While some catered business lunches fall into the “executive” category with no expense spared for high-level company officers or distinguished visitors, many more are occasional affairs that are organized with an eye on the budget.
An invitation to these office lunches might extend to all employees to build morale, or go out only to select departments or teams. Indeed, a catered noontime meal may be the ideal way to acknowledge the long hours put in by the accounting department during tax season, or to reward a group that put in extra effort to complete a major initiative. Then, too, a catered box lunch may be in order for a team that’s working toward a tight deadline.
As an affordable catered menu item, pizza seems to be the first choice for many, but after being served at more than a few such affairs, it’s often the last thing most employees want to see!
So, what’s a company owner, office manager or department head to do if tasked with catering a business lunch? With your catered event budget and projected head count in hand, consult with an experienced event caterer and think outside the (pizza) box!
A catered deli buffet lunch is a great place to start. Typically, your lunch caterer will bring a mixed green salad with several salad dressings as well as fruit salad, potato salad and chips. Several types of sandwich meats, cheeses and loaves of bread will be offered, as will a dessert tray with brownies or cookies.
Most event caterers offer themed catered lunch options, also served luncheon buffet style. Some of the more popular catered lunch themes are American (e.g., hamburgers and fries), Italian (e.g., pasta or Tuscan-style chicken) and Southwest (e.g., fajita or taco stations). Don’t be afraid to brainstorm with your event caterer for other ideas!
For “working lunches” where trips to a buffet line might interrupt progress, catered box lunches are the choice. Your business event caterer is likely to include a choice of ham, turkey, roast beef and vegetarian sandwiches and wraps. Most catered lunch boxes also feature fresh fruit as well as chips and a cookie.
“We take pride in creating delicious and affordable business lunches for all types of mid-day occasions,” said Catered Creations’ owner Patti Zylstra. “It’s not the number on the budget that’s most important, but the number of smiles we receive when we satisfy the organizers and employees at catered office lunches.”
All about creating mouthwatering – and memorable – experiences, rely on Catered Creations to enhance your next event. From weddings and social parties to picnics and corporate functions, we’ve been serving West Michigan since 1986.
