Catering Policy FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated – March 6, 2023
Purpose
To document questions and answers about the Bothell Dining policy.
Background
- UW Bothell entered into a dining services agreement with the developer of our new Residential Village. In turn, the developer hired Aramark to provide dining and catering services for the UW Bothell campus. Catering services will be provided by Bothell Dining, which is operated by Aramark.
- The agreement requires UW Bothell to utilize Bothell Dining for all catering services unless a catered event meets one of the exceptions to the catering policy.
30-Day Notice
Is the 30-day notice something that Bothell Dining requires or UW Bothell?
The 30-day notice is established to provide enough time for Bothell Dining to review the exception request and provide a response to the economic terms associated with an alternative catering vendor. Once this process is initiated, Bothell Dining will then have up to five (5) days to respond if they can meet the same economic terms as the alternative vendor, or if they cannot meet the same economic terms.
If we have less than six weeks’ notice for an event is it an automatic exception and then can we use a different catering company?
There is no automatic exception. If your event is less than six weeks out Bothell Dining must be utilized for the catered event.
Bothell Dining is asking us for six weeks of notice to get exception, but how long can we expect to get an answer from Bothell Dining?
The required turnaround time for a response from Bothell Dining once the exception request process is initiated is within five (5) days.Generally, response turnaround times may be quicker than this.
Alcohol Purchases
Do I need to purchase alcohol through Bothell Dining? If so, what is the process for this and would they carry a caterer’s alcohol permit so that a separate permit isn’t needed for this?
Yes. Per the agreement, Bothell Dining has exclusive rights to provide alcohol for University approved events, locations, and catering on campus, and will comply with all regulations imposed by the University and State Liquor Control Board. Bothell Dining will procure and keep in effect all necessary permits and licenses required for its performance under the agreement.
Budgets
Does this policy pertain to ALL forms of payment (other than student fees or residential life programming funds)?
Yes. This is the agreement for all food purchases $250 and greater and served on UW property, and includes food purchased with discretionary funds, personal funds and funds received from entities external to UW.
Comparison Process
Who decides if the food that can be prepared is comparable?
Per the agreement, all food purchases $250 and greater and served on UW property, must be purchased from Bothell Dining. Any questions about prices, food quality, etc. should be pursued directly with Bothell Dining.
Will the price be within per diem limits?
Bothell Dining is aware of the UW meal per diem limits of $19 breakfast, $22 lunch, and $38 dinner for Fiscal Year 2023.
When the dining pavilion is open can Bothell Dining offer a tasting (price point variety) to a small group of event planners on campus?
It is standard practice for both the dining pavilion culinary staff and catering staff to present their menus and offerings via an open-house tasting day. These events are meant to take place every quarter or at request, depending on the circumstances or needs of the campus.
Exceptions/Approvals
What is the waiver approval process and how would I initiate this?
Initiate the process on the Bothell Dining website.
What if I requested a waiver exception and was turned down by Bothell Dining?
Per the agreement, UW Bothell and Bothell Dining have agreed that the process will be based on the total economic value of the catered event. Therefore, in order to initiate the process, one must first provide Bothell Dining with the economic terms associated with an alternative catering vendor. Once the process is initiated, Bothell Dining will then have five (5) days to respond if they can meet the same economic terms as the alternative vendor, or if they cannot meet the same economic terms. A waiver exception will only be granted if Bothell Dining elects not to meet the economic terms, or if they do not respond to the initial request within five (5) days. Any further escalation may involve the project operations advisory committee (Operations Committee) and Vice Chancellor engagement.
Other
My understanding is Bothell Dining won’t be able to provide food until the cafeteria is open?
Contact Bothell Dining. They will let you know what they can provide before the cafeteria is open.
What about external entities that rent space on UW property? An example is external summer camps. Will they need to go to Bothell Dining first?
Yes. (You may also check in with Kelley Dunn, Campus Events Coordinator, about external entity rentals.)