Catering@Penn
Find preferred caterers that support Penn’s commitment to sustainability, local engagement, and exceptional service.
Purchasing
About Catering@Penn
Catering@Penn helps faculty and staff find Preferred Contract Caterers by cuisine, services, location, and sustainability practices. Developed by Penn Procurement Services in partnership with Penn Sustainability, the program supports competitive value, sustainability, and local business engagement.
Penn’s strategic catering partner, Bon Appétit, is among the Preferred Suppliers. Buyers are encouraged to use Preferred Contract Caterers whenever possible; additional local and specialty food providers are available in Penn Marketplace as Approved Suppliers. Purchases from Approved Suppliers exceeding $10,000 require competitive bidding.
Sustainability
Preferred caterers are assigned a sustainability level based on Penn’s environmental criteria, with Level 4 representing the highest level:
Sustainability Levels
Level 1:
- No straws
- No Styrofoam
Level 2: - Level 1, plus
- Recyclable Wares
- Reusable Wares
- Alternative to Box Lunches
Level 3: - Level 1 and 2, plus
- 50% or more food sourced locally
- 50% or more food is fresh vs. frozen
Level 4: - Level 1, 2, and 3, plus
- Ability to compost event waste
- Compost at own facility
Buyers seeking sustainable service should specify those requirements when placing the order.
Alcohol & Bar Service
Penn does not hold a liquor license. Event hosts must purchase wine and spirits in Pennsylvania through an authorized source, including a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board store or PAWDMC with delivery by Lids Liquor Delivery, LLC.
Only Approved Caterers with liquor liability insurance may provide bar service or serve alcohol at on-campus events. See How to Buy Wine and Spirits for additional instructions.
For events with servers or bartenders, use separate Purchase Order lines:
- Servers/bartenders: Object codes 5319 or 5339
- Food and alcohol: Object code 5214