Catering
HGSE and Rebecca's Cafe
If you request support from Catering while filling out the Event Request Form, your event coordinator will connect you with a representative from Rebecca’s Café.
HGSE partners with Rebecca’s Café & Catering as our preferred single source catering provider for campus events. The single source model helps ensure consistent service, reliable food quality, competitive pricing, and a smooth event experience for our community.
Once your request for an order is placed, a Rebecca's Café representative will be in contact within 48 business hours. All catering orders and adjustments should be placed by 12 p.m., 5 days prior to your event. Additional notice is necessary for events with large headcounts or special requirements.
The Single-Source Catering Model Explained
Applies to:
- Events hosted in designated HGSE event spaces, including the Gutman Conference Center, Eliot Lyman, Library Gallery Area, Garden Room, Askwith Hall, and campus outdoor spaces
- Events serving alcohol
- Catered “drop-off” events hosted in public HGSE spaces, including classrooms and conference rooms
Allows For:
- Consistent service and food quality across campus events
- Competitive pricing through consolidated event volume
- Improved campus security by limiting vendor access to approved providers
- Appropriate liability coverage for events where alcohol is served
- More sustainable and environmentally conscious catering options
- Participation in community sustainability initiatives, including the HGSE Green Team Cup program
Exceptions:
While we strongly encourage the use of Rebecca’s Café & Catering for campus events, there may be exceptions when outside food is allowed. The following exceptions apply:
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought into public HGSE spaces for events when the total value of the food is under $100 for the day
- Private offices and private conference rooms may accommodate outside food and non-alcoholic beverages for internal gatherings and activities
- Rebecca’s Café & Catering remains the exclusive catering provider for designated HGSE event spaces
If you plan to bring outside food under one of the approved exceptions, please indicate this within EMS/Event Request details so the appropriate setup arrangements can be coordinated.
Self Catering:
While we encourage all food on campus to be procured through the single-source catering model, since program participation benefits our community, we understand that there are times when you may need to bring food to campus from another source.
- It is acceptable to bring food onto campus in support of events in HGSE classrooms and meeting rooms if the total retail value of the product is less than $100 all day.
- It is not acceptable to bring food onto campus in support of events into event spaces.
- It is acceptable to bring food into private offices or private conference rooms in support of private activities.
- Due to food safety and liability concerns, “pot-lucks” are not allowed to be held in event spaces, meeting spaces, or classrooms.
- Alcohol cannot be provided by anyone aside from the single-source caterer.
- Please consider the environment. A compostable "Green" setup can be provided through our single-source caterer at a per-person cost to help support your event.
If your event food and beverage falls within the self-catering policy, it is the group’s responsibility to clean up the space and properly dispose of all trash from the event. Do not leave a mess for the following group. Should you need assistance disposing of bulky items, please contact the Event Operations Team.