During the Summer of 2002, the Office of College Services administered a telephone survey regarding Grinnell College Catering Services. Clients eligible to complete the survey met the following criteria:

• clients were "external" in nature (i.e. the event was not sponsored or financed by the college or a department within the college)
  
• the event was catered within the past year
• total cost of catered service exceeded $1000

Twenty-four clients qualified under this criteria; seventeen of whom participated in the survey. Individuals/organizations who chose to participate were entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the College Bookstore. Congratulations to the winner - Mary Cason of the Iowa Auto Dealers Association!

How did you hear about Grinnell College Catering Services?

Nine of the 17 clients used the college catering service based on word-of-mouth referral. Of the remaining eight, four respondents indicated they were repeat clients of the college catering services program.

In all cases, catering services were available on the original inquiry date and tableware and food were delivered and set up during the expected time.

The criteria rated highest in satisfaction by external clients when considering service received at a specific event by Grinnell College Catering Services(in ascending order):

# 1 Presentation (eye appeal of food and tableware)
# 2 Prefessionalism of catering staff; Appearance of catering staff (two-way tie)
# 3 Reservation process; Cleanliness of facility(two-way tie)
# 4 Delivery and/or set up; Quantity of food; Taste of food (three-way tie)
# 5 Value
# 6 Uniqueness of food
# 7 Menu variety

The criteria rated highest in importance by external clients when considering general catering service for future events(in ascending order):

# 1 Presentation (eye appeal of food and tableware)
# 2 Catering staff available during the event; Menu variety; Reputation of service provider(three-way tie)
# 3 Delivery service available
# 4 Cost
# 5 Uniqueness of menu items

Potential Catering Options at Grinnell

All 17 respondents would consider scheduling professional meetings over a catered breakfast as well as a catered lunch in the Grinnell House dining rooms, if these options were made available to them.

Based on their experience(s) with Grinnell College Catering Services, all 17 respondents indicated they will recommend our services to others who are coordinating events.

For more information about surveys administered through the Office of College Services or by departments under the College Services division, please contact Vicki J. Wade, Services Coordinator, at 641-269-3044.