Brown First

"Brown First" is a University-wide initiative that began in July 2002. Under this policy, Brown Dining has the first opportunity to provide food and catering services to the Brown community. As Brown Dining and other auxiliary departments must contribute a significant portion of their annual earnings to the University's operating budget, this policy enables the University to retain funds that had previously been spent with external vendors. These funds, in turn, support President Simmons's Plan for Academic Enrichment.

Brown First: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does this policy mean?
2. What services are available through Brown Dining?
3. How do I place an order for food from Brown Dining?
4. What methods of payments can I use?
5. How will Brown Dining deal with my order if they cannot fulfill it?
6. What are the qualified vendors?
7. Can I request a non-approved vendor?
8. Can I continue to use my Brown Visa (purchasing card) to purchase grocery items?
9. Can I dine in an off-campus restaurant for Brown-related business?
10. How can I get pizza?
11. Can I get my order delivered?
12. Can I include a tip on the IPR?

What does this policy mean?

All food and beverage purchases must be coordinated by Brown Dining and, if possible, serviced by their University restaurants or catering division.

What services are available through Brown Dining?

Brown Dining offers a wide variety of options, including full-service Catering, Express Delivery for small events, and also Gate Pizza Express Delivery. The full range of services is described on the Food for Your Event page.

How do I place an order for food from Brown Dining?

Order forms are available on the Food for Your Event page. Completed orders should be accompanied by a signed IPR and either faxed, mailed, or delivered to the appropriate office. Traditional Catering services may be ordered directly by calling the office 863-2712.

What methods of payments can I use?

Varies by menu. See the Food for Your Event page.

How will Brown Dining deal with my order if they cannot fulfill it?

Brown Dining will issue approval codes and direct customers to a qualified external vendor. Brown Dining will oversee the process from beginning to end, including initiating purchase orders, monitoring quality and service, and handling all billing functions.

What are the qualified vendors?

Vendor	Address	Phone
Atomic Catering	99 Chestnut St. / Prov.	621-2866
B & M Clambake	560 York Ave. / Pawt.	723-4180
Bagel Gourmet	250 Brook St. / Prov.	453-5560
Ben & Jerry's	237 Meeting St. / Prov.	421-1114
Butcher Shop Cafe	157 Elmgrove Ave. / Prov.	861-4627
Café la France	121 S. Main St. / Prov.	274-0603
Cuban Revolution	149 Washington St. / Prov.	331-3477
Deli on the Square	9 Wayland Square, / Prov.	831-9221
Eastside Marketplace *to be used for groceries ONLY	165 Pitman St. / Prov.	831-7771
Kabob N Curry	261 Thayer St. / Prov.	273-8844
Morins - Fine Catering	95 Frank Mossberg Dr. / Attleboro	508-226-6600
Olga's Cup & Saucer	103 Point St. / Prov.	831-6666
Pinelli-Marra	50 Main St. / E Greenwich	885-5956
Pizza Pie-er	374 Wickenden St. / Prov.	351-3663
Ronzio Pizza (East Ave only)	727 East Ave. / Pawt.	722-5330
Rue Bis	16 Basset St. / Prov.	490-9966
Rue De L’Espoir	99 Hope St. / Prov.	751-8890
Shanghai Restaurant	272 Thayer St. / Prov.	331-0077
Taste of India	230 Wickenden St. / Prov.	421-4355 954-0940
Tokyo	388 Wickenden St. / Prov.	331-5330
Twist on Angell	500 Angell St. / Prov.	831-4500

Can I request a non-approved vendor?

As directed by the University, Brown Dining streamlined the number of approved vendors to a manageable number. Vendors were selected based on past performance (as determined by consultation with customers), service offerings, and other University-established criteria. These include liability insurance requirements, current RI Dept. of Health food licensing status, and Manager Certification in Food Safety. Suggestions for revisions of the University-approved vendor list will be taken into consideration in an annual review process.

Can I continue to use my Brown Visa (purchasing card) to purchase grocery items?

Yes, that category currently does not fall under the "Brown First" policy. However, this will be reviewed periodically and may change.

Can I dine in an off-campus restaurant for Brown-related business?

The Brown First policy does not apply to this type of expenditure. Reimbursement is through the controller's office, as it always was. For more information, refer to the revised Business Meals & Hospitality Policy, available at the Controller’s Office website.

How can I get pizza?

Complete a Gate Pizza Express Delivery order form and an IPR form, and either fax, mail, or deliver both forms directly to the Gate. The Gate’s fax number is x3-6908, and it is located in Alumni Hall at 194 Meeting Street. For information or assistance, please call the Gate directly at x3-3040.

If you would like to use the two approved external vendors – Ronzio’s or Pizza Pie-er – the process is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Record the details of each order onto an IPR, and fax the IPR to the Catering Office at x3-9566. (Always call to confirm receipt of your fax.)
2. When the IPR has been received, the Catering Office will provide you with a vendor-specific authorization number (i.e. Ron – 0001).
3. Once you have an authorization number, call and place your order directly. You will have to provide the vendor both the authorization number and your IPR #. The vendor will bill Brown Dining, who will in turn, invoice you.

Note: If you need a last-minute order of pizza and it is too late to get an authorization number, you may use your own funds to buy pizza off campus or purchase pizza from the Gate with an IPR. You will not get reimbursed for an off campus purchase without an authorization number.

Can I get my order delivered?

Express Delivery and Gate Pizza Delivery are available to on-campus locations only. If you are unsure, inquire when you place your order.

Can I include a tip on the IPR?

A reasonable tip can be included on the IPR, except for pizza orders on which tip is already included.