch meeting)
  • Contact info for the organizer
  • Type of food/drinks (e.g., buffet, dessert reception)
  • Any special needs (e.g., A/V, stage)

A member of the catering staff smiles as she serves someone at the carving station

Catering Gallery

A pork dish sits in a chafing dish
An enticing spread of food sits on a table.
A salad, a garlic knot, and a sandwich sit on a tray
A beautiful salad is prepped and ready for service
Chocolate covered strawberries sit on a tray.

Event Guidelines and Timeline

Your Event Timeline: What to Know and When to Do It We want everything to go smoothly—here’s a helpful timeline of when we need certain details.

3+ weeks before

  • Menu selection (4 weeks for plated meals)
  • Dietary needs
  • Guest estimate
  • Linen needs
  • Special event form

2 weeks after booking

  • $500 deposit (non-refundable)
  • Plated events: seating chart + required form

10 business days before

  • Final guest count
  • Event timeline
  • Linen count
  • Updated event form

30 days after event invoice

  • Final payment due

Note: Food can only be out for two hours max due to health code.

Catering Services and Policies

What to Expect from UNC Catering

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a formal banquet, here’s what you need to know.

  • 25 guests or $350 minimum
  •  Multiple entrées? Each must meet the 25-person minimum
  • Hosting fewer than 25? Consider appetizers or campus dining options
  • Share special dietary needs when booking
  • Buffets typically have flexible options
  • Need a custom menu? Let us know 3 weeks in advance—our chef and dietitian can help!
  • No outside food or beverage allowed (except wedding/sheet cakes, wrapped candy, and approved alcohol)
  • Leftovers cannot be removed from the premises
  • Guests are not allowed in service/kitchen areas
  • Plasticware provided unless otherwise requested
  • China only available at University Center, Campus Commons, and Centennial Hall
  • Special linens/colors available by request (charges apply)

Liquor Service and Regulations

Serving Alcohol at Your Event? Here’s What You Need to Know

We are licensed and ready to responsibly serve alcohol at your event—here’s how it works.

  • Alcohol must be served by TIPS-trained bartenders
  • Alcohol cannot be served without food
  • Security is required at all alcohol events
  • Alcohol service must end by 10 p.m.
  • Beer/Wine/Soda Bar Setup – $125
  • Full Bar Setup – $150
  • Bartender – $25/hour
  • Hosted bar gratuity – 18% added

Cash Bars: Guests pay individually (tip jar provided)
Hosted Bars: You cover the cost; may include drink tickets
Service Limitations: Max 2 hrs hosted / 5 hrs total service
Note: UNC may shut down alcohol service if safety violations occur

  • Must be from licensed Colorado wholesalers
  • Requires a zero-cost invoice
  • Approval needed 45 days in advance
  • Delivery must occur 24 hours before the event

Additional Costs & Services

Understanding Event Fees & Optional Add-Ons.

Labor & Delivery Fees

Service  Fee
On-campus delivery (select buildings) Free
On-campus delivery (other locations) $25
Off-campus delivery $50 + $5/mile over 10 miles
UNC security $60/officer/hour
Extra staff $20/hour
Bartender $25/hour
Off-site chef $25/hour
Plating fee (off-site) $4/plate
Early/late set-up $100/hour or $20/labor hour