Policies

Scheduling Your Event

We want every event to be a success, to this end we request you book your event at least seven (7) working days in advance of meetings requiring beverage services, baked goods, sandwiches, wraps, breakfast and luncheons. For larger events, the sooner you let us know, the sooner we can begin working on your event. Events and orders booked less than 72 hours in advance will be subject to a 20% late fee. For catering information call 785-670-2221.

Confirmation of final count

We expect a final confirmation of guest called in 72 business hours in advance of your event. We will set the final number of placesettings and prepare enough food to serve the final number of expected guest.

Billing

Prior to your event you should receive via e-mail a final confirmation of your number of guests, a description and cost of services and tax. Please review all the information including date, time, location, and a description of your order. Your billing will be based on this final confirmation with the exception of open ended billing items such as consumption of additional beverages.

Functions requesting sales tax exemption must provide necessary form and ID number prior to the event.

Services may be paid by a cashier check, a credit/debit card or by providing your Washburn University departmental account. Events not charged to a University account require a 50% deposit at booking and a final payment when invoiced for your event with a cashier check or credit/debit card.

Late Arrivals, Cancellations

In the event your group will be arriving later than scheduled, please notify the Catering Director as soon as possible. All cancellations of food service should be made no less than 48 hours prior to your event without a 50% of catering order charge. 

Meal Service

Chartwells in compliance with Kansas Health & safety rules and regulations requires that all food and beverage be purchased through Chartwells (with the exception of wedding cakes) and said items must be consumed in the scheduled event areas. All remaining products are the property of Chartwells dining and may not be removed from the event area. Buffet service is scheduled for ninety minutes with the maximum time being two hours of service.

Catering Wait Services

Served meals and buffets are assigned wait staff to assure a smooth flow of service and attention to your guest needs. We can arrange for additional wait staff billed at a rate of $25.00 per hour (Minimum of 3 hours) should you feel the need. 

Linen Service

Basic linen service will be provided for all catering events. Any specialty linens or colors must be requested in advance. If additional linen is needed for registration or skirted display tables, additional fees will apply. Linen for events with a minimal food and beverage order maybe subject to additional linen charges.

Disposable/China Service

China service is the standard for served meals in the Memorial Union. Disposable service is included at all other venues. China service is available outside the Memorial Union for an additional $4.00 per person. Events scheduled in the Bradbury Thompson Center are charged a China Fee of $1.25 per person.

Off-Site Catering

Our primary mission is to meet the dinning needs of the Washburn community, however we also provide catering off campus to both university and the community at large. For more information call 670-2221.

Alcohol Policy

Click here for the Washburn University Alcohol Request Form

Washburn Universities’ alcoholic beverage policy applies to all campus functions. Please contact the Catering Office for the required application and more detailed information. The request for alcohol must be made 20 days prior to the event. This is to allow sufficient time to obtain the necessary approvals and permits from the President’s office and the Alcohol Beverage Control Division. Washburn University has an alcohol beverage policy that applies to all events held on campus. Chartwells wants our guest to have a pleasant and safe event. We require food purchases to be 130% of liquor purchases.

Fees apply to both Cash and Host bars.

For bar service there is a charge of $125.00. This includes a bartender for a two hour minimum. Additional bartending charges will be assessed for additional hours over the minimum at a rate of $30 per hour. Cash and Hosted bars require set up and bartender charges. The host will be responsible for the difference in sales if the bar does not exceed $275.00. To order bar service please call the catering office 670-2221. *Chartwells reserves the right to cease service of liquor during an event.
Chartwells Dining Services
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621
785.670.2221