Skip to main content

Housing & Food Services

Bay Laurel Catering

The University of Washington’s campus caterer 

We bring our culinary creativity, reliability, and flexible service to enhance your event.  Our delicious menu is matched only by our exceptional service and knowledge of the UW campus. 

Browse our menu

Availability to provide services is not guaranteed. We recommend submitting your service request at least two weeks in advance, earlier if possible. Thank you!

Bay Laurel Catering logo

What we do best—serving our customers

Bay Laurel Catering is the trusted and embedded caterer at the UW. We provide memorable catering for events ranging from all sizes, each one designed to be deliciously memorable. 

Our Premier Catering offers a custom experience with buffets, receptions, and served meals. Work with us to elevate your event.

Request catering

Why choose Bay Laurel Catering? 

We are the UW's caterer. Since 2007, we've delighted in elevating events with our made-from-scratch cuisine. 

We can do it all! From boxed lunches to custom elegant events, our team excels in bringing your vision to life.

We offer competitive pricing and convenience. When you use your UW budget there is no sales tax and we don’t take gratuities.  

We save you time. As the only UW Environmental Health and Safety-approved caterer you won’t need to navigate the food permit process. 

We understand the UW. Our highly trained professional staff have extensive experience working with on and off campus event planners. 

We know campus inside and out and have access to all event venues. You won’t have to wonder if your food will arrive on time. 

What our clients are saying

What is Bay Laurel Catering? 

Bay Laurel’s chef-inspired menu is designed to offer great quality at a competitive price. We offer a wide variety of options and styles, including vegan and vegetarian dishes. We accommodate dietary needs such as allergen restrictions—all with consistent, reliable service.

Bay Laurel Catering is perfect for UW department meetings or events, such as: 

  • All-day conferences 
  • Office team lunches 
  • Retirement celebrations 
  • New-hire breakfasts 
  • Staff appreciation events 
  • Workshops 

How to order 

  • Fill out our Catering Request form at least 14 days before your event.  
  • Review our policies and fees pages.
  • We will confirm your order and provide complete pricing. 

Timely service

Our kitchen is even located right on campus—we work where you work. 

As part of our service, we:

  • Offer delivery for events that do not require on-site staff.
  • Deliver and set up before your meeting or event begins. We kindly request access to the event space at least one hour prior to the start time.
  • Provide table linens for food and beverage tables.
  • Equip clients with service ware, compostable items (cutlery, napkins, etc.) and condiments. 
  • Arrange the table and lay out food and beverages. 
  • Will remove all food, service ware and linens after your event.

Our on-campus partners

Bay Laurel Catering is a trusted partner of the following UW campus event locations. We encourage you to contact these spaces when you are considering event space. Our partners include:

Burke Museum, UW Botanic Gardens, The Hub, Housing & Food Services, Intellectual House

Questions? Contact us, we are happy to help!

Bay Laurel Catering team

About Bay Laurel Catering 

Bay Laurel Catering has been serving the UW community since 2007. Our first year in Haggett Hall began with 15 full-time employees and 40 students. We now call Central Kitchen in Willow Hall our home, designed with state-of-the-art equipment and housing a team of 23 full-time staff and 120 student employees. We handle approximately 4,500 event contracts per year including bars, beverage deliveries, meeting breaks, receptions and much more.

In addition to great food and outstanding service, Bay Laurel Catering plays a role in student success. Our revenue goes directly to help offset residents’ living expenses, helping us to support our Husky Home residents. Additionally, we train and employ UW students. This job experience encourages lifelong learning, enhances community involvement, and develops skills that will last a lifetime. 

Eating well and living healthily are top priorities at Bay Laurel. Our delivery trucks are powered by renewable, cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel. We use 100% compostable tableware and packaging. Our team utilizes eco-friendly detergents, dishwashing liquids and cleaning chemicals. We are proud to purchase food from small businesses including Alki Bakery, Charlies Produce, Merlino Foods and the UW Farm.