Catering and Beverage Services

A lunch buffet of spreads, salads and finger foods, with people mingling in the background
White cupcakes with red sprinkles and the University of Lynchburg Hornet and Stinger L
Baked salmon on a plate with lemon slices
Two glasses of iced tea in front of an iced tea dispenser
A nice lunch spread of salad wraps, dips, and fresh veggies
A platter of appetizers next to several glasses with champagne
A selection of tacos
Several Caprese sandwiches
A salad in a white bowl
A specialty burger in a black paper disposable tray

Our award-winning University dining services and catering offices are pleased to provide diversified menus including vegan, vegetarian, and ethnic entrees, and can accommodate guests with food allergies. Whether you are planning a lunch buffet, outdoor picnic, or sit-down dinner, they have many choices suitable for any occasion.

University catering is the sole food and beverage provider at the University of Lynchburg and has the first right of refusal for all catering on campus. This policy helps promote safe food handling practices and protects the public. On rare occasions when University catering cannot meet the event’s food needs, food waivers may be permitted at the main Lynchburg campus. The waiver process ensures that all food served on campus complies with applicable local, state, and federal laws and that legal responsibility for the food is documented. Applicable liability insurance, food permits, etc. can take up to 30 days to complete. Therefore, contacting University Catering early in your planning process is important.

Catering Request Form
Planning guidelines

Room Reservations

University of Lynchburg students, faculty, and staff are to use the following steps only if a college account is being charged.

All other parties should contact the University of Lynchburg Dining Services at 434.544.8271.

The process of confirming space availability and the reservation of rooms is done electronically. Please review the current University Calendar to determine if the space requested is available. If the space is available, then proceed with your request by reserving the room electronically. If the space IS NOT available, please determine what alternative space is available before proceeding. If help is needed in determining an alternate location, please contact us.

To reserve a room electronically, complete the room reservation form online, including the desired room arrangement and any audio/visual needs.

If you are planning an event and ordering tables from media, please keep in mind that these tables are not automatically clothed unless a buffet or meal service is ordered. Please fill out a catering request form if tablecloths are needed for non-meal functions. This should be done two weeks in advance of when they are needed so they can be ordered. Applicable charges apply.

Catering

At least two weeks prior to the event, all event details and menu development must be finalized with the University of Lynchburg Dining Services.

Catering menus are available on this website.

The following information will be required to confirm service:

  • Location, date, and time of your event
  • Type of meal desired (buffet, served, reception, or delivery)
  • Estimated guest count
  • College account number to be charged

Last-minute catering requests are subject to available food and staff to service the event. Please make every effort to complete requests at least two weeks in advance.

An event confirmation will be sent to you outlining details of the arrangements you have made. Please review it and call us immediately if you would like to make any changes.

A guaranteed number of expected guests will be needed three working days (72 business hours) prior to the event. Once a guaranteed count is given, charges will be invoiced on the guaranteed numbers or the actual number of people served whichever is greater. If you have to cancel an event, you must give three business days’ notice or the group will be charged.

Dining Services reserves the right to move groups to a room more suitable if the anticipated attendance increases or decreases.

Catering policies

Exclusivity

University of Lynchburg Dining Services caters all food and beverages served at the University. Other individuals or catering firms may not bring food and beverages into the University of Lynchburg campus facilities.

Excess Food

Due to Virginia Department of Health regulations and College policy, no one is allowed to remove food or beverages that are not consumed from an event catered by the University of Lynchburg Dining Services.

Food must be coordinated through Dining Services and therefore, outside food is prohibited unless permission is granted in advance. Any leftover food provided by Dining Services will be removed by Dining Services and should not be taken from the room.

Decorations

You may wish to consider the addition of flowers, candles, centerpieces, and other special services to enhance the appearance of your special event. To ensure the aesthetic nature of the room for future guests, you are welcome to decorate your room using the following guidelines:

  • No decorations can be attached or placed on painted walls or pillars.
  • Decorations on other surfaces can only be attached using masking tape.
  • Plastic fishing lines may not be used to hang decorations from the ceiling.
  • No confetti, sparkles, or rice are permitted.
  • All decorations must be removed immediately following the event.
  • Consult Dining Services on the use of balloons in the Burton Student Center.
  • Fog machines are not permitted.

Vegetarian Meals

For served meals, we offer an alternate menu entrée if requested. Requests for alternate menu selections must be made at the time of event guarantee (72 hours prior). Vegetarian entrees are the same price as the selected entrée.

Cancellations

In the event of a cancellation, 72-hour notification is required prior to the event. If cancellations are made after this time period, any expenses incurred by dining services may be billed. In the event the University closes due to weather conditions, all scheduled catered events are canceled.

Services Provided

China, glassware (or plastic, depending on the event), silverware, and linens are included in the cost of your event. Linens are provided for food tables and tables for people to sit for meal functions; otherwise, these should be ordered separately. Paper products will be used for deliveries and pick-ups, and whenever services are agreeable to both the client and University of Lynchburg Dining Services. An extra charge will be applied to groups who require china outside of Burton Student Center (or Hall Ballroom for meal functions).