A new and improved way to order food for on-campus meetings and events will launch this Spring semester. Through our partnership with America To Go, departments will be able to order everything from breakfast and lunch to snacks and catered meals directly through iO. This platform has been customized to meet Rice’s unique needs, making event planning easier and more efficient.
Here’s what you can look forward to with America To Go:
Key Features and Benefits
- 24/7 Customer Service & Account Management
Access to 24/7 customer service, including a live chat feature and a dedicated Account Manager to assist with planning, adding new vendors, or answering any inquiries.
- Tastings and Trainings
Enjoy onsite or web-based training sessions and tastings, allowing you to explore new vendors in a low-risk environment for your next event.
- User-Friendly Interface
A simple, easy-to-navigate website for placing both standard and customized catering orders. Features include searchable menus, saved favorites, running invoice totals, and accessible order history.
- Improved Choice & Information
Use advanced filters, search functions, and reviews to help find exactly the caterers or items you want.
- Support for RICE Sustainability Initiatives
America To Go extends Rice’s sustainability efforts by partnering with restaurants and caterers that align with our eco-friendly goals. This support has been highlighted at the national Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education conference.
- Supplier Diversity & Healthy Dining Initiatives
Easily find and support small, diverse, and health-conscious businesses in alignment with Rice’s diversity and wellness programs.
- Supporting Community Dining Initiatives
The platform also supports retail vendors on campus with ongoing partnerships, ensuring that departments can easily access and promote local favorites while enhancing collaboration with our existing campus community.
- Reduced Risk
All vendors on the site are pre-vetted to ensure they meet Rice’s safety and quality standards.
- Streamlined Accounting
Automated accounting and spend tracking will significantly reduce time, costs, and paperwork related to food orders.
Want Your Favorite Caterer Included?
If you have a favorite caterer not yet part of the platform, encourage them to join! Vendors that sign up early will be featured in upcoming tastings and communications.
For more information or to recommend a caterer, schedule a training, or ask any questions about the program, please contact:
- Vivian Bordon (America To Go Account Manager) – vivian.bordon@americatogo.com
- Adriana Jimenez (Procurement & Contracts Manager for H&D) – abj2@rice.edu
Additional Information Coming Soon!
We’ll be sharing more details soon, including key launch activities. We’re excited to work with all departments to ensure this new program succeeds. Thank you for your support!
Stay tuned for updates!