BUSINESS HOURS
Administrative Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
We pride ourselves in being able to meet everyone's catering needs. The following information will help guide you through the process of organizing your special catered events.
Requests for Catering Services
We encourage everyone to start the scheduling process at least three (3) weeks prior to the catered event. All locations must be reserved by the Conference Services Department or through the EMS system. When reserving your space, please allow additional time for catering to prepare prior to and after your event. After reserving your space, please submit the online pre-event form located at . The submission of a pre-event form does not guarantee that we will be able to provide catering for your event. In the event that we are unable to assist with your event, you will be notified within 48-72 business hours. If you are scheduling an event less than five (5) business days prior to the event, you must contact Catering to confirm availability at catering@messiah.edu.
To ensure the accuracy of your special event, Catering will provide you with a Banquet Event Order (BEO) 7-10 business days prior to your event. Upon receiving the BEO, please review the document carefully for accuracy as this is our detailed contract with you. If changes or corrections are needed, please contact Two Bridges Catering at least 72 hours prior to your event. Changes made within 72 business hours may be subject to additional charges.
As each catering event is planned with your personal touch, the pricing of the event will be specific to your desires and needs. Generally, charges for catered meals and buffets are on a per-person basis, while receptions and breaks are charged on consumption or per item. Pricing is subject to change if the market warrants. However, once the BEO contract has been delivered, the pricing is guaranteed.
Specific Catering Policies
Catered events which are funded using Messiah University departmental accounts are required to use Two Bridges Catering. The only time an off-premise caterer may be approved is in the event that Two Bridges Catering is unable to accommodate your event. A catering waiver form with complete details about your event must be submitted at least 15 days prior to your event. Submitting a catering waiver request does not guarantee that it will be approved. Approval is on a case by case basis. The catering waiver form can be found at:
To ensure the safety of our guests, food and beverage items remaining at the completion of the catered event will be removed from the service area, as they are the property of Messiah University. In certain instances and with the approval of Two Bridges Catering, remaining food items that are not temperature sensitive may be offered to the customer or guests.
Guest Count and Guarantee
A final guest count guarantee is the number of guests you plan to have attending your catered event. We ask that you provide this guaranteed number to Two Bridges Catering at least 72 business hours prior to your event. That count should include any special dietary needs, if necessary. If we do not receive a guaranteed number within 72 business hours, your estimated count stated on the BEO will be used for the final guest count. Any changes made to your count within 72 business hours may be subject to additional charges.
Service and Wait Staff
The majority of our catered events will be served by our talented and dedicated Messiah University Catering staff and students. If additional service staff is required to assist our staff, this will be discussed with you during the planning of your event.
- Minimum time and charge for an attended service using Messiah University student catering staff is 2 hours at $10.00 per hour.
- Minimum time and charge for an attended service using outside service staff is 4 hours at $20.00 per hour.
Delivered Events – not monitored by Two Bridges Catering
Two Bridges Catering is not responsible for unattended catering events. Once set up is complete, the customer is responsible for monitoring the event. If additional items are needed once the event begins, Two Bridges Catering will, if available, supply the additional items. These items will be added to your final BEO. A delivery charge of $15 may also apply.
Special Dietary Requests
Our Chefs are happy to prepare and honor your special dietary requests including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Sodium, as well as any allergen dietary request. To best serve you, we require that you notify Two Bridges Catering of these requests at least 72 business hours prior to your event.
Service Pieces
Based on the guaranteed count, each catered event will be specifically designed and set with the appropriate service ware pieces. The service pieces provided are the property of Two Bridges Catering and should not be removed from the event venue.
Cancellations
If you must cancel your event, please notify Two Bridges Catering at least 72 business hours prior to your scheduled event. If the cancellation of your event occurs within 72 business hours, a charge for any unrecoverable costs may be applied. There will not be a charge for a cancellation due to severe weather.
Billing
Minimum Order Amount Requirement – The minimum order for Messiah departmental accounts is $25. The minimum for non-Messiah staff and other outside business is $50. If your order does not meet this minimum amount, the difference will be added to your final bill.
Services not billed to a Messiah departmental account must be prepaid 72 business hours prior to your event. Non-Messiah University sponsored events are also subject to a Pennsylvania State Sales Tax. We require that Non-Profit Organizations provide Two Bridges Catering with a copy of their tax exempt status prior to the event to ensure the waiver of the 6% Pennsylvania State Sales Tax.