Welcome! It is the mission of Bobcat Catering to provide our customers with outstanding service and innovative culinary creations. To achieve this goal, we source locally whenever possible, track current culinary trends and constantly pursue educational opportunities to keep our service updated. This website was developed to assist in event planning and includes most often requested items and important ordering/policy information. Should you have a specific need, or dietary concern that is not covered on these pages, please contact Donald Desrosiers, Catering Manager at (207)786-6298 or Bobcatcatering@groups.bates.edu.

Information about Dining in Commons Meeting Rooms and Catering

Bates community groups who book space in meeting rooms in Commons (201, 221/222, 226, 225) may take advantage of the through the line catering option. This option allows meeting participants to make meal selections in Commons and return to their reserved space to eat.

Groups interested in the through the line option must book space in Commons through EMS and receive approval from Bobcat Catering at Bobcatcatering@groups.bates.edu.  Please be sure to include an account number and number of individuals attending when you reach out to Bobcat Catering. 

Information about how faculty and staff can order catering and to go meals for college sponsored meeting and events can be found here. If you have any questions please reach out to diningfood@groups.bates.edu. 

Students living off campus who are not on the board plan and would like information about accessing meals in Commons should contact Jenny Graves, Dining, Conferences and Campus Events Business Manager at 207-786-8281 or jgraves2@bates.edu.

Visitors and Guests at Indoor Events and Programs

Academic and administrative departments may host guests and visitors in the college’s buildings. However, in order to enter campus buildings, guests must be able to show proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted or proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR, rapid antigen, or at-home) within the previous 48 hours. Bates uses the CLEAR health pass to facilitate this process.. 

Attendance at student social events on campus remains limited to Bates students, faculty, and staff. Vendors, third-party contractors, and other services that have been hired by Bates College to provide essential services at these events are the only exceptions to this policy.