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Procurement and Business Services

Small Catering Engagements

Small catering services are events that cost less than $1,000.00 to the University.

While Clemson maintains a contract with Aramark to provide catering on campus, this allows other businesses/restaurants to provide small catering services to the University. If you are interested in being added to our approved catering list, please follow the detailed instructions below.



How to become a supplier/caterer

If you are a business/restaurant interested in providing catering services to Clemson University, you must be registered and approved to do business with the University.

1. Accept the terms and conditions in the catering contract

To begin the process of becoming an approved business/restaurant you must agree and accept the terms and conditions that are listed in the Initial Catering Contract with Clemson University for On-Campus or University Facilities (PDF).

Complete the form in its entirety, sign it and follow the next step to submit your business/restaurant for consideration as an approved supplier/caterer.

2. Submit the Initial Catering Contract and supplemental materials for review

Email the following materials to contracts@clemson.edu with the subject line “Small Catering Engagements.”

Required materials

  • Completed contract.
  • Certificate of insurance.
  • Business logo.
  • Catering menu.
  • Brief description of the cuisines you offer.

3. Receive Registration (if you are not already registered to do business with Clemson)

Once your contract has been reviewed and approved, you will be sent an invitation to register from support@sciquest.com to the email provided on the contract. You must have a valid email address for us to send you an invitation to register. Invitations to register are specific to your business. Please do not forward the email once it has been sent to the primary business email address.

4. Complete Registration (if necessary)

Follow the steps in the registration invitation you received via email to complete your registration.

5. Become an approved caterer for the University

Once you complete your registration, it may take 5-7 business days to get you approved and added to our site as an approved caterer for the campus to view.

Feel free to email contracts@clemson.edu with any questions you have regarding the Clemson University Contract.

Guests serving themselves from chafing dishes

How to contract with local businesses for small catering engagements

The services offered under this umbrella are specifically for main campus events that are under $1,000 in value. No alcohol may be ordered or received using this agreement.

View the Clemson University list of approved caterers and contract information.

  • Only approved caterers may deliver on campus.
  • When you request catering services from one of the approved caterers, you must coordinate with them to ensure details for your event are confirmed and you are responsible for paying invoices ASAP after the event is complete.
  • If the catering event is being held on the main campus, you are required to use Aramark or an approved small catering engagement caterer, regardless of your funding source (Foundation, state funds, self-generated, etc.)
  • If the catering event is $1,000 or more, you must utilize Aramark unless Aramark has provided a written exception to utilize a different caterer.
  • The only approved exceptions to this guidance to use Aramark or approved small catering engagement caterers are:
    • CUAD team meals/snacks (although approved caterers should be used when possible or separate contracts put in place on a case-by-case basis);
    • Catering not taking place on the main campus (i.e. Innovation Campuses, REC, etc.) – these areas are responsible for coordinating their own catering contracts;
    • Catering at Camp Hope and Garrison Arena should always use their contracted caterer.
  • To access the University's list of approved caterers for placing catering orders, you will need to enter your University credentials.