risd Caters

Catering Resources for the campus community

The RISD Caters team has developed resources to support our community. Throughout the upcoming academic year, training sessions and demonstrations can be scheduled via zoom or in person to ensure departments understand the ordering process and menu offerings. Slidedecks are also available to demonstrate how to create an account in CaterTrax and how to place an order. More training presentations will be created needed throughout the semester, so please feel free to contact the team at catering@risd.edu or 401-709-8500 for guidance or suggestions. Keep an eye out for updates in campus newsletters and Dining’s pages. 

Approved External Caterers

In the event that RISD Caters is unable to accommodate an order, the team is happy to give guidance on alternatives specific to your event. Our friends at one of the following sites are well-equipped to serve the campus:

Easy Entertaining 

Seven Stars Bakery

Whole Foods Market 

This list will flex as the Procurement and RISD Caters teams are able to gauge the need throughout the year. We all appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation through this process! 

Ideally utiize RISD's punchout suppliers:

• Amazon

• WB Mason

• Grainger

• B&H Photo

• Job aid

Shredding Services

Please email epro@risd.edu

Tents

Newport Tent Company 

All computer purchases must be coordinated with RISD IT.

Whalley Computer Associates - SUP-000066

SHI - SUP-001159

Apple - SUP-001062

• Home Depot: save up to 20% on all qualifying paint and primer purchases. Contact abarr@risd.edu to sign up.

• Lowes: save up to 7% on all qualifying purchases. Contact abarr@risd.edu to sign up.

• Refer to the Tax Exemption Page for additonal local retailers that from east tax exemption to RISD

RISD Rides shuttle service

Procurement Services contracts with First Transit to provide RISD Rides, a free late-night shuttle service for RISD students, staff and faculty.

Bus rentals

Through a sister division, First Transit provides access to bus rentals for field trips or events through Peter Pan Bus Lines. For booking and more information please contact:

First Transit - RISD Rides Provider

Vans and Small Buses (5-10 passengers)

Charter Buses available  (up to 55 passengers)

Travis Mills, General Manager

401 309-5094

travis.mills@transdev.com

First Student

School Bus Charters (Up to 48 passengers)

401-943-7536

MDT Bus Lines, Inc.

Charter Buses  (up to 55 passengers)

contact information:

Phone: 508 336-7111, 401-640-0055

Experience Rhode Island Tours

Short Charter Buses (25-29 passengers)

401-886-0733

info@experienceri.com

Professional Security Services 

7-24 passengers 

(401) 943-2900

For Furniture purchases, please refer to the RISD Procurement Guidelines

All RISD furniture purchases should be of commercial grade 

• The standard lead time on commercial furniture is 5-6 weeks from order date, so it is important to submit your furniture inquiry well in advance to ensure effective sourcing and bidding (if applicable) to occur, and for delivery and installation to take place by the department’s need-by date. 

• Procurement can assist departments by facilitating on-site vendor consults for needs assessment, sourcing, and identification of options. 

• The process for large, capital furniture projects is that Campus Planning/Facilities engages Procurement, as early as possible, especially for those projects that require an RFP process.