A beautifully organized buffet table at a corporate function.

Have you ever attended a business conference and ended up forgetting what the conference was about, but you just can’t forget the food you were served? That’s the power of good corporate catering. It can leave a lasting impression that is sure to lift your mood every time you think about it. Corporate catering is not merely about serving food to guests; rather, it's about sending a message. A carefully organized catering service has the power to promote interaction and create a lasting impression on clients, partners, and staff. Whether it's a sophisticated gala, a fast-paced networking lunch, or an informal office party, the right food and service can elevate the entire experience.

Proper catering can turn a bland, transactional meeting into a vibrant and interactive experience. Think of a hastily prepared coffee-and-cookie reception and a carefully planned menu that stimulates the senses and invigorates participants. Whether it's an elegant gala, a high-energy networking lunch, or a casual office celebration, proper food and service can elevate the entire experience and establish the tone for success. A well-fed team is an efficient team, and clients who are impressed by flawless service are more likely to participate in substantial business talks.

Setting a Realistic Catering Budget

Surprise expenses can derail your budget, so plan ahead with these tips:

Establish a realistic per-head budget: Consider not only food expenses but also service and rental costs to avoid last-minute surprises. Consider it an investment in making a good impression that reflects your company's values and attention to detail.
Watch out for hidden expenses: Delivery fees, taxes, and gratuities can quickly add up—always ask for an all-inclusive price. Some caterers offer flexible packages combining all costs into one package, for the best value for your buck.
Focus on quality and presentation: A low-cost caterer can still serve a memorable meal with fresh ingredients and creative presentation. A simple meal can taste luxurious when presented well and served with attention.
Explore different corporate catering packages: Some caterers provide customized corporate catering packages that help optimize your budget while serving excellent food.

Choosing the Right Corporate Catering Style

Every event has its own vibe, and the catering needs to be the perfect accompaniment! Consider these options when picking what tone to set for your next corporate event:

Buffet: The all-you-can-eat dream! Perfect for large groups where individuals can take whatever they desire. This is a great way to facilitate mingling and a variety of meals so each guest can find something they enjoy.

Plated meals: Envision elegance and luxury—perfect for black-tie events where formal service adds to the charm of the day. This is an excellent means of providing a more intimate, high-end dining experience.
Grab-and-go: Quick, efficient, and hassle-free! Perfect for high-energy business meetings and training sessions where time is critical. No lines, and no distractions—just fast, tasty food to keep the energy flowing.
Boxed lunches: A neat and tidy solution for busy participants on the move who want a satisfying meal. It's an excellent option for outdoor meetings, workshops, or hybrid work environments.
Food stations: Who doesn't love a little bit of DIY? These interactive, customizable stations let guests pick and mix, making mealtime an event unto itself! Imagine taco bars, pasta stations, or gourmet salad counters—interactive and fun.

Creating a Versatile Menu for All

Food is the language of joy universally spoken at any gathering, and nothing kills the mood quicker than a menu that doesn't welcome all guests. Picture the thrill of an expansive buffet only for some guests to have nothing they can eat—exasperating, isn't it? Here are a few quick pointers to keep in mind when creating a menu for your next corporate catering pick:

Offer diverse options: Keep everyone hooked with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options. A carefully planned menu guarantees that no one is left out.
Balance indulgence and wellness: Offer a delicious mix of healthy, wholesome food and rich comfort food—because who doesn't love options? A fresh garden salad and a creamy mac-and-cheese is the perfect balance.
Add international flavors: Treat your guests to an international culinary experience! From sushi platters to Mediterranean mezze, blending flavors creates a memorable meal.
Surprise and delight: Add a surprise dish or an unusual flavor spin—because everyone needs a little food adventure every now and then! A signature cocktail, an unexpected dessert, or a fusion dish can be the buzz of the event.

Logistics and Coordination for Smooth Execution

Planning your event properly is one of the most important things to do before the day of the actual event. Here are a few tips to make sure everything goes according to plan:

Confirm numbers in advance: Keep a count of how many people you have to serve. This helps reduce food wastage and excess.
Plan setup and delivery strategically: Make sure your caterer has enough time for preparation and service before guests arrive. Hasty setups can result in subpar presentation and service errors.
Check venue policies: Some venues will have their own catering policies, so make sure this is organized in advance. Permits, kitchen access, and food safety arrangements are some things that require attention.

Presentation and Service Matter!

First impressions matter, and the way you present your food can make a world of difference. To take your catering to the next level, try these:

Dramatic food displays: A well-laid-out buffet or plated dish makes the entire spread more attractive. It is often said that we feast first with our eyes, and making your next corporate catering spread a visual treat will stimulate appetite and enjoyment among guests.
Professional service: Professional servers add a touch of elegance, while self-serve stations are more convenient for casual events. Alert and friendly staff can truly elevate the guest experience.
Smooth food circulation: For a no-hassle event, make sure the food stations are laid out so that there is no crowding or unwanted waiting in line. Nobody likes to wait in a long line when they can network!

Sustainability and Corporate Catering Trends

Biodegradable cutlery, cups, and straws against an aesthetic background.

Eco-friendly catering is not a fleeting fad—it's the new gold standard! With no compromises on taste or imagination, here are a few ways businesses are going green:

Biodegradable packaging and cutlery: Say farewell to plastic waste! Opt for compostable and recyclable options to maintain the events' green credentials without much inconvenience.
Locally sourced food: Go vocal for local and serve fresh, locally sourced food that gives back to the community, while also providing tasty meals.
Food waste reduction practices: Thoughtful portioning, composting leftovers, and teaming up with food donation programs help reduce wastage.
Championing Sustainability: Do-it-yourself food stations, plant-based menus, and globally inspired street food stations make sustainable catering options the best choice.

Finding the Right Corporate Caterer

Choosing the right caterer could be the difference between the guests wanting to close deals or not coming back – one wrong move, and the entire evening can go off-beat! To get your corporate catering right, remember these tips:

Ask key questions: Can they seamlessly accommodate dietary requirements? How do they deal with last-minute decisions? You need a caterer who can be flexible!
Reading reviews: Customer testimonials never lie. Get an idea about reliability and quality of service from customer experiences.
Scheduling a tasting session: Never order without testing it out! Tasting the menu in advance ensures you understand what you're getting.

One caterer that always gets it right in NYC is Empanada Mama. Renowned for our delicious empanadas—including vegetarian and gluten-free options—Empanada Mama offers bold flavors and diverse choices perfect for any corporate event. Check out our menu here.

Top Tips for Planning Successful Corporate Catering