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Catering Regular Menu 2026

POLICIES

These policies have been implemented to help ensure the financial health of Catering Services here at McMaster University. Our mission is to streamline and increase efficiency in the ordering process to help reduce unnecessary transport, labour, food, and administration costs.

Room Reservations

Catering provides service at indoor and outdoor locations throughout McMaster University locations. Bookings for most of the main campus need to be done through Central Bookings at ext. 26898 or the Student Centre at ext. 26024

Menu Selections

Your menu selections may be made from our suggested list of menus. However, some restrictions may apply because of the location and / or size of your group. The menu needs to be finalized at least 10 business days in advance to ensure we can provide the best service.

Changes/revisions made to your catering order less than ten business days prior to an event will result in a $30 fee. This includes the following:

  • Guest count revisions
  • Room location changes (no charge for location change when out of your control)
  • Adding late dietary restrictions
  • Adding or removing menu items
  • Revising times, such as delivery, start time, end time
  • Chartfield updates
  • Any other details that were not confirmed by the deadline

To avoid multiple late fees, please send any or all changes at the same time

A request to make any revision to the contract 24 hours prior to the event will incur a change fee of $200 if we are able to make the change. Please do not make changes on the day of the event.

Events that include a bar:

  • For events that have ordered food, if the sales do not meet the required minimum of $300 or more (pay bar or host wine/beer bar), the difference will be added to your invoice.
  • For events that have ordered food, if the sales do not meet the required minimum of $500 or more (pay bar or host full bar), the difference will be added to your invoice.
  • For events without food, there will be a bartender fee of $30 per hour (per bartender) (this would include an hour prior and an hour after your event) as well as a minimum of bar sales of $500

Cancellations

Should it be necessary to cancel your event, please inform catering as soon as possible. To avoid any charges, our office must be informed at least 5 full business days in advance of your function. (48 hours for coffee-only services)

Pricing

The regular food and beverage prices listed in the package are applicable, provided all orders are placed and finalized at least ten full business days before your event and meet the minimum numbers required. A late price of an additional 20% will be charged if booked or changed after the ten business day minimum. Coffee service only requires five days in advance of the event. Most full menu items listed include your choice of paper or china service. For China service in locations other than AMH, please add:

  • $1.75 per person for coffee or continental service
  • $3.50 for buffet service

If your event runs longer than stipulated in the contract, we will add a labour fee of $40 per hour per staff member who must stay late.

Delivery

To be eligible for catering deliveries, a minimum of $100 in sales will be required. If not met, there will be an additional labour fee added to bring your order up to the minimum as well as the $50 delivery fee. To avoid the additional fees, we would suggest adding to the order to bring the total up to the minimum or arrange to pick up order here at the catering office located at MUSC 112 (down the hall between the Campus Dentist and Union Market). Please remember we have several units across campus who would be happy to assist with your request. This will save you the required minimum in sales and delivery charge.

All on-campus catering orders that do not exceed $300 will be subject to a $50 delivery fee. To avoid the additional fees, you can opt to pick up your order here at the catering office located at MUSC 112 (down the hall between the Campus Dentist and Union Market).

A delivery fee of $125 will be added to your invoice if your order for an on-campus event is on the weekend or after 7:00 pm during the week, or if your event is being held at the Hub. (An additional 25% for statutory holidays)

For events that require our driver(s) to return to pick up smallware’s, etc., more than four hours after the order is delivered, there will be an additional charge of $40 (not applied to events that have catering staff present).

For all McMaster locations off-campus, the order must exceed $500 (per order) before delivery can be arranged. A fee of $125 will also be added per delivery.

Guaranteed Numbers

A guaranteed number of guests must be established 10- business days prior to the event date. Our catering staff will provide food for approximately 5% above the latest guaranteed number You will be financially responsible for the guaranteed number, or the actual number of persons served, whichever is greater.

Attendant Staffing and Setup

Catering staff will arrive before the designated start time to allow adequate time to set up the event. Please have the doors unlocked and the room/area set up with the necessary tables/furniture. This will ensure a successful event start time. A labour fee of $30 per hour / per staff will apply for any of the reasons below:

  • If our driver returns to clear, pick up, or clean area and event is not finished at the stated end time on the contract, which means that the driver must leave and arrange to come back later
  • If we have staff members that are required to stay at your event and event runs longer than stipulated on contract
  • If you have an event that requires set up in more than one location

Food Safety

Providing quality, safe food is our highest priority. Catering makes every effort to ensure that hot and cold food items are kept within the safe temperature ranges. To protect your health and prevent foodborne illness from occurring, the catering staff is required to remove all perishable food from the event.

Food Allergy Disclaimer

McMaster University Hospitality Services attempts to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those with food allergies and instructs our food production staff on the severity of food allergies.

We make every effort to prevent cross-contamination and communicate information about allergens to customers. We review ingredient information, and priority allergens are identified based on ingredients only. While we work hard to prevent cross-contamination, there is always a risk in a large food service facility.

Please be advised that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use may potentially change the formulation or substitute at any time without notice. Customers concerned with food allergies need to be aware of this risk.

Invoicing

For university accounts, please provide us with your Mosaic Chartfield String at the time of booking. For non-University accounts, full payment will be required 10 business days prior to the event, and all prices will be subject to applicable taxes.

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Breakfast Selections

Continental Breakfast

$17.00 | Minimum 10 Orders

  • Mini scones, Danish, and croissants | V
  • Fresh sliced fruit
  • Selection of bottled juice
  • Premium regular and decaffeinated coffee
  • Traditional tea

Classic Breakfast Buffet

$17.00 | Minimum 20 Orders

  • Scrambled eggs | V
  • Choice of smoked bacon (2 pieces per person) or roasted pork sausages (2 pieces per person)
  • Seasoned home-fried potatoes | V
  • Selection of bottled juice
  • Premium regular and decaffeinated coffee
  • Traditional tea

Add vegan scramble $6.50 (per person) (pre-ordered required)

To include both bacon and sausage, please add $5.00 per person for whole group.

The Canadian Buffet

$28.00 | Minimum 20 Orders

  • Mini croissants | V
  • Cheese and egg omelette
  • Fluffy pancakes with syrup | V
  • Roasted bacon and pork sausages (2 pieces per person of each)
  • Seasoned home-fried potatoes
  • Fresh seasonal fruit
  • Selection of bottled juice
  • Premium regular and decaffeinated coffee
  • Traditional tea

Breakfast Wraps

Regular $21.00 | Minimum 15 Orders

  • Breakfast burrito served with hash browns and individual packaged fruit bites
  • Meat – scrambled eggs, pork chorizo crumbled, cheddar, salsa,
  • Vegan – vegan scrambled, salsa, plant-based sausage and cheese | VG
  • Coffee and tea

“On the Run” Breakfast Sandwiches

$21.00 | Minimum 15 Orders

  • Served with hash browns and individual packaged fruit bites | V
  • Meat – pork sausage or bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin
  • Vegan – Vegan egg patty, plant-based sausage,round vegan cheese on an English muffin | VG
  • Coffee and tea

Sweet and Savory Breakfast Bites

Regular $27.00 | Minimum 20 Orders – Max 50 Orders

  • Assorted overnight oats with dried fruits & seeds | VG, GF
  • A variety of bite size, sweet and savoury breakfast pastries.
  • Egg bites (pork chorizo, cheese/pepper and onion / and spinach, and cheese) | GF
  • Sliced fruit | VG, GF
  • Selection of bottled juice
  • Premium regular and decaffeinated coffee
  • Traditional tea

A La Carte

 

Items Price/Each
Assorted Muffin (Min. 6) $4.75
Danish (Min. 6) $3.75
Croissant – Multigrain (Min. 6) $4.25
Chocolatine (Min. 6) $4.50
Savoury Pastries (Min. 6) $6.50
Assorted Loaf Slices (Min. 6) $4.95
Whole Fruit (Min. 6) $2.95
Yogurt Parfaits (Min. 6) $6.50
Chopped Fruit Cup (Min. 6) $6.95
Individual Chips/Popcorn $2.65
Trail Mix $2.65
Vegan and Gluten-Free Muffin | V, GF $6.25
Cookie (Min. 6) $2.75
Vegan and Gluten-Free Cookie | VG, GF $4.75
Chocolate Brownie (Min. 6) $2.75
Chocolate Brownie | GF $6.25

 

GF = Gluten Free | H = Halal | V = Vegetarian | VG = Vegan

Prices and menu are subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: Should there be any discrepancy between the menu information displayed on this website and on record in the Catering office, the latter shall prevail.

Lunch Selections

  • Upgrade any platter below to a buffet to include a garden salad with two dressing types, whole fruit or individual packaged fruit bites.
  • 20% additional fee for late orders.
  • Prices and menu are subject to change without notice.

Classic Sandwich Platter

Platter $160.00 | Buffet $24.00 per person with a minimum of 16 orders

16 assorted sandwiches, prepared in quantities of 4 – Select 4 types:

  • Cranberry Chicken Salad with cranberry mayonnaise, lettuce on ciabatta | H
  • Egg Salad with lettuce on sourdough Sliced bread | V
  • Roasted Pepper Hummus with shaved pickled cucumber and tomato on sliced loaf | VG
  • Tuna Salad with scallions and brunoise of celery on multigrain panini loaf
  • Ham and Cheddar with honey mustard ciabatta baguette
  • Smoked Turkey with lettuce and grainy mustard mayonnaise on a multigrain loaf

Deluxe Sandwich Platter

Platter $256.00 | Buffet $30.50 per person with a minimum of 16 orders

16 assorted sandwiches, prepared in quantities of 4 – Select 4 types:

  • Smoked Salmon on marble rye with cucumber, dill, and caper cream cheese
  • Turkey Club with hand-carved turkey, bacon, and cranberry mayo on multigrain
    croissant with lettuce and tomato
  • Avocado Deviled Egg Salad with radicchio on sourdough | V
  • Herb Chicken with olive muffuletta mix and sweet remoulade and crispy onion on potato scallion bun | H
  • Roasted Vegetable – marinated roasted vegetables with pesto, goat cheese, balsamic glaze and spinach on focaccia | V
  • “No Egg” Salad – crumbled tofu with sweet peppers, scallions and plant-based mayo with leaf lettuce and crispy onions on a Brioche-style bun | VG

Classic Wrap Platter

Platter $130.00 | Buffet $25.25 per person with a minimum of 12 orders

12 assorted wraps – Select 4 types:

  • Chicken Caesar – grilled chicken tossed in Caesar dressing with romaine lettuce and parmesan | H
  • Turkey Club – roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cranberry mayonnaise
  • Grilled Buffalo Chicken with lettuce, tomato, and Ranch dressing | H
  • Fresh Vegetables with fresh peppers, olive muffuletta mix, tomato jam and smashed chickpea and spinach | VG
  • Tuna and Cheddar with lettuce, pickle, and horseradish cream
  • Ham and Swiss – Black Forest ham with lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard

Deluxe Wrap Platter

Platter $170.00 | Buffet $28.50 per person with a minimum of 12 orders

12 assorted wraps – Select 4 types:

  • California – seaweed-crusted tofu, wasabi vegan mayo, lettuce, avocado and tomato | VG
  • Shawarma Chicken – spiced chicken, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, Feta dressing and pickled vegetables | H
  • Artichoke and Goat Cheese – Grilled sweet peppers and zucchini, leaf lettuce, crispy onions with sweet remoulade | V
  • Southwestern Turkey – hand-carved turkey, sweet peppers, onions, lettuce, roasted corn, tomato, black beans, cheddar and creamy spiced guacamole
  • Bruschetta Chicken – roasted chicken breast, bruschetta, baby spinach, Provolone and herb dressing | H
  • Cuban – ham, capicola, salami, Swiss, pickles and mustard mayonnaise

“Boxed” Sandwiches

$20.00 per person | Minimum 5 orders required

All items will be individually wrapped.
Assorted wraps made with flavored flour tortillas.
Gluten free bun available on request.

  • Egg Salad with lettuce on sourdough sliced bread | V
  • Roasted Pepper Hummus with shaved pickled cucumber and tomato on sliced loaf | VG
  • Ham and Cheddar with honey mustard ciabatta baguette
  • Smoked Turkey with lettuce and grainy mustard mayonnaise on a multigrain loaf
  • Individual Package Fruit Bites
  • Cookie
  • Bottled Water

“Boxed” Wraps

$20.00 per person | Minimum 5 orders required

All items will be individually wrapped.
Assorted wraps made with flavored flour tortillas.

  • Turkey Club – roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cranberry mayonnaise
  • Grilled Buffalo Chicken with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing
  • Fresh Vegetables – fresh peppers, olive muffuletta mix, tomato jam & smashed chickpea & spinach | VG
  • Ham and Swiss with honey mustard
  • Individual Package Fruit Bites
  • Cookie
  • Bottled Water

Upgrade the individually packaged fruit bites to a salad for $4.75
Choose from potato salad, coleslaw in a vinaigrette, or tri-colour chickpea (VG/GF).
One selection only for the group

Upgrade to include both salad & fruit for $8.00

“Boxed” Snack Pack

$18.00 per person | Minimum 5 orders required

  • Old Cheddar and Gouda Cheese
  • Trail Mix
  • Grapes and Apple Slices
  • Crackers
  • Bottled Water

GF = Gluten Free | H = Halal | V = Vegetarian | VG = Vegan

Disclaimer: Should there be any discrepancy between the menu information displayed on this website and on record in the Catering office, the latter shall prevail.

Themed Luncheon Buffets

  • All themed Luncheon selections are available for dinner, please add $10 per person
  • Prices and menu are subject to change without notice

The Pasta Bar

$20.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Garlic Knots and assorted buns and butter
  • Romaine Salad with parmesan cheese, balsamic (VG) and Caesar dressing (GF
  • Pasta Alfredo – asparagus and roasted grape tomatoes in garlic oil
  • Gluten Free Pasta: tossed in tomato sauce with a sweet pepper blends | VG, GF
  • Vegan Berry Crumble | VG
  • Triple Chocolate Cake | V
  • Coffee & Tea

Add Chicken Strips for additional $4.95 per person

Bombay Bites

$29.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Warm Naan Bread
  • Kachumber Salad – diced cucumber, tomato and onion with cumin, lime and cilantro | VG, GF
  • Chickpea and Beet Root Salad – lemon, garlic, and cilantro | VG, GF
  • Butter Chicken – spiced chicken thigh meat, simmered in butter sauce | H, GF
  • Aloo Gobi – potato and cauliflower curry | VG, GF
  • Fragrant Basmati Rice
  • Fresh Fruit Platter
  • Coffee & Tea

Fiesta Buffet

$30.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Mexican Chopped Salad – romaine, grape tomatoes, radishes, red onion, toasted pepitas and chili lime vinaigrette | VG, GF
  • Street Corn Salad – sweet corn, jalapeno, scallion, paprika in a creamy cilantro lime dressing topped with crispy onion straws | V
  • Chicken Quesadilla – diced chicken, shredded cheese, Pico de Gallo in a flour tortilla | H
  • Vegan Quesadilla – “Impossible” ground, Tex- Mex vegan cheese, Pico de Gallo in flour tortilla | VG
  • Fiesta Rice – spiced basmati with sweet peppers (VG, GF) served with salsa (VG, GF), sour cream (V, GF)
  • Cinnamon Churro Fries | V
  • Coffee and Tea

Sweet and Spice

$32.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Assorted Bun with Butter
  • Thai Mango Slaw with spicy ginger dressing | VG, GF
  • Mixed Greens with pickled carrots, cucumber, edamame, slivered peppers, hoisin and lemon basil dressing on the side | VG
  • General Tso: breaded chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce | H
  • Thai Tofu Green Curry with coconut milk, spinach, peppers, Japanese eggplant, okra and cilantro | VG, GF
  • Kaffir Scented Jasmine Rice | VG, GF
  • Sliced Fruit | VG, GF
  • Coffee & Tea

The Grand River

$30.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Bannock
  • Mixed Greens with Quinoa, Sunflower Seeds, Grape Tomatoes and Dried Fruit
  • Assorted Dressings on the side | VG, GF
  • Warm Succotash mixed Beans, Corn, Squash and Potatoes | GF, H
  • Herb Crusted Chicken Thighs | GF, H
  • Wild Rice Pilaf | VG, GF
  • IQF Strawberry Juice
  • Coffee & Tea

Taste of Tuscany

$38.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Assorted buns with butter
  • Italian chopped salad with radicchio, grilled peppers, red onion, roasted chickpeas with assorted dressings | VG, GF
  • White Bean Salad: tomato, parsley, capers with olive oil and roasted garlic | VG, GF
  • Tuscan Chicken Breast with sundried tomatoes, spinach, parmesan and fresh herbs (H, GF)
  • Lemon, herb mini potatoes (VG, GF)
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley : Sweet peppers, zucchini and eggplant ( VG, GF)
  • Tiramisu and Fresh Fruit
  • Coffee and Tea

Working Lunch for Small Groups

$32.00 | Minimum of 10 orders – Maximum 25 orders

  • Assorted Buns and Butter
  • Build Your Own Salad with mixed greens and assorted toppings: grape tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, black beans, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries with assorted dressings on the side | VG, GF
  • Grainy Mustard Fingerling Potato Salad | VG, GF
  • Quinoa Salad with baby kale, sweet peppers, cucumber & roasted chickpeas | VG, GF (Proteins served on warm platters)
  • Herb Roasted Chicken Breast | H, GF
  • Roasted Lions Mane Mushroom Steak | VG, GF
  • Assorted Mini Beignets and donuts | V
  • Sliced Fruit Platter ( VG, GF)
  • Coffee and Tea

Mini Handhelds

$38.00 | Minimum of 20 orders

  • Baby Spinach Salad with roasted red peppers, toasted sunflower seeds, crumbled cotija cheese and zesty orange dressing | V, GF
  • Fingerling Potato Poutine: roasted fingerling potatoes topped with cheese curds and gravy | V, GF
  • Braised Chicken with Kansas City BBQ sauce, creamy ranch slaw on a ciabatta bun | H
  • Shrimp Po’boy jalapeno breaded shrimp, mango slaw and remoulade on a mini hoagie
  • “Impossible” Ground Taquito corn flour tortilla, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, shredded vegan Tex-Mex cheese | VG, GF
  • Assorted Flavoured Churros | V
  • Sliced Fruit Platter
  • Coffee & Tea

GF = Gluten Free | H = Halal | V = Vegetarian | VG = Vegan

Disclaimer: Should there be any discrepancy between the menu information displayed on this website and on record in the Catering office, the latter shall prevail.

Plated Dinner

Prices and menu are subject to change without notice.
This includes full china service and linen napkins; tablecloths can be arranged if needed.
All dinner orders must be confirmed at least 10 business days in advance.

 

$58 per person | Minimum 25 orders

Bread Basket with Butter
Coffee & Tea Service

Select one from each each group:

Appetizers

  • Beet and Goat Cheese
    Roasted beets, arugula, crumbled goat cheese, sunflower seeds, and citrus vinaigrette | GF
  • Envision Greens
    Mixed baby greens, grape tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, toasted pumpkin seeds and dried fruits with lemon and basil vinaigrette | VG, GF
  • Potato and Leek Soup
    puree of potatoes and leek with crispy onion and scallion garnish | V

Entrees

  • Herb and Lemon Crusted Atlantic Salmon
    Roasted garlic Bok choy, sweet peppers, fingerling potatoes | GF
  • Stuffed Chicken Supreme
    Goat cheese and assorted mushrooms. Roasted carrots, asparagus, potato galette | H, GF
  • Chicken Roulade
    Chicken thighs with artichoke and sundried tomato farce. Spiced carrots, French beans, mashed potatoes, caramelized onion jus | H, GF

Dessert

  • Salted Caramel Cheesecake
  • Decadent Chocolate Cake | VG, GF
  • Apple Caramel Oatmeal Crisp

GF = Gluten Free | H = Halal | V = Vegetarian | VG = Vegan

Disclaimer: Should there be any discrepancy between the menu information displayed on this website and on record in the Catering office, the latter shall prevail.

Platters/Appetizers

Prices and menu are subject to change without notice.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Naan | VG | $40

Crispy chickpeas, Tahini drizzle and naan points

Vegetable Crudité | $57

Serves 10 – 15 ppl
English cucumber, mini carrots, grape tomatoes, celery, broccoli, cauliflower ranch dip

Fruit Platter | $67

Serves 10 – 15 ppl
Freshly cut honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon, green, red grapes.

Cheese Platter | $120

Serves 10 – 25 ppl

Selection of domestic specialty cheeses with grapes and dried fruit and nut medley. served with crackers (Gluten free cracker upon request)

Charcuterie Platter | $110.00

Serves 10 – 15 ppl

Assorted cured meats, olives, gherkins, crackers and baguette

Stuffed Warm Churros | $4.75 per person

Minimum 40 ppl

40 of each flavour – chocolate and caramel

Dessert Platter | $40.00

Assorted mini dessert squares (3-doz)
Selections pending availability

Assorted Mini Donuts | $48.00

2 dozen
Selections pending availability

Package Additions: | $60.00

Serves 10 ppl

  • Garden Salad | VG, GF | $60
    Haven greens with grape tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots with 2 dressings
  • Quinoa Salad | VG, GF | $75.00
    Red and white quinoa with sweet peppers, dried fruit and baby spinach in a citrus vinaigrette

Hot Hors d’oeuvres

Price is per dozen
Minimum 2 dozen per selection

  • Assorted Mini Quiche (contains pork) | $32
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce | VG | $34
  • Samosas | VG | $34
  • Spanakopita | V | $34
  • Truffled Scented Mac n Cheese Fritters | V | $34
  • Thai Spiced Karaage Chicken Bites | H | $35
  • BBQ Halal Meatballs | H | $36
  • Tempura Shrimp | $38
  • Lemongrass Chicken Skewer | H, GF | $38
  • “Impossible Ground” Mini Kofta Skewers w/ Vegan garlic sauce | VG, GF | $40
  • Mini Shepards Pie – $48
  • Bison and Saskatoon Berry Skewer with Maple Drizzle | GF | $72
  • Pulled Duck Game Pouch with Apple, Squash and Cranberry $72

Cold Hors d’oeuvres

Price is per dozen
Minimum 2 dozen per selection

  • Hummus Cucumber & Tomato Bite | VG, GF | $28
  • Roasted Garlic White Bean and Tomato and Herb Jam | VG | $30
  • Smoked Duck with Saskatoon Berry Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze $36
  • Creamy Spinach and Artichoke in Phyllo | VG | $30
  • Chilled Harissa Spiced Shrimp | H, GF | $36
  • Smoked Salmon and 3 Sister Red Pepper Relish on savoury Cornbread $56

GF = Gluten Free | H = Halal | V = Vegetarian | VG = Vegan

Disclaimer: Should there be any discrepancy between the menu information displayed on this website and on record in the Catering office, the latter shall prevail.

Beverages

Prices and menu are subject to change without notice.

Items Price
Coffee Pot (serves approximately 8) $19.00
Decaf Coffee Pot (serves approximately 8) $19.00
Hot Chocolate Pot (serves approximately 8) $19.00
Herbal Tea ( Min. 5 servings) $2.50
Orange Pekoe Tea ( Min. 5 servings) $2.50
Hot Apple Cider $35.00
Items Price
Bottled Juice (Individual) $4.00
Bottled Water 591 ml $3.00
Perrier Water 350 ml (bottle) $3.50
Soft Drinks $2.75
Water Pitcher $2.85
Water Dispenser (Yields approximately 60 servings) $10.00
Citrus Infused Water (per pitcher) $6.00
Citrus Infused Water (Dispenser) $45.00
Disclaimer: Should there be any discrepancy between the menu information displayed on this website and on record in the Catering office, the latter shall prevail.