

WHERE TRADITION INTERSECTS WITH INNOVATION
ABOUT US
Oak & Essence Catering embodies culinary excellence. Our journey started with a deep respect for the sturdy oak tree, symbolizing strength and resilience. Just as its branches stretch towards the sky, our mission is to elevate the rich culinary traditions to new heights, honoring their legacy and embracing modern creativity.
We believe in the power of flavors to connect people across cultures and continents. Our menus are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, offering a journey through global tastes that awaken the senses and ignite the palate. Whether it's a corporate gathering, a wedding celebration, or an intimate soirée, Oak & Essence Catering ensures every event is a masterpiece of flavor and sophistication.



BRAND PROMISES

FLAVORFUL ESSENCE
We promise to infuse every dish with the flavorful essence of Black American culinary traditions, complemented by bold, global inspirations.

INNOVATIVE BRANCHES
We promise to innovate like the mighty oak, blending traditional flavors with modern twists that surprise and delight, ensuring each bite is a culinary revelation.

SLEEK ELEGANCE
We promise a catering experience that exudes sleek elegance, from our sophisticated presentation to our impeccable service, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.

DEEP ROOTS
We promise to uphold our roots in quality, sourcing the finest ingredients and crafting each dish with passion and precision and in service, providing impeccable attention to detail to your event from idea to execution.
OUR TIERS OF SERVICES

BLOOMWOOD
STUDENT ORGANIZATION CATERING
Bloomwood is Oak & Essence's dedicated catering tier for student organizations, inspired by the strong, interconnected growth rings of an oak tree. Just as the midwood or what we refer to as bloomwood rings symbolize growth and development, this tier is designed to support student groves—our vibrant student organizations—by providing exceptional catering that is both cost-conscious and sophisticated.

LUXEWOOD
EVERYDAY CATERING
Luxewood embodies Oak & Essence's commitment to excellence, offering a premium catering experience that mirrors the strong, distinctive growth rings of an oak tree. Inspired by the dense, sturdy latewood rings that signify maturity, resilience, and the Luxe Life™ dining experience, this tier is crafted to surpass expectations and meet the diverse needs of any event.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Placing an Order
Contact the Catering Office at by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. A room must be reserved before initiating a catering request for an on-campus function. After a location has been confirmed with the university, our staff will help you determine the menu, event setup and all the other details for your event.
Payment for Sponsored University Events
Payment for a scheduled event should be made to Thompson Hospitality and is due three (3) business days prior to the event. This payment will place the event in what is known as “confirmed status”. If the event is not in confirmed status, Dining Services cannot guarantee that the service will be rendered. Therefore, it is crucial that the communication between you, the customer, the approving official office, and the Dining Service’s Catering Office is effective.
As applicable, please provide one of the following forms of payment to the Catering Office:
Completed copy of the purchase order form with all authorized signatures
Foundation or Fund Certification Form
Payment for Non-Sponsored University Events
Payment for a scheduled event should be made to Thompson Hospitality ten business day prior to the event, the client must remit half of the bill. This payment will place the event in “confirmed status”. If the event is not in confirmed status, Dining Service can not guarantee that the service will be rendered. The remaining balance (50 percent) is due three day prior to the event. As applicable, please provide one of the following forms of payment to the Catering Office:
As applicable, please provide one of the following forms of payment to the Catering Office:
Credit Card
Cash
Certified Check
Money Order
For non-university sponsored events, state sales tax will be charged unless a tax exempt certificate is received prior to the start of your event.
Guidelines for Planning Your Event
In arranging catered events, attendance must be guaranteed five business days in advance of the event. This guarantee will allow for the proper planning of your event and will be your commitment to pay for the guaranteed number of the actual number of attendees, whichever is greater. For weekend events, the count must be guaranteed on the Monday before the event so as to allow ample time for the ordering process.
Special Dietary Accommodations
We are able to provide menu options for guests with special dietary needs. Our culinary team can provide a selection of healthy menu selections including low sodium, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Vegan
Foods that do not contain any animal derived products at all including honey, dairy and eggs.
Vegetarian
Foods that do not contain animal products except dairy or eggs. Foods purchased or produced in a sustainable manner. This may include reduced antibiotic chicken, cage-free shell eggs, sustainable seafood, organic foods or locally produced foods.
Gluten Free
Foods that do not contain gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.
Cancellation
To avoid any pro-rated charges, all cancellations must be submitted, in writing, to the Catering Office at least 72 hours (three business days) prior to your event.
Delivery Fees
A delivery fee of $80.00 will be applied to any event held away from the campus. This fee is for the transport of food, service equipment, china, flatware and linen
Labor
For events that are delivered an attendant will ensure that all items are to your satisfaction. If an attendant is requested, or required based on the style of service provided, additional charges will be applied as follows:
Wait Staff: $25.00 per hour/per person for a minimum of four hours
Culinary: $25.00 per hour/per person for a minimum of four hours
Bar Tender: $25.00 per hour/per person for a minimum of four hours
Service Times
All events will include a two-hour service time. Events requiring serving time beyond what is mutually agreed upon will be assessed an additional charge of $25.00 per hour.
