Procedures for Using Approved Caterers

Non-exclusive Catering is available on the UWF Pensacola main campus. Members of the university community may select the caterer of their choice from an Approved Caterer list or may use Aramark's Classic Fare Catering services. The Office of Business and Auxiliary Services is responsible for maintaining the records of approved caterers. Approved Caterers must apply in order to provide catering services on the UWF Pensacola Campus.

Definition of Catering at UWF

Catering is defined as the provision of food service by a commercial operation, which includes the activities of set-up, serving, and removal of food service. Catering is defined by the services performed, not by the type(s) of food provided.

Related Notes:

1) For internal events such as office parties, departmental birthday parties, and other similar functions, food may be prepared by individuals and brought from home.

2) Outside parties who hold events on campus must use an Approved Caterer or Approved Food Provider.

3) Catering does not include “to go” orders that are picked up from local businesses.

The University’s Dining Services Contractor, Aramark, is available to provide catering services. However, Approved Caterers may be used if they have registered with Office of Business and Auxiliary Services and meet the following requirements:

Requirements

Any business or individual providing catering services on the UWF main campus must meet the requirements identified in the University's Catering Policy FIN-07.02-12/16, some of which are listed below.

• A current State of Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants license
• A current State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco license
• Certificate(s) of Insurance naming the University of West Florida as the insured.

• All employees of the caterer must comply with Health Department regulations and possess all required health certificates.
• All employees of the caterer must comply with any applicable university food safety policies and University alcohol regulation policy (UWF/REG-5.017 Alcoholic Beverages on Campus Property; SA-33.02-08/13 Alcohol Marketing Guidelines). If alcohol is to be served, the caterer must be the provider and must be licensed to do so for the location at which the event is to be held. Approved caterers may not serve alcohol in the University Commons/Conference Center, Building 22.  
• Caterers must submit a completed Caterer Registration Form.
• Caterers must register as a vendor through UWF Procurement & Contracts by completing the Vendor Registration.

General Information

All areas of the University are open to Approved Caterers including the University Commons/Conference Center, Building 22; however, facilities, which are operated and maintained by Aramark, may not be used by outside caterers. This includes all kitchens and catering/prep kitchen. Additionally, approved (outside) Caterers may not serve alcohol in the University Commons/Conference Center, Building 22.

The University's current dining services provider, Aramark, is considered an Approved Caterer per contract between Aramark and the University/BEI. 

The firm also agrees to comply with the University's exclusive beverage contract. Coca-Cola currently has the exclusive right to provide Coca-Cola beverage products for campus catering events.

Does your business have a contract that UWF needs to sign? Not all businesses will have a contract. However, if your business/franchise has a contract that UWF needs to sign in order to conduct business with you, please attach it along with your other documents on the Caterer Registration Form. Be advised that approval of your business as a UWF Approved Caterer or Food Provider will be suspended until the contract has been negotiated, edited and signed by both entities.

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Non-exclusive Catering Contact: Stephanie Shaw, Business and Auxiliary Services, 850.474.3012