Washington University hosts hundreds of events, large and small, on campus annually. Some venues require the use of specific preferred vendors; others allow for the utilization of external caterers. Before selecting a food service provider or caterer, we suggest you review the University’s Catering and Alcohol Guidelines, along with any guidelines specific to the venue (which may differ across the university). When working to plan your menu, you can use the Caterer Questionaire to guide your questions and requests.
Exclusive Caterers
Sodexo is the main vendor contracted on Washington University campuses through Dining Services. They are the exclusive caterer in Premier WashU venues and are encouraged in standard spaces. Their catering services can be utilized for any other type of event or event venue across campus. They are well-equipped, experienced and willing to work with event planners that are organizing “green” and “zero waste” events.
Flik is another vendor contracted by Washington University, which operates out of Olin Business school spaces, as well as the Knight Center.
All of the exclusive caterers and food service providers are able to provide accommodations for green events upon request. Be sure to start the conversation early to ensure accommodations. It is important that your needs are understood and that you understand any additional expenses that may be incurred.
External Vendors
On many occasions, event planners prefer to hire a caterer or order food from an area restaurant to bring the many tastes and flavors of St. Louis onto campus. To encourage the selection of environmentally preferable caterers, the Office of Sustainability maintains a list of businesses that are able to meet or exceed basic requirements for sustainable events. Professional and student event planners may use this list as a starting place when determining which caterer may be a good fit for their event.
Caterers and restaurants are invited to submit an application for consideration to be included in this list. Those who submit will be contacted for a screening to verify their offerings. All those who meet or exceed basic requirements will be listed.
- View the caterer list (for event planners)
- Submit an application to be included on the list (for restaurants, caterers, and food service providers).
If vendors are reported to not follow the pledge, they will receive one warning. A second infraction will result in removal from the list. Once removed from the list, vendors cannot reapply for 6 months; they may not be added in the future on a case-by-case basis. Are you confused by which products to purchase? Contact the Office of Sustainability to check products before purchase or to receive vendor recommendations at sustainability@wustl.edu.