Taking Care of Business: Top 5 Tips for Corporate Catering
It is a new year and a new decade. It is the perfect time to make sure everyone is up to speed on all of the latest and greatest technology, as well as best practices, at the office. It is also a time to celebrate your company’s success, boost morale, and establish strong team cohesiveness. Whether you are planning a training meeting, an awards banquet, a retirement party, a team building activity, a cocktail hour, a convention or a lunch and learn, Z Catering in Gilbert, AZ is ready to help. We know how important it is to keep things efficient, fresh, and delicious at a competitive price. Our veteran staff will take care of all the details from start to finish. To help efficiently plan your perfect corporate event, below are 5 of our top tips for having your next corporate catering event go off without a hitch:
1. Have an estimated head count & keep communication open
In order to assist you in choosing the right menu and setup, it is best to know approximately how many attendees you are expecting. It is always our suggestion to overestimate rather than underestimate, as you don’t want anyone to feel under-appreciated. As the event draws nearer, it is vital to continue communication with your caterer, so they can adjust appropriately.
2. Set a budget & stick to it
Be sure to meet with the decision makers at your company to find out what their expectations are for the event. Are they envisioning appetizers and drinks or a sit down meal? Is there a cap on what can be spent per person or is there an overall budget for the event that needs to include food? Making sure every member of the planning committee is on the same page prior to meeting with the caterer establishes the best experience possible for all parties involved. Once a budget has been established, hold true to it; you want to make sure all committee members and the caterer are always on the same page.
3. Come in with a theme or focus
Is the atmosphere supposed to be celebratory with applause, awards, and toasts? If so, the focus will be very different from a sit down training seminar or lunch and learn. Thinking about your vision and goals for the event help your caterer know what format would be the most suitable. For an awards ceremony, you may want to choose grazing stations with hot and cold appetizers that pair well with selected wines or signature drinks. On the other hand, you may want to consider a buffet setup if you are hoping to hone in on team building or providing a platform for employees to discuss or share ideas about a certain project.
4. Select a menu with dietary restrictions in mind
So, let’s be honest. The food at a corporate event can either make it or break it. Therefore, the menu selection carries the most weight when planning this type of affair. You want to keep your menu varied and open to those who may have religious or health related dietary restrictions. We suggest providing at least one meatless option, as well as at least one gluten free option (which can sometimes be accomplished with the same dish). Ask your caterer if they are able to provide separate meals for employees who may need to avoid cross contamination with meat or gluten. Then, allow employees an opportunity to express any needs for accommodations. This allows for all employees to feel involved and valued.
5. Prepare a schedule of events
Know ahead of time if there are certain scheduled events that have to go on at specific times. Are there multiple speakers giving speeches or presentations? Are there certain “break out sessions” or built in transitions to consider? Being informed about these intermissions can help you and your caterer decide when food should be available for employees, whether it is a grab and go or a sit and enjoy situation.
These 5 tips should get the ball rolling for planning your corporate occasion. Call Z Catering at 480-747-0756 to nail down the rest. Remember, Z Catering is available anywhere in the metro Phoenix area. We also offer the convenience of online ordering at www.zcatering.com. If you are in search of pickup or delivery options, we can do that, too! Let’s take care of business together.