General Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Menus
Enclosed you will find menus to help in planning your next
meeting, staff luncheon or catered affair. Our staff would be
happy to assist you in customizing a menu to meet your specific
needs and answer any questions.
In order to best serve you, we ask that you give us at least seven
(7) days notice on all catering. We may not be able to honor
orders received with less than seven days notice. All items and
pricing are subject to change.
Where do I begin?
Please begin by contacting SFSU Conference Services and
reserving your room at (415) 405-4427 or email then peruse our
menu and decide what services you’d like to offer your guests.
We’d be happy to draft a Catering Service Order for your review.
Once you’ve made all pertinent decisions and are satisfied with
the menu and services listed on your Catering Service Order,
we will add the contract language and ask you to return a signed
copy to us for final confirmation. If anything changes up to three
(3) working days prior to your event, please let us know and
we’ll adjust your billing. If you have to cancel your event, you
must let us know no later than 72 hours prior to your event.
How do I arrange for audio/visual equipment?
Your Conference Services representative can help you with any
room equipment you may need. Call them at (415) 405-4427 or
email to meetings@sfsu.edu
Room Reservations for Catered Events
Rooms in the Seven Hills Conference Center or Towers
Conference Center can be reserved through the University
Office of Conference Services at (415) 338-3972 or email
meetings@sfsu.edu.
Attendance Guarantee
Your designated representative must give a final attendance
count no less than three (3) business days prior to the event. If
changes are received too late, your final invoice will reflect the
last confirmed number of guests, or the actual count, whichever
is higher.
Confirmation/Billing
A signed service agreement must be received by the Chartwells
Catering at least five (5) business days prior to an event. Your
signed agreement is our confirmation your event will take
place and our services will be rendered. Chartwells requires
all non-affiliated clients (clients that cannot be billed via
interdepartmental transfer) to send a 50% deposit of the full
catering amount two (2) weeks prior to the event. Checks can be
mailed to; Chartwells, 801 Font Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132 or
you can pay by credit card – please ask our staff for a credit card
authorization form. All final catering billing and any room fees will
be billed through the University Office of Conference Services
after the event.
Service Fees
Chartwells does not charge a service fee for any SFSU-affiliated
event that takes place on the SFSU Main Campus. For nonSFSU affiliated clients day (clients that cannot be billed via
interdepartmental transfer) hosting events on the main campus,
an 18% service fee will be added to all food and beverage service.
For events at the SFSU Downtown Campus, please refer to the
Downtown Campus FAQ sheet for details.
Linens and China
Linens, china, glassware and silverware are included for all service
in the Conference Centers. Linens are provided for all dinner
tables, but there may be an additional charge to cover extra
tables, such as display tables.
Delivery – Off Site
All food delivered off Conference Center premises will be served
on compostable and recyclable disposable ware. Please contact
us at (415)405-4408.
Beer and Wine
If your Conference Center event will include beer and wine, you
must have a signed University Alcohol Clearance Request Form
on file. Please contact your Conference Services representative
for the form. All alcoholic beverages served in the Conference
Centers must be purchased through Chartwells or a Corkage
Fee will be charged. A Bartender fee always applies – please see
details in the Florals, Linens and Labor Section.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 72 business hours prior to
your event. Any cancellations made after this time period are
subject to any charges incurred.
What if more guests show up than I expected?
Your final guest count is due no later than three (3) working days
before your event. If your event is such you may receive lastminute guests, please plan ahead and order sufficient quantities
so there is enough for a few additional guests. On any Buffet or
Plated 3-Course meal, Chartwells will prepare for 5% extra, just
in case, not to exceed an additional 5 guests. This extra will not
be served unless you request it, and if so, we will adjust your
invoice afterwards to reflect the addition. This is the same with
beverages. Please let us know if this might occur with your event
with as much advance notice as possible.
Who provides centerpieces and decorations for our event?
That’s up to you. You may bring your own decorations and
florals, or we can provide this service for you for an additional
fee(s). Centerpieces and décor are not included in the price of
the food and beverage.
May I bring my own food or beverage to our event?
No. All catering in the Conference Centers must be arranged
exclusively with Chartwells.
Can you accommodate special diets or dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Just let us know and we will take care of vegetarian,
vegan, gluten-free and almost any other dietary restrictions. As
much advance notice as possible is requested as we may not be
able to accommodate last-minute. It is up to you to advise us of
any guest that requires special accommodations and Chartwells
cannot be held liable for guests who cannot participate in your
event due to their unannounced dietary restrictions.
Are there any additional fees I can anticipate, such as
gratuity/tip?
No. With the exception of the items listed in the additional fees
and services listed on the next page, everything is included. If
additional food or beverage is provided, your invoice will be
adjusted after the event. If your event should run very late past
its agreed-upon time, we may request additional labor fees to
keep our staff and services until the end of your event. If this is
the case, your invoice will be adjusted after the event.
May I take leftover food after our Conference Center
event?
Unfortunately, current campus policy and health code regulations
do not allow leftover food to be removed from an event at the
Conference Centers.
10