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 requires confirmation at least one week prior to catered events. Once arrangements and details have been confirmed for your event, please submit your final guaranteed guest count no later than three working 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.

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Delivery and Pick Up

Panther Catering offers complimentary delivery for all orders over $1000. Orders under $1000 will incur a $20 delivery fee. Orders under $250 will incur a small order fee of $20 in addition to 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, you will be assessed a $50 convenience fee to account for any applicable labor.

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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 for a minimum of 4 hours. We recommend one attendant per every 35 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 prior to the event day. Sales tax will be added to all non-University sponsored events unless we receive a 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.

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Cancellations

Cancellations will be accepted up to two business days prior to the event. Should the client cancel within two days of the catered event they will be responsible for the full invoice price.

 

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, we are able to service through our third-party vendor.

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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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Our policies can be viewed on Page 4 of our Catering Menu