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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.

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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.

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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.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Placing an Order

Contact the Catering Office at (804) 524-1984 or email vsucatering@thompsonhospitality.com. 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 Services 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 (10) business days prior to the event, the client must remit half of the bill. 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. The remaining balance (50 percent) is due three days prior to the event.

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 or 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 of 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 anti-biotic 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 an event.

Delivery Fees

A delivery fee of $80 will be applied to any event held away from The Virginia State University 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: $30.00 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.

Drop-Off Service

Drop-off service includes house linen tablecloths for buffet, high-quality disposable ware, flower centerpiece, setup, breakdown and clean up. Wait staff is not a requirement for this service. Upon delivery of your event, our professional staff will ensure that all items ordered are received and verified by your authorized representative prior to our departure. A five-person minimum is required for this service.

Floral Arrangements

Silk flower arrangements on buffets and carving stations are standard. You can easily add a special touch to your event by letting us handle all your fresh floral needs. In order for us to meet our commitment to you, we ask that you give us at least three days notice to place the order and secure the floral arrangements. Prices will vary according to your selection.

Linen

Skirting and linen for buffet and carving tables are included at no extra charge. Skirting and/or linen for guest tables, registration tables, display tables and reception tables can be made available for an additional charge of $10.00. We can also provide specialty linen in an array of colors, prints and sizes to add to the elegance for your event for an additional yet reasonable charge.

Rentals

In the event that special equipment, china or tables are required, we will charge for the required items and add the rental charge to your final bill. You will be apprised of the final cost of the rental items when the arrangements for your event are finalized.The use of the house china and glassware is $3.00 per person for all on and off premise events that are not initiated and funded by the University.

Safe Food Handling

Safe food handling is a high priority for Catering Services. Therefore, we do not allow left over food to be carried out. For your safety and that of your guests, a Catering representative will remove food from your event in a timely manner.

Security

Catering Services is not liable for any equipment, supplies or personal belongings left in public function areas.

Taxes

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.

COMING SOON!

BRIGHTWOOD

ZERO-CONTACT CATERING

Brightwood is Oak & Essence's premier zero-touch catering tier. Born out of the contactless catering era, Brightwood continues to offer a seamless and safe dining experience for clients seeking convenience without compromising on quality.

HEARTWOOD

LUXURY CATERING

Heartwood represents the pinnacle of sophistication and excellence in catering, inspired by the rich, deep growth rings of the oak tree. Named after the heartwood—the central, oldest, and most valuable part of the tree—this tier epitomizes luxury and is historically known as presidential catering, designed exclusively for Oak & Essence's clientele.

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CORE CATERING

EXPECTATIONS

Setting a standard of excellence for oak & essence.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

Professionalism: Staff must exhibit professionalism at all times, including punctuality, appropriate attire, and courteous behavior.
Training: All staff should be well-trained in catering operations, guest service, and safety protocols.
Attentiveness: Staff should be attentive to guests’ needs, ensuring timely service and addressing any concerns promptly.

HIGH-QUALITY FOOD

Fresh Ingredients: Use only the freshest ingredients to prepare dishes, ensuring high quality and taste.
Presentation: Food presentation should be elegant and visually appealing, reflecting the Oak & Essence brand
Consistency: Maintain consistency in taste, portion sizes, and presentation across all catering events.

DETAILED PLANNING AND EXECUTION

Customization: Work closely with clients to customize menus and services to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Logistics: Ensure meticulous planning of logistics, including timely delivery, proper setup, and efficient service flow.
Coordination: Coordinate seamlessly with event planners, hosts, and other vendors to ensure a cohesive experience.

CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY

Hygiene Standards: Adhere to strict hygiene standards in food preparation, handling, and service.
Safety Protocols: Follow all safety protocols, including food safety regulations and COVID-19 guidelines.
Clean
Environment: Maintain a clean and organized environment in both preparation and service areas.

MENU EXCELLENCE

Diverse Options: Offer a diverse range of menu options to cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
Seasonal Offerings: Incorporate seasonal ingredients and dishes to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
Signature Dishes: Highlight Oak & Essence’s signature dishes, ensuring they are prepared and presented to perfection.

CLIENT COMMUNICATION

Responsive Service: Be responsive to client inquiries and requests, providing timely and helpful communication.
Transparency: Ensure transparency in all dealings, including clear pricing, detailed contracts, and open communication about any changes or issues.
Feedback: Seek feedback from client's post-event to continually improve and enhance services.

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Eco-friendly Materials: Use eco-friendly materials for packaging, serving, and decoration wherever possible.
Waste Reduction: Implement practices to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY

Unique Experiences: Create unique and memorable dining experiences that stand out and reflect the Oak & Essence brand.
Innovation: Stay updated with the latest trends in catering and dining, incorporating innovative ideas and practices.
Client Collaboration: Collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life, offering creative solutions and ideas.