at Mason Square
Welcome to the Mason Square Catering Pantries, two dedicated spaces to support catering events at Mason Square. The pantries are conveniently located in Van Metre Hall and the FUSE Building to support the event spaces. Each location contains refrigerators and freezers, ice machines, coffee and tea brewing machine, in addition to sinks with soap and sanitizing solution. There is ample space to safely stage food for events with outlets for hot holding cabinets and stainless-steel tables. The pantries are required for use by approved caterers hired to support events at Mason Square.
Improved Food Quality
Freshly-Prepared Food
Efficiency for Caterers
Reduced Transportation and Setup Issues
Caterers must reserve the pantries, as this is a requirement for any full-service catering event. The pantry space can be reserved by the approved caterer on a first-come, first-served basis.
This facility is exclusively for use by pre-approved catering partners. It is not available for public rental or use by independent event organizers.
Approved caterer is required to clean the space as described in the Daily Caterer Checklist and sign, date, and complete name on the checklist.
The Pantries are equipped with professional-grade equipment listed below:
To ensure the safe delivery and service for catered events, George Mason University requires all approved caterers to utilize the pantry space to support scheduled catering events on the Mason Square campus. The catering pantry must be reserved through 25Live, and the specific pantry will be booked to support the event based on the catering location (Van Metre or FUSE).
Only caterers that have been approved by George Mason University can perform catering on George Mason campuses.
Pantry Rental
$250Includes up to 4 hours of use; Additional time: $35/hour for every hour past the base four hours. Must be arranged in advance.
Cleaning Fee
$250Incomplete Checklist Fee
$250A $250 fee will be assessed if the Caterers’ Daily Checklist is not completed adequately.
Improper Disposal Fee
$250Caterers are responsible for removing all trash and food waste from the premises. A $250 fee will be charged if any waste is found disposed of in Mason Square dumpsters.
We appreciate your help in keeping Mason Square clean and sustainable. Caterers are asked to remove all trash, food waste, and supplies after each event. To avoid additional fees, please plan to take waste off-site instead of using Mason Square dumpsters.
Our staging pantries are available to support your full-service catering needs and must be reserved in advance. You’ll have convenient access before and after your event, with the option to request extra time if needed. For safety and consistency, all food should arrive ready to serve. No open flames, Sterno, or butane burners are permitted.
We’re here to ensure your event runs smoothly. If you notice any damage or equipment issues, simply contact Mason Square Operations at [email protected]
703-993-2095 so we can take care of it right away. We ask that pantries be left clean and in the same great condition for the next event.
We take pride in maintaining professional, ready-to-use pantry spaces for all caterers. Before leaving, please complete the Caterer Daily Checklist to ensure everything is cleaned, sanitized, and properly reset. Following these simple steps helps keep the space in great condition for your team and others who use it next.
Approved Caterers Process
[email protected]
703-993-2840
Pantry Reservation/ Report an Issue
[email protected]
703-993-2095
Mason Square Event Reservation
[email protected]
703-993-2095
All caterers providing full-service catering at Mason Square must reserve a staging pantry for food preparation, setup, or assembly.
There are two staging pantries—one in Van Metre Hall and one in the Fuse Building. The specific pantry assignment depends on your event location.
Needs an answer.
Yes. The standard rental covers up to four hours. Additional time may be approved in advance at $35 per hour.
Pantry access begins up to two hours before your event start time and ends one hour after your event. Extended access must be arranged ahead of time. The standard rental covers up to four hours. Additional time incurs at $35 per hour.
Hot food must arrive ready to serve. Sterno, open flames, and butane burners are not permitted. Caterers may bring insulated hot boxes and approved warming equipment.
Caterers must complete the Daily Caterer Checklist, remove all items and trash, and leave the pantry clean. Failure to do so may result in fees or loss of future access.
Report any issues immediately to Mason Square Operations. Prompt reporting helps avoid additional charges and ensures a safe environment for future users.
Caterers may be billed for repair or replacement costs. Repeated non-compliance may result in suspension of catering privileges.
No. Access is by event reservation only, and unauthorized use may result in loss of catering approval status.
Contact Mason Square Operations as soon as possible. Unapproved overtime may incur additional hourly fees.
Use the designated loading dock corresponding to your assigned pantry (Fuse or Van Metre). Details will be provided in your confirmation email.
