Corporate event catering is an essential part of planning any business event, whether you’re feeding a small crowd or guests from across the world.
Are you in the midst of planning for your company’s next corporate event? Do you want to impress your guests and co-workers with food and beverages they will love?
The food and beverages provided can make or break the event, and it’s important to ensure that all of the guests are well-fed and satisfied. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key elements of corporate event catering and provide tips on how to plan for a successful event.
STEP 1: Buffet Style or Individual Boxed Lunches? Pick your theme.
When planning corporate event catering, it’s important to first consider the overall theme and purpose of the event. Buffet style? Light refreshments? Before you move into finding a space and a caterer, you’ve got to know your vision. The more you know, the more your caterer and vendor can help you plan.
This vision will help determine the type of food and beverages that should be served, as well as the appropriate presentation and serving style.
For example, an all-hands meeting may require a quick healthy snack, while a casual networking event may call for more finger food and a relaxed atmosphere.
If the guest list is large, a buffet-style catering service may be more efficient as it allows for faster service and guests have more options to choose from. It is important to think about the type of catering during the planning stage to prevent any issues with food shortages or waste.
If you’re looking for catering services close to LAX or surrounding cities like El Segundo, Hawthorne, Torrance or beach cities like Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica, look no further. Stix&Straws conveniently located in El Segundo, has years of expertise crafting delicious meals, helping you navigate budgets and food preferences- whether it’s a large event or a simple occasion calling for great food.
This is my FAVORITE Meal for Executive's...They LOVE IT!,
and if there is left overs my office staff rave's about the food. They have always been on time with my requested orders.
Step 2: Get A Grip On Your Numbers.
Next, consider the headcount and location of the event. This will affect the amount of food and beverages required
To provide a professional and exceptional service, your catering service will need to know the location of the event- for example, an outdoor event may have limited space and options for food preparation.
Most corporate events require an accurate headcount by a set date. Try to give attendees a deadline to respond or RSVP. Once you have heard back from everyone, add a contingency of five to ten guests. It’s helpful to have a reliable catering company nearby to have your meals ready in a few hours.
Food was healthy, delicious and had good portions. The owner delivered to ensure everything went well. It was a lunch for close to 40 people. Everyone loved it. Will definitely use this place again!
Step 3: Before You Confirm, Look At Customer Reviews
When speaking with corporate caterers, make sure your requests are evident and that you can sense reliability. On the day of your event, you’ll want to avoid ordering issues, cost discrepancies or late deliveries. Professionalism is vital for catering service and will make a significant difference in your experience.
Knowing the company’s strengths and weaknesses beforehand can reveal their credibility, trustworthiness and quality. If you’re looking for a reliable corporate event caterer in LA, look no further than Stix & Straws. Don’t take our word for it. Hear it firsthand from those who trust us.
I was slightly concerned the office would appreciate the caterer, but we were all surprised at how delicious it was! We are having them cater again this week.
Step 4: Look For Menu Variety
Once you have settled on a caterer who can deliver to your requirements, it’s important to look at variety, depending on what time of day and where you plan to host the corporate event.
Some foods that hold up well on a buffet line may not be as acceptable for serving on a plate. Fresh, Boxed meals can prove more hygienic if you are hosting large events. Discuss different options with your corporate catering service and listen to their advice based on the equipment and resources they have.
Check with your catering service if there are unique food experiences they can offer. OurStix Plates concept offers an exciting way of serving appetizers, snacks or mains, allowing you to add a flair of fun to an otherwise corporate affair.
When you’re selecting products for your catering menu, consider the time of year. Take into account the fresh produce available during the different seasons and plan seasonal menus to guarantee the freshest catering menu options.
Step 5: Consider The Special Dietary Requirements of Your Guests
Now that we’ve pinned down a corporate catering service that can deliver, let’s discuss your guests’ dietary restrictions. As an event planner, it’s essential to gather information about any guests with food preferences before the event. By considering these needs beforehand, catering managers can better prepare to accommodate them at the event.
- Food allergies such as lactose intolerance, nut allergies
- Food Intolerances such as gluten for guests with Celiac Disease
- Religious requirements for guests following a Halal diet
From Halal-certified meat options, and delicious wraps to vegan Beyond-Meat Burgers, we at Stix&Straws strive to create an inclusive food experience for everyone.
Always delicious, always hot, always plenty of food. No complaints!
Step 6: Stick To A Schedule
It’s essential that food is served in a timely manner to avoid delays during meal breaks. Following a schedule is particularly important for buffet-style catering as it prevents food from getting cold when left out in the open air, and it also reduces interruptions during the event by allowing guests to eat at specific times.
Food was delicious! Portions were very filling. The owner Imran dropped off the catering himself and was kind, caring and communicative. Everyone loved it, and would order again.
Step 7: Schedule The Logistics
Organization is your best friend and having everything scheduled to a T will save you from any hiccups. Know when your vendors are coming in to set up, have a clear agenda for the event, and make sure staff is briefed on what happens when.
And finally, we are here to take the stress off your back, when you plan your next Corporate Event.
Equipped with an extensive catering menu perfect for corporate events, business meetings, or special occasions, we at Stix Straws are here to meet all of your requests at any hour. Check out ourfull menu here and get browsing!
Delicious food came right on time, and the restaurant stayed in contact with me. They made every accommodation I asked for and provided great alternatives. Packaging was perfect, and kept the food warm. I highly recommend Stix & Straws, my office loved it.
