Catering Exemption Waiver

Use this form to request a catering exemption waiver when Bon Appétit cannot meet your event’s menu needs (including dietary or cultural requests). Bon Appétit will make every effort to accommodate you and may be able to provide cuisines not listed on standard menus.

Submit this form only after you receive your event Confirmation email in EMS and have spoken with Bon Appétit and confirmed they are unable to meet your needs.

Waivers are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis. If approved, you may use a university-approved external caterer, and the caterer must still receive University Procurement approval.
Primary Contact Name: *


Primary Contact Email: *


Event Name: *


Reservation Number:


Department or Group: *


Speedtype: *
Full Speedtype is required. (Example: ABC123456)


Event Start Date: *


Event Start Time *


Event End Date: *


Event End Time *


Number of Expected Attendees: *


Proposed Menu Requirements (Reasons for the waiver) *
Be as detailed as possible. Vague responses or responses with little information will not be approved.


Have you already contacted Bon Appetit Catering and confirmed they cannot meet your catering needs? *
They need to be contacted before the waiver is submitted.


You confirm that you have read and understood the Catering Waiver Process, Rules, and Fees. *
Upon approval of your application, here are the next steps:
  1. Vendor Approval
    1. You must contact Mary Luberger (mkl14@case.edu) as soon as possible. She must verify and keep on file the vendor's current food license, insurance, and other information. Your caterer cannot be on-site without this approval. A list of preferred caterers is below.
      1. Preferred Caterers List
  2. Logistics Meeting: We must meet to review your layout and ensure there is enough space for your caterer. 
    1. Exactly where the caterer will unload and prep. 
    2. Where the food will be placed and how students will be served.
    3. Identifying the specific outlets your caterer will use.
  3. Catering Responsibilities and Fees to be shared with your caterer.
    1. Self-Containment: External caterers must be fully self-contained. They are expected to clean up and remove all equipment, food materials, and trash promptly after the event.
    2. Cleaning Supplies & Liners: Caterers must bring their own trash liners and cleaning supplies (sprays, towels, etc.). TVUC/Bon Appétit supplies are not available for external use.
    3. Facility Restoration: The event space must be returned to its original condition. This includes immediate cleanup of any food or liquid spills, carpet stains, or debris in the service area.
    4. Trash Removal: Caterers are responsible for all trash generated by the event, including transporting it to the compactor. 
    5. Failure to restore the room to its original condition will result in additional cleaning fees. 
    6. You, as the organizer—not the external caterer—are ultimately responsible for the condition of the space. Any cleaning or restoration fees incurred due to spills, trash, or damages will be charged directly to your organization’s account.
  4. Equipment and Facility Guidelines to be shared with your caterer.
    1. The University provides access to electrical outlets (power) only. External caterers are responsible for bringing their own heating and cooling equipment, as well as potable water sufficient to satisfy all health code requirements.
    2.  All equipment in the TVUC catering area (including sinks, ovens, and refrigeration) is owned by Bon Appétit and is strictly unavailable for external use.
    3. TVUC requires that all tables used be appropriately draped. If your caterer does not provide draping, please coordinate table linens on your own with Bon Appétit or another provider.
  5. Alcohol Service
    1. Bon Appétit holds the facility's liquor license. If you wish to serve alcohol, you must arrange for Bon Appétit to serve it in conjunction with your external caterer and follow all university alcohol event guidelines.
  6. University Policies
    1. For more detailed information, please review the University Catering Policy.  
Please confirm that you and your caterer have agreed to the policies above and that you will reach out to Mary Luberger as soon as possible.