La Rio's Fresh Mexican GrillLa Rio's

// University & Student Event

University & Campus Catering (U of T, TMU, McMaster & more)

Budget-friendly, diverse catering for faculty lunches, student unions and campus events across the GTA's universities. Typical size: 10+ guests.

Get a QuoteCall (647) 548-8740
Halal chicken & beefVegetarian optionsVegan optionsDietary needs confirmedAllergies reviewed in advanceClearly labelled packaged mealsGTA-wide deliveryMade fresh to order10+ guestsHalal chicken & beefVegetarian optionsVegan optionsDietary needs confirmedAllergies reviewed in advanceClearly labelled packaged mealsGTA-wide deliveryMade fresh to order10+ guests

// Why La Rio's

Built for university & student event

  • Published package prices from $13/person
  • Individually packaged for easy distribution
  • Halal and vegan choices available with quantities confirmed in the quote

// Quick facts

Typical size
10+ guests
Minimum
10 guests
Delivery
Quoted by location
Dietary
Halal & vegan choices

// Recommended packages

Campus packages for hand-out, value and energy

Step 1 · Choose a package

Start with the distribution method: individual meals for controlled hand-out, a base taco bar for value, or chips and guacamole when the event needs more atmosphere.

Fast distributionindividually packaged

Campus Hand-out

$13per person

Clearly labelled bowls work for lectures, orientations and events where volunteers hand meals to attendees.

  • Cilantro-lime rice and black beans
  • Chef-selected fresh toppings
  • One selected protein per bowl
  • Individual packaging and a clear label
Best for

Working lunches, schools, shifts, workshops and film crews

Lowest buffet pricetaco bar

Student Taco Bar

$13per person

The published base Taco Bar keeps the per-person food cost simple for student associations and faculty events.

  • 3 soft corn or flour tortillas per person
  • Choose any 2 proteins
  • Choose any 4 toppings
  • Choose any 3 sauces
Best for

Value-focused lunches, schools, fundraisers and casual groups

More event energytaco bar

Campus Fiesta

$16per person

Chips and guacamole turn the Taco Bar into a fuller arrival spread for clubs, mixers and celebrations.

  • Everything in the Classic Taco Bar
  • Chips and guacamole for the selected guest count
Best for

Office parties, birthdays, team lunches and graduation events

Step 2 · Add optional extras

Customize Classic Taco Bar

Tap Add or Remove. Anything already bundled with this package is locked as Included.

Planning total$13per person
Appetizers

Chips & Guacamole

+$3/person

Sides

Garden Salad

+$2/person

Desserts

Churros with Chocolate Dip

+$3/person

Drinks

Assorted Pop / Drinks

+$1/person

Supplies

Disposable plates, cutlery & napkins

+$0.50/person

Classic Taco Bar · no optional add-ons selected
Continue with this selection

Prices are before delivery and 13% HST. Add-ons shown as Included are not charged twice. Package changes, quantities, dietary requirements and delivery logistics are confirmed in the written quote.

// Compare the service styles

See the underlying menus

Taco Bar Buffet

Taco Bar Buffet

Our signature build-your-own taco bar. 3 soft corn or flour tortillas per person, two proteins, and a fresh spread of toppings and sauces — guests build their own.

from $13/person

Individually Packaged Burrito Bowls

Individually Packaged Burrito Bowls

Pre-portioned, clearly labeled bowls — cilantro-lime rice, black beans, your protein and fresh toppings. Ideal for offices, schools and events where easy distribution matters.

from $13/person

Get a Quote
La Rio's mascot
Add-ons!

// Budget examples

Planning-level cost examples

These examples answer the next question most planners ask after finding this page: “roughly what will this cost?” They include food, default delivery assumptions, and HST.

Guest countFormatFoodTotalAll-in / guest
50Packaged Bowls
$13.00/person
$650.00$779.70$15.59
50Taco Bar
$13.00/person
$650.00$779.70$15.59
100Packaged Bowls
$13.00/person
$1,300.00$1,536.80$15.37
100Taco Bar
$13.00/person
$1,300.00$1,536.80$15.37
200Packaged Bowls
$13.00/person
$2,600.00$3,005.80$15.03
200Taco Bar
$13.00/person
$2,600.00$3,005.80$15.03

// What buyers need

Plan around campus access and crowd movement

The right package still needs an operational plan. These are the details that most often decide whether service feels smooth.

What the organizer needs

  • A defensible per-person price and 10-guest minimum
  • Fast hand-out or a planned buffet queue
  • A written dietary count for a diverse campus audience
  • Campus loading, parking and building-access instructions

Service and delivery plan

  • Provide the building name, room, entrance and a contact who can meet the driver.
  • For large attendance, decide whether volunteers will hand out labelled meals or direct a self-serve line.
  • No student or volume discount is assumed unless it appears in the approved quote.

// Planning notes

What planners should know

  • Campus events often prioritize speed, price clarity, and easy distribution.
  • Packaged meals are safer for hand-out and crowd-flow management.
  • Large-scale tiers matter much more at student-event headcounts.

// Direct answer

University catering usually works best when the format is affordable, fast to distribute, and inclusive across dietary needs for large student groups.

// Event planning context

How to choose the right university & student event format

The best format depends on how guests will actually eat. If the room can support one coordinated serving window, a taco or bowl buffet usually gives the best mix of value and guest choice. If names, labels or staggered attendance matter more, individually packaged meals can be the better operational fit even when the event itself sounds buffet-friendly.

This is why the most useful quote requests include the date, address, guest count, dietary quantities and a short note about the room setup. Those details make it easier to confirm the right format before delivery, add-ons and HST are finalized in writing.

// FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much does university & student event catering cost?

University catering usually works best when the format is affordable, fast to distribute, and inclusive across dietary needs for large student groups.

What's the minimum number of guests for catering?

We cater all of our menu options for 10 or more guests. There's no hard 30-guest minimum — smaller groups just use our custom quote pricing.

Do you offer halal options?

Our grilled chicken and seasoned ground beef are halal, and pork is not offered on the current catering menu. Include any specific certification or preparation requirements in your quote request.

Can you accommodate vegetarian and vegan guests?

Yes. Seasoned tofu and bean-and-corn are vegan protein choices. Share the required quantities and dietary details before the menu is finalized.

Are gluten-free options available?

Gluten-free-friendly bowl combinations are available, and the Taco Bar includes 3 soft corn or flour tortillas per person. Share allergies and preparation requirements in advance so the team can confirm suitable choices and handling.

What about allergies?

Share every allergy and handling requirement before ordering. The team will review the menu and confirm whether the requested preparation and labelling can be supported.

Planning university & student event?

Tell us your date, headcount and location and we will prepare a detailed quote.

Get a QuoteCall (647) 548-8740

// Written Google reviews

A few words from recent customers

Read all customer feedback →
Written Google review

We catered for 50 people and the taco bar was a hit!

Nicole D.50-guest birthday · Oakville
Written Google review

Their food is so amazing.

Preeti J.Recurring office-lunch client · Toronto
Written Google review

Excellent food. Great selection. Delivery was prompt / on time. Food was well laid out.

Kanta R.25-guest corporate lunch · Markham

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