Catering & Bar Services
Instructions for Catering & Bar Services
Important to note:
Per Regents Policy 5402, all full-service catering performed on-campus must be performed by UC San Diego Catering. In the event UC San Diego Catering cannot perform the services, you must receive approval from Labor Relations before hiring an outside catering company to perform service.
To request Labor Relations review and approval, please complete and submit the Rationale for Contracting Covered Services form. Should you have any questions, please contact Labor Relations directly.
Instructions:
- Visit UC San Diego Catering to review your on-campus, full-service catering options. If UC San Diego Catering is unable to service your request, they will provide you a Declined Service form. Complete the Rationale for Contracting Covered Services form and submit the completed form to Labor Relations.
- If you are ordering food to be dropped off (without any service/labor) or if you plan to pick up the food, you do not need to complete the Rationale for Contracting Covered Services form or receive approval from Labor Relations.
- Obtain a quote from your desired caterer. Browse our list of Agreement Caterers below.
- Complete the request form in Concur (login required).
- Once the event is completed, complete the expense form in Concur using the final invoice to process payment.
On-campus, full-service catering services not provided by UC San Diego Catering are now processed through Concur and will be invoiced and paid directly in Concur. All other food orders for events can be processed using your Travel & Entertainment Card and reconciled through Concur.
Please review guidelines when alcohol is served at a UC San Diego event or meeting.
List of agreement suppliers offering discounts to UC San Diego
View vendors for other Event Services.
Note: Before you select a caterer/ bar service provider, check with venue/ meeting room coordinator to find out if they will allow you to contract with an outside caterer/ bar service provider at the location selected. Some restrictions may apply. For on-campus events, you can save with UC San Diego Catering or Dining Delivers.
Catering FAQ
What is the new outsourcing policy? Where can I find the policy?
The University of California is committed to maintaining a strong in-house workforce and supporting living wages and benefits for employees. To reinforce this commitment, the UC Board of Regents approved Regents Policy 5402 in the fall of 2019, which generally prohibits contracting for ‘Covered Services’.
‘Covered Services’ is work customarily performed by bargaining unit employees at the University including but not necessarily limited to the following services: cleaning, custodial, janitorial, or housekeeping services; food services; laundry services; grounds keeping; building maintenance (excluding skilled crafts); transportation and parking services; security services, billing and coding services, sterile processing, hospital or nursing assistant services, and medical imaging or other medical technician services.
In response to this new policy, all full-service catering funded by UC San Diego and held on the UCSD campus is required to use UC San Diego Catering or HDH Dining Delivers. If for some reason UC San Diego Catering or HDH Dining Delivers is unable to perform the services, they will provide the campus client an official ‘Catering Services Declined’ form. Upon receipt, the campus client must complete the ‘Rationale for Contracting Covered Services’ form and submit to Labor Relations for approval. Once approved, the campus client must attach the completed rationale form to the Concur request.
Read the Regents Policy 5402.
What is the process for getting an exception to policy, in other words, how can I hire an outside caterer?
You’d first go to UC San Diego Catering or HDH Dining Delivers and see if they could provide service for your event. Read more information about them.
If they could not service your event, they would provide you a form stating such. You’d then:
- Complete the Rationale for Contracting Covered Services form.
- Submit to UCSD Labor Relations for review and approval.
- If approved, obtain quote from a UCSD agreement caterer.
- Non-UCSD affiliated caterers are required to pay the equivalent of UC wages and benefits to employees providing services to UC. Requestor is required to notify caterer of the requirement to pay the Parity Rates listed. (will be provided on the HDH Declined Services Form)
- Submit completed Rational for Contracting Covered Services form with the Catering Request in Concur.
What is full-service catering? Does it include a caterer dropping off chafers and platters of food and then leaves, and returns later to pick up the equipment?
Full-service catering refers to any time a caterer is on-campus performing any type of services, including but not limited to, setting up, tearing down, serving food, preparing food.
If an outside caterer quotes our event for less than UC San Diego Catering, which do we go with?
Per policy, if UC San Diego can provide the service, regardless of cost, they must be used. However, there is unlikely to be significant price savings (if there are even any savings at all). Per the new policy, outside caterers are required to provide parity wages to their employees for all services performed on UCSD property. This means staff members of outside caterers must be compensated at a rate equal to, or more than, a UCSD employee with the same title including benefits.
Under the new policy, can we still use on-campus providers such as Faculty Club, Croutons, or other on-campus restaurants?
Yes, departments can still use on-campus providers at their on-campus locations. You do not need an exception to policy for using these on-campus providers.
If our event is at SIO or Birch Aquarium, can we use any caterer off of their exclusive list?
You will be required to use UC San Diego Catering. If they cannot service your event, you will need to use one of the caterers off of the venues’ exclusive list.
All Vendors
If you are looking for a specific type of cuisine or service, please type it into the search bar.
Examples: Drinks, Dessert, Event Planning, Mexican Food, Italian, etc.
Supplier Name | Price Point | Description/Cuisine | Discount | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
Banyan Catering | $, $$, $$$, | Variety - Asian, American, Continental, Italian, French, Thai | 5-10% with repeat clients | tess.brown@banyancatering.com 619-546-0650 |
Behind the Scenes Catering | $, $$, $$$ | Full Service Catering and Bar Services. Variety of cuisine selections including: Continental, French, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Greek, Spanish, Mexican, German, American BBQ, Pacific Rim, Asian Fusion. |
Up to 10% | john@btscenes.com 858-638-1400 |
Bekker's Catering | $, $$, $$$ | Any type of cuisine. | Varies by Events and Services | info@bekkerscatering.com 619-287-9027 |
Bella Beverage Catering & Events | $, $$, $$$ | Drinks - Beverage Caterer, Full Liquor bars, Beer and Wine Bars, Non-Alcoholic Bars, Beverage Station Offerings: Standard Coffee Service, Premium Coffee Service, Infused Water Station | 8% Off Service charge | blake@bellabeveragecatering.com 619-987-8207 |
Bella Vista | $, $$, $$$ | Italian, French, Spanish, Mexican, Mediterranean | 5% off for repeat customers | Luiza Bento luiza@bellavistacaffe.com |
Brothers Signature Catering & Events | $, $$, $$$ | Variety - American, Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian, French, Asian, Greek, Other fusions available | Discounts available based on event size. | Order@brotherssce.com 858-397-1777 |
Café Athena's Catering | $$ | Greek and Eastern Mediterranean. Service style is buffet | 5% on Food, Bev, Equipment | manager@cafeathena.com 858-274-1145 |
Coast Catering | $$$ | Variety - American, Mexican, Indian, Italian, Cajun, Thai, Greek, Lebanese, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Southwest, Moroccan, Mediterranean, French, Spanish | 10% on all rental items | Barry@coastcatering.com 760-212-7780 |
Come On In! | $, $$ | Euro Bistro Style Café and Catering featuring Healthy Salads, Pastas, Panini and more. With variety of Catering Breakfast and Lunch Packages delivered right to your event. Full Service Catering also available with knowledgeable and experienced staff that will customize your menu to meet budget or venue style. Bar, Butler, Chef and Rental services also available. | 5% on Food | carmencomeonin@gmail.com |
Creative Catering & Events | $, $$, $$$ | Full service catering specializing in a variety of cuisines, Continental, American, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Greek, Mediterranean, Asian and Thai | 5% off per person rates | nadia@sdcreativecatering.com 858-750-2365 |
Croutons | $ | Salads (Tossed/made to order); Sandwiches (hot and cold); Soups (homemade on-site); Desserts & Beverages | $10 food card with every $100 (minimum) | jwatts@croutonsinc.com 858-336-3955
|
Crown Point Catering | $, $$, $$$ | Full service catering providing an emphasis on local sourced produce and custom menus | Case by case consideration | kim@crownpointcatering.com 619-223-1211 |
Culinary Concepts | $, $$, $$$ | Local and sustainable ingredients that our region has to offer | No Dicounts | kathyk@cateringspecialist.com 858-530-1885 |
Dining Delivers | $, $$ | Delivery and pickup options for all types of gatherings. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, boxed meals, light breakfasts appetizer platters, pizza, dessert and beverages. | No sales tax for recharge clients. No service charge or gratuity. |
858-534-4859 |
Feast on This | $$, $$$ | Event Planning - Boutique style catering and event production company serving all of Southern California. We can customize all menus so no type of cuisine or service style is off limits | 10% | matthew@feasttonthis.com 858-597-0740 |
Firehouse Subs | $ | Sandwiches - Serving high quality meats and cheeses on subs | 5-10% | michele.baker@firehousesubs.com 619-987-1701 |
Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine Catering | $, $$, $$$ | Full Service Catering, Event Planning and Casual Dining/ Delivery Services available. We feature fresh seasonal ingredients, inventive presentation and a wide variety of cuisines. Fully licensed and Insured Bar Services and Offsite Venue Rentals also available. | 10% Discount (on food only) Monday-Friday. Certain Restrictions Apply. |
Matt Flinders 858-581-2205 |
Hornblower Cruises & Events | $, $$, $$$ | Event Planning - Variety of menu options at various price points on our seven luxury yachts and one land based venue, The Abbey on Fifth. Menu styles vary from hors d'oeuvres, food stations, buffet, seated dinners, and more; | Contact Sales Manager for details | 619-725-8816 619-725-8835 |
Ki's Kitchen | $, $$ | Hispanic, Italian, American, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Sandwiches, Coffee, Tea, Juices, Full or partial bartending | 5% on orders over $500; Orders under $500 are negotiated on a case by case basis | Janet Holcomb info@kisschoollunches.com |
Kitchens for Good | $, $$, $$$ | Professional staff works with you to create an amazing event filled with delicious food that your guests will never forget; Full-service catering that supports local resources | Based on size and type of event | events@kitchensforgood.org 619-450-4040 |
Paella Valenciana | $, $$ | Authentic Spanish Style Paella experience; Savory saffron infused rice is customized with various seafood, meat & vegetables (vegan); All Gluten Free | No Discounts | info@paellavalenciana.com 858-672-2243 |
Personal Touch Dining | $, $$, $$$ | Event Planning - We are a full service catering company and can provide everything from drop off style to gala's. We also can make arrangement for bar service, rentals and decorations | Based on the size and type of event | info@personaltouchdining.com 858-638-0672 |
Piatti Restaurant | $$ | Italian cuisine with a Tuscany & Mediterranean flare | No Discounts | kcrancer@piatti.com 858-454-1589 |
Picnic People | $, $$, $$$ | Traditional BBQ style favorites and slow smoked meats like tender beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken and more; Also creates custom menus | Free Lawn Games | Lisa Richards lisar@picnicpeoplesandiego.com 858-536-1717 |
Porkyland | $, $$ | Mexican Authentic Grill | 8% | porkycatering@gmail.com 619-952-7468 |
Snake Oil Cocktail Company | $, $$, $$$ | Drinks - Beverage catering services; From simple beer & wine to highly customized mixology experiences |
10% |
events@snakeoilcocktail.com 858-754-9173 |
Supannee House of Thai | $ | Thai-Casual and Authentic; Specialize in catered party trays of curries, stir fry's, noodle, and rice dishes; Salad and appetizer options available as well | 5% | supannee@sdthai.com 619-723-9439 |
Terra American Bistro | $$$ | Variety - Regional American, South American, Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Israeli, Persian | 10% Off Full service; No Delivery | events@terracatering.com 619-993-1437 |
The French Gourmet | $, $$, $$$ | Full service food & bar catering, Modern American Continental, French with California Flair and Value. Express Catering Solutions for simple get together. | Based on Group Size | catering@thefrenchgourmet.com |
The Jennhouse Catering & Events | $, $$ | Event Planning - Baja Style Taco Bar, Southern Soul Food, Mediterranean Falafel Bar and California Seasonal; We also take suggestions | 15% + 5% for Instagram tag | thejennhouse@gmail.com |
UC San Diego Catering | $$, $$$, $$$$ | UC San Diego’s premier caterer and campus partner serving venues at UC San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Full service offering a variety of cuisines and service styles. | No sales tax for recharge clients. | catering@ucsd.edu 858-534-3688 |
Urban Solace Catering | $$, $$$ | Modern American Food and selection of boutique wines, hand made cocktails and craft specializing in a high-end, eco-friendly dining experience | 5% | kristenv@urbansolacecatering.com 858-264-5780 |
Viva Pops | $ | Dessert - Frozen Fruit and Dairy Popsicles | 5% - 20% Dependent on quantity | lisa@ilovevivapops.com 619-795-1080 |
Waters Catering | $, $$, $$$ | Variety – Full service catering, Mediterranean, Asian, French, California, Nordic, Drinks & Desserts, Latin Cuisine | No Discounts | 619-276-8803 |
Which Wich La Jolla UTC | $ | Over 51 customizable sandwiches including vegetarian options; Chips; Cookies; Beverages and shakes | 10%; 10% with ID in store | utc@whichwich.net 858-824-9424 619-318-4270 |
Which Wich Sorrento Valley | $ | Sandwiches, Salads, Wraps, Desserts | Free Lawn Games | sorrentovalley@whichwich.net 858-558-8434 |
Wild Thyme | $, $$, $$$ | We create “borderless cuisine” without global boundaries. Our chefs use the finest & freshest ingredients combined with years of culinary expertise to produce beautifully handcrafted cuisine... and we have fun doing it! | No Discounts |
info@thewildthymecompany.com |
Yummy Cupcakes | $ | Dessert - Bakery specializing in fresh baked cakes, cupcakes, parfaits, push pops, gluten free, vegan and sugar free options as well | 5% |
Renato@yummycupcakes.com |
Zanzibar Café | $, $$, $$$ | Full service catering department specializing in fresh local fare. Hand crafted sandwiches, fresh garden salads, wraps, raw seafood bar, hearty pasta dishes, continental breakfasts | 10% |
catering@zanzibarcafe.com |