Catering

a chef infront of a food catering station

Gourmet Dining is the exclusive catering partner of Montclair State University, bringing fresh, elevated dining to campus events of every kind.

From casual meetings and breakfast gatherings to elegant receptions and large-scale celebrations, our culinary team creates customized menus using fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Every menu is thoughtfully designed with diverse flavors, dietary accommodations, and beautiful presentation in mind.

Whether you're hosting 12 guests or 1,200, our experienced chefs and event professionals are here to make the planning process simple and the experience seamless. With flexible menu options, personalized service, and attention to every detail, we'll help bring your vision to life.

Explore the catering options below to find the menu and service that's right for your event and start planning with Gourmet Dining.
 

E-Cater Websites

Catering Options

Place An Order On E-Cater

Before placing your order, please review the information below for campus catering guidelines, ordering requirements, and the process for requesting a catering exception when applicable.

To view up to date menus, please visit either link above based on which campus you event is being held at.

Before placing your catering order through E-Cater, please ensure that your event space has been reserved through the Engage platform.

If your student organization is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) recognized by the Student Government Association (SGA) and you plan to use SGA funding for catering, you must complete the funding request process and receive written approval from SGA before submitting your catering order.

All catering orders must be submitted at least **five business days** before your event. Please place your order through the E-Cater site for the campus where your event will be held.

Rules for Serving Food On Campus
Gourmet Dining is Montclair State University's exclusive catering provider and must be used for food service at events that are open to the public or the campus community.

To support student organizations, Gourmet offers a variety of budget-friendly options, including discounted pricing for pickup orders and specially designed menus for student organization events.

If you are considering using an outside caterer, please review the information in the section below. It outlines the university's catering policy, the requirements for requesting a waiver, and the process for working with Catering and Dining Services to determine eligibility.
 

All catering orders must be submitted at least **five business days** before your event. Please place your order through the E-Cater site for the campus where your event will be held.

A University Purchase Order (PO) is required before catering services can be provided for events on the Montclair or Bloomfield campuses. Purchase Orders for catering are processed exclusively through the E-Cater Punch-Out Catalog in Workday.

For step-by-step instructions on creating a Purchase Order through Workday, please refer to the Catering Punch-Out Job Aid.

Rules for Serving Food On Campus
Gourmet Dining is Montclair State University's exclusive catering provider and must be used for food service at events that are open to the public or the campus community.

If you are considering using an outside caterer, please review the information in the section below. It outlines the university's catering policy, the requirements for requesting a waiver, and the process for working with Catering and Dining Services to determine eligibility.

Catering Exemptions & Food Wavier Requests

While Gourmet Dining Catering is Montclair State University's approved catering provider, certain sanctioned groups may qualify for an exception to the Food Policy by submitting a request through our Food Waiver Form.

Dining Services reviews the Food Waiver form to ensure groups follow current food safety guidelines, provide the required documentation for outside caterers or restaurants, and comply with Montclair State University policies for on-campus food events. Food waivers are available to Montclair State University student groups at no cost, provided all required documentation is submitted before the event.

To request a Food Waiver, please review the sections below and proceed through the Food Waiver Request Form here.

Outside food is any food or beverage prepared, packaged, or transported to campus by anyone other than Montclair State University's dining provider, Gourmet Dining, LLC. Individuals may always bring food for their own personal consumption.

Outside food for group events is permitted only in the following situations:

* Bake sales
* Potlucks
* Cultural or religious events

Please review the individual drop downs for more information on each category

These events must comply with the University's Food Policy and any applicable approval requirements.
 

Bake Sales are defined as a fundraising event hosted by a University-sanctioned student organization where baked goods or other approved food items are sold. Bake sales must comply with University food safety requirements and any applicable approval or waiver processes.

Food and bake sales are permitted only in designated campus locations. Approval is determined by the department or building manager responsible for each building, and not all buildings allow food or bake sales.

Currently, food and bake sales are permitted to certain locations which are outline in the Food Waiver form.

 

A potluck is an event where members of a registered student organization prepare food off campus and share it with one another.

Potlucks are limited to registered student organization members only and may have a maximum of 25 participants. Outside guests are not permitted. Because homemade food is prepared outside of regulated food service facilities, potlucks are discouraged and should be limited to small, informal gatherings among members with shared interests.

*According to SGA policy, Potluck events are not applicable to SGA organizations. If you are part of the SGA, please do not submit any event under this category. 

Cultural, Religious or Club events are events where food is an essential part of a cultural or religious tradition and requires specialized preparation or accommodations that cannot be provided by Gourmet Dining Catering. In these circumstances, registered student organizations may request approval to bring in outside food in accordance with the University's Food Policy.

Please keep in mind that submitting under this category requires you contact University Catering PRIOR to filling out the Food Waiver form, you will need to submit your request through Gourmet Dining's on-campus catering at msucatering@montclair.edu. If the Catering Department cannot fulfill your request and provides you with the proper documentation, only then can an Food Waiver Form be submitted under this category. 

*Using an outside caterer or restaurant means will you will also need to provide a copy of their operator's license, health department certificate and liability insurance that shows Montclair State University, the State of NJ and NJ Educational Facilities Authority as additional insureds. More information about these required documents and examples of each can be found in the Food Waiver Form.