FAQs

Menu FAQs

Q) Are there any guidelines for selecting items from your menu?

A) Please see our extensive menus to make your selections. We would be happy to work with you and our Culinary Team to customize a menu to your specifications. We also accommodate special dietary needs such as Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian upon request. Our Culinary Team has also created many ethnic menus for special events.

Q) Can I bring in my own food in addition to ordering from Fresh Leaf Catering?

A) It is Fresh Leaf Catering's policy that for the protection of students, staff, and the public attending a meeting, meal, conference, or special event, all food will be provided by UMD Dining Service. Fresh Leaf Catering will be unable to assist any department or organization that wishes to use food items from other sources.

Q) Can leftover food be taken from the event?

A) Health Department regulations do not permit taking leftover food from any event. Any leftover food is the property of UMD Dining Services.

Q) We are planning on serving alcohol at our reception. Does Fresh Leaf Catering have the ability to serve alcohol & will there be any extra charges for that?

A) UMD Kirby Student Center does hold an alcohol license that allows Fresh Leaf Catering to serve alcohol at approved events. At the time you make your reservation with Kirby Student Center, they will inform you of the policies pertaining to serving alcohol at your event. 

Please see our alcohol policy for more information.

Equipment Rental FAQs

View our equipment rental page.

Q) Do you provide glasses, plates, and silverware or is there an extra cost for place settings?

A) Most of our menus come with eco disposable paper products and some of our buffets come with lightweight dishes. Please see individual menus for more information. Lightweight and china place settings are available for an extra fee on some menus.

Q) Does Fresh Leaf Catering provide the linens?

A) Most of our buffet lunches and dinners come with clothed and skirted buffet tables. Served luncheons and dinners also do include clothed guest tables. For breakfast and other events, tablecloths are available for rent.

Q) Does Fresh Leaf Catering provide centerpieces?

A) We have limited centerpiece items that you are welcome to work into your decorating theme for a fee. Items such as mirrored tiles, glass bowls, mason jars (provided the items are currently in stock). 

*Votive candles are available to you at $1.00 each

Reservation FAQs

Book Fresh Leaf Catering 

Q) When are guest counts due?

A) A two weeks notice on a luncheon, dinner, and reception information is required. Advanced notification of at least three weeks for any event of fifty or more guests is required. If a shorter notice is given we will do our best to accommodate you, but your menu selections may be limited, and additional service fees will be incurred. 

Q) What is the process to book a meeting or event space in Kirby Student Center?

A) To reserve a meeting space in the Kirby Student Center, please contact the Assistant Director for Events & Conferences at 218-726-7166 or [email protected]. Once the date and venue have been secured, a Facility Use Agreement will be drafted that outlines the details of the event, guidelines, and estimated costs. A copy of the guest’s Certificate of Liability Insurance and a down payment is required.

Q.) What is the process to book a meeting or event space outside of Kirby Student Center?

A) Contact Facilities Management Events office at 218-726-8865 or email them at [email protected].

Q). How many guests does each of your meeting spaces accommodate?

A) Kirby Student Center offers meeting spaces that accommodate 2 to 320 guests. Contact Kirby Student Center for more venue details. 

Wedding FAQs

Q) Are there any guidelines for selecting our menu?

A) Selections from our extensive menu for tiered wedding buffet dinners or our plated served meals are available for your wedding, along with many appetizer selections. We would be happy to work with you and our Culinary Team to customize a menu to your specifications. We also accommodate special dietary needs such as Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Vegetarian upon request. Contact Fresh Leaf Catering for menu planning and pricing.

 

Q) Can we select our own baker for the wedding cake?

A) Yes, provided that the cake comes from a certified, commercial kitchen. Our bakery can also work with you to provide an assortment of cupcakes or we can order in sheet cakes for you.

Q) Is there an extra fee for cake-cutting?

A) Yes, you will incur a fee of $1.00 per person for catering staff members to cut and serve your cake & we will provide disposable plates for your cake.

Q) Is there a deposit required when booking a wedding with Fresh Leaf Catering?

A) We do require a deposit/down payment of $1,000.00 at the time of booking to hold your date.

Be sure to review our wedding page for details about your special day! 

Payment FAQs

Q) What information do you need for payment for our catering order?

A) UMD departments would need to provide your UMD EFS String account number for billing. For external customers, we would need your mailing address for billing.

Q) Can we pay with a credit card?

A) Your invoiced billing from the University includes directions for paying online with a credit card.

Q) Are there any other hidden costs?

A) Depends on your event type. Please see Fees for meals and Alcohol Fees. A 10.625% sales tax will be added to invoiced billings. There are no gratuities accepted and other than the alcohol service fee mentioned above, your menu price includes everything else. (Any gratuities collected are put into a Dining/Fresh Leaf Catering scholarship fund for our wonderful student staff). 

**Be sure to check with Kirby Student Center Reservations on any other fees related to booking the facility.

 

Student Event FAQs

Where and when can I pick up my order?

Regular Business Hours of Operation Service:  (Monday - Friday, 7 am to 5 pm) *Pick up and return catering orders location will be in the Ballroom Kitchen, 320 KSC located in the hallway behind the Ballroom across from the dishroom. Please confirm pick up time when you place your order with us. *If items return time is after hours a plan will be made with ahead of time with catering staff.

What is included?

Paper products such as plates, napkins, cutlery, & serving utensils are provided with your order. All items are fully compostable.

How far in advance do I have to order?

Order deadline is 7 days prior to the event date. Please check with us for availability if past the 7-day minimum.

What if I need to change my order?

Final counts are due 72 business hours prior to your event pick-up time.

How do I pay for my Fresh Leaf Catering order?

You can pay with a check made out to UMD Dining Services before or at the time of pick up. You can also provide a mailing address (KSC if you have a mailbox there) for invoiced billing Or provide us with an EFS Account String.