Food Services & Initiatives - Students' Society of McGill University

Building Services supports various food services and sustainability initiatives within the SSMU University Centre (3480 McTavish). Find information about on-site food options and related programs.

On-Site Food Vendors

Discover the convenient food and drink options available right here in the University Centre!

Gerts Cafe

Need a coffee, tea or snack? Then don’t leave campus when you can come to Gerts Cafe!

Location: Main floor of the University Center

Hours: 8:30am to 5pm

Check us out on Instagram

Gerts Bar

We are here! We are ready! We are your campus destination! Sing our chant on the way in and get a prize!

Location: S1 (basement) floor of the University Center

Hours: 2pm to midnight, Monday to Friday (August 28th to April 20th, not including holiday closures)

Follow Gerts Bar on Instagram

Note: Vendor operations and hours may vary. Please check directly with vendors or their linked social media for the latest updates.

Food Options Around Campus

Explore a variety of dining options conveniently located near campus. Use the map below to navigate to these locations.

Coffee + light fares

Humble Lion (Coffee/Pastries)
Second Cup Café (Coffee/Wraps)
Tim Hortons (Coffee Chain)

Vegan

Lola Rosa (Restaurant)
Leaves House Cafe (Vegan Cafe With Pastries + Poke)
Copper Branch (Vegan Restaurant)

Grab & Go

Café Castel (Coffee/Sandwiches/Salads)
Couche-Tard (Convenience Store)
Subway (Make Your Own Sandwich)
Poulet Rouge (Chicken Bowls)
A&W (Fast Food Burger Chain)
Hinnawi Bros Bagel And Coffee (Delicious Bagel Sandwiches)

Restaurants

Pigeon Café & Bar (Coffee/Serving Brunch)
Basha (Lebanese Restaurant)
Solit Café (Coffee)
Ganadara (Korean Restaurant)
Ô Four (Fast Food Burger Chain)
Pizzeria Bros (Pizza Ready In 90 Seconds!)
Frequently Asked Question

Catering

SSMU Catering

Gerts Cafe offers catering services for events held in SSMU spaces. Menu options include coffee service, pastry platters, sandwich trays, and more.

For catering inquiries, please contact: gertscafe@ssmu.ca

External Caterers

External caterers are permitted for events held in SSMU spaces with prior approval. All external caterers must be licensed and insured.

For approval and coordination, please refer to Event Support & Security or contact the Events Coordinator at externalevents@ssmu.ca.

Food Sustainability Initiatives

Overview: SSMU is committed to promoting sustainable food practices.Examples:

Support for local and ethical food sourcing
Composting programs (See Waste Management)
Promotion of reusable containers/mugs
Partnership with Midnight Kitchen Collective to address food insecurity
Community garden initiatives during summer months

Sale & Service of Food by Student Groups

Student groups planning to sell or serve food must adhere to specific guidelines and obtain necessary approvals.Key Requirements:

Submit a Sale & Service of Food Declaration Form (available from the Events Coordinator)
Comply with MAPAQ (Quebec food safety) regulations
Submit requests at least 10 business days before the event

Contact: Events Coordinator (externalevents@ssmu.ca) for guidance.

Frequently Asked Question

Where can I find vegetarian/vegan options?

Both Gerts Cafe and Midnight Kitchen Collective offer vegetarian and vegan options. Additionally, Copper Branch and Lola Rosa near campus specialize in plant-based cuisine.

Can I use my own caterer for an event?

Yes, with prior approval. Contact the Events Coordinator for details.

How do I get approval for a bake sale?

Submit a Sale & Service of Food Declaration Form to the Events Coordinator at least 10 business days before your event.

Contact Food Services Support

For General Food Service Inquiries:

Email: building.services@ssmu.ca (Specify “Food Service Inquiry” in subject)

Phone: 514-398-6800

Catering Orders: gertscafe@ssmu.ca

Food Sale Approvals: Events Coordinator (externalevents@ssmu.ca)

Related Links

Waste Management

Event Support & Security