Office catering is an essential aspect of corporate culture in Chicago. It plays a significant role in keeping employees happy and motivated. A well-planned office catering can help boost morale, foster teamwork, and increase productivity.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate event or a team meeting or want to treat your employees to a tasty lunch, the Windy City has something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and trends for office catering in Chicago.
Table of Contents for Chicago Office Catering Tips and Trends
1. Plan Ahead
2. Choose the Right Caterer
3. Comfort Food Trends
4. Go Local
5. Cater to Dietary Restrictions
6. Provide Healthy Options
7. Offer Interactive Food Stations
8. Provide On-Site Cooking
9. Go Green
10. Get Feedback
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to ensure a successful office catering. Start by identifying the type of event you are hosting and the number of attendees. This will help you determine the kind of food and drinks you need to order. Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests.
Will you be planning an elaborate event? Full-service catering may be the appropriate choice. With full-service catering, the caterer will provide the food, the setup, and the staff. The staff will be there to prepare the food and serve your guests. They will also provide support for break-down and clean-up.
If full-service catering is different from what you need, delivery may fit the bill perfectly. When you opt for delivery catering, the caterer will deliver the order, provide a simple setup, and let you determine how and when you serve your guests.
Either way, a quality caterer will work with you to craft your menu to suit your needs and budget.
Fortunately, Catering by Michaels has a long history of impeccable full-service and delivery catering. Click here to see our menus.
2. Choose the Right Caterer
Choosing the right caterer is essential for a successful office catering. Look for a catering company that has experience in catering for corporate events. Check their reviews and ratings online. Ask for references from other companies they have worked with in the past.
At Catering by Michaels, we have a rich and storied history of outstanding catering. We are acknowledged in the industry as one of the top caterers in Chicago…as well as the nation.
We believe catering is more about the journey, not just the destination. Over the years, we’ve been extremely fortunate to have experienced expansive growth and are humbled by the recognition we’ve received in our pursuit of innovation and excellence. Our innate desire to teach and learn fuels our quest for knowledge and ingenuity.
3. Comfort Food Trends
Comfort food is making a comeback, even in corporate settings. Think mac and cheese, pot roast, meatloaf, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. These familiar dishes evoke nostalgia and create a sense of well-being. Consider incorporating comfort food into your next office catering menu.
4. Go Local
Chicago is known for its diverse food scene. Take advantage of this by choosing a caterer that specializes in local cuisine. Local catering companies can offer unique dishes your guests may have yet to try. This can make your office catering stand out and be memorable.
We prioritize partnerships with local vendors. We also actively seek vendors that are minority and/or women-owned.
5. Cater to Dietary Restrictions
It’s essential to cater to your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences. Offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the food and drinks at your event.
Fortunately, Catering by Michaels has a long and established history of crafting menus with an eye toward all dietary needs. We dedicate our efforts to providing creative, innovative, and delicious options. We believe dietary restrictions and preferences are not an obstacle but rather an opportunity.
6. Provide Healthy Options
Healthy eating is becoming more popular in the workplace. Offer healthy options such as salads, fruits, and vegetable platters. This can help promote wellness and healthy eating habits among your employees.
Because we prepare all our menu items in-house, we can ensure that our food meets the highest quality standards and is the freshest it can be.
7. Offer Interactive Food Stations
Interactive food stations can add an element of fun and excitement to your office catering. Consider setting up a DIY taco bar, pasta station, or dessert bar. This can encourage employees to socialize and interact with each other.
We pride ourselves on our innovative, full-service interactive food stations. From our Ramen Siphon Station, to our luxurious Plancha Station, to the whimsical ChocoTaco Station, we can create an experience that is as visually exciting as it is delicious.
8. Provide On-Site Cooking
On-site cooking can add a unique touch to your office catering. Consider hiring a chef to cook and prepare food on-site, creating a memorable experience for your employees and making your event stand out.
This is where our full-service offering really shines. Your Event Coordinator can work with you to craft a solution that meets your needs perfectly.
9. Go Green
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Choose a catering company that uses eco-friendly packaging and utensils. This can help reduce waste and promote environmental awareness.
As of July 5, 2023, our continuing efforts garnered us a coveted fourth star from the Green Restaurant Association—the highest level of certification they bestow. We are proud to be one of only two caterers in the country to achieve this extraordinary level of sustainability.
We believe in providing the best possible experience and food for our clients. We believe in innovation and creativity. We believe in fostering a culture of ingenuity, pride, and connection.
And at our core, we believe in our commitment to sustainability. We compost, recycle, and donate food. We work with eco-friendly vendors. We make environmentally conscious decisions.
Why do we care about sustainability? Because let’s face it, it’s the right thing to do—not just for us, but also for our clients, our future, and humanity.
Our industry is one of excess and waste, and we feel a great responsibility to impact change and do our part to forge a greener future. Since the environment directly affects the quality of the ingredients we have available to us, it’s evident that the more we take care of the earth, the more it will take care of us.
Our peers recognized us with the NICE Award for Best Responsible Event (Lollapalooza) in 2013 and 2014 for our commitment to environmental practices. We are a founding member of the Illinois Food Scrap Coalition, members of the Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition, and work closely with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, Inc. to send leftover/surplus food to food banks rather than landfills.
10. Get Feedback
After the event, ask for feedback from your employees. This can help you improve your office catering for future events. Use the feedback to make changes and improvements to the catering process.
In conclusion, office catering is an essential part of corporate culture in Chicago. Following these tips and trends can ensure a successful and memorable office catering event for your employees. Remember to plan ahead, choose the right caterer, cater to dietary restrictions, provide healthy options, offer interactive food stations, provide on-site cooking, go green, and get feedback.
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