Office lunch catering near me has become an increasingly popular option for companies looking to provide meals for their employees.
Rather than having staff leave to get their lunches individually, catered meals offer a convenient way to feed the entire office at once. This allows employees to maximize their break times and continue collaborating. It also fosters a better company culture by bringing people together over a shared meal.
The office catering industry has grown substantially in recent years, generating over $15 billion in revenue annually in the US alone. As the workforce and demand for convenience continue to grow, so will the need for catered office meals. Companies have many options for finding the right office caterer for their needs and budget. The most popular selections provide a variety of sandwich platters, salads, pasta dishes, and more. However, many caterers also offer hot entrees, customized menus, and specialty options.
When choosing a caterer, companies must consider dietary restrictions, ordering and delivery logistics, pricing, and more. The right office caterer can make daily routine lunches that employees look forward to. With so many excellent local caterers, companies can find the perfect solution to keep their workforce happy, healthy, and productive. Keep reading this blog post by the office caterer to find out more about office lunch catering near me.
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Benefits of Catered Office Lunches
Providing catered lunches for your office has many benefits for employees and employers.
It offers convenience, saves time, and can boost morale.
Convenience
Having lunch catered eliminates the need for employees to meal prep, go out to purchase food during the workday, or wash dishes and clean up at home or in the office kitchen. Catering handles all the planning, prep, delivery, and cleanup; employees must eat. This allows them to fully focus on work during the day without worrying about their next meal.
Time Savings
Employees can skip taking time out of their workday to purchase, prepare, or eat lunch. Catered food is delivered fresh and ready to eat, saving that time. Meetings and working lunches can also continue uninterrupted, avoiding loss of productivity.
Employers benefit from less time spent on errands and chores, keeping employees efficient. With catering, there’s also no need to assign cleaning tasks to the office kitchen.
Employee Morale
Free catered lunches show employees that management cares about their happiness and well-being. This perk can boost morale, satisfaction, and loyalty. Employees will appreciate a high-quality meal they don’t have to prepare or pay for. It also facilitates team bonding and socializing during the workday.
Most Popular Catering Options
When it comes to office lunch catering near me, there are some clear favorites that most employees enjoy.
These popular options are convenient, easy to eat at a desk, and satisfy a range of tastes.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a classic choice for office catering. They are simple to make in bulk and easily customized with different pieces of bread, meats, cheeses, veggies, and condiments to please various preferences. Sandwiches can be served cold or hot. Popular sandwich options include turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna salad, chicken salad, and vegetarian. Consider offering sandwiches cut in halves or quarters with an assortment of fillings.
Salads
Salad bars and pre-made salad bowls provide a lighter, healthier option for office lunches. Salad bars allow employees to build their salads with fresh greens, proteins like grilled chicken or salmon, cheeses, beans, seeds, chopped veggies, and dressings. Pre-made salad bowls feature leafy greens topped with ingredients like nuts, fruits, and dressings. Salads make a good lunch base or side.
Pizza
Cheese, pepperoni, veggie – pizza is a universally loved dish. Ordering pizza for the office is easy and satisfying. Opt for individual-size pizza slices or squares to make it easy for employees to grab a few pieces. Mix the pizza toppings and types to satisfy meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
Tacos
Who doesn’t love tacos? Like sandwiches, tacos are highly customizable, which makes them ideal for Catering. Arrange a taco bar stocked with your favorite taco fixings, such as salsa, sour cream, lettuce, cheese, beans, and shredded chicken. Provide soft tortillas and hard shells so employees can build tacos to their preferences.
Barbecue
Order barbecue staples like pulled pork, smoked brisket, chicken, ribs, and sausages for a fun, casual office lunch catering near me. Round the spread with classic barbecue sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, and baked beans. Barbecue makes a satisfying and flavorful catered lunch.
Dietary Restrictions
Workplace lunches often need to accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences.
Here are some of the most common ones to consider when ordering office catering:
Vegetarian
Providing vegetarian options is important for employees who do not eat meat for ethical, environmental, religious, or health reasons. Make sure to have a couple of hearty vegetarian sandwiches, salads, or hot dishes. These may include grilled veggie wraps, portobello mushroom burgers, vegetable curries, and pasta primavera.
Gluten-Free
Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance require meals completely free of wheat, barley, and rye. Confirm that gluten-free bread, wraps, and grains like quinoa are available. Avoid sauces thickened with flour, breaded foods, croutons, and other hidden gluten ingredients.
Nut Allergies
Tree nut and peanut allergies are two of the most common food allergies. Caterers should be able to prepare nut-free options and prevent cross-contamination during prep. This includes not using cooking oils containing peanut residue. Please provide a list of allergies so they can inform you of potential menu limitations.
Kosher
Kosher dietary laws determine which foods are permitted and how they must be prepared. Caterers specializing in kosher cuisine ensure compliance by keeping meat and dairy separate. Kosher meals typically exclude pork and shellfish. Discuss kosher needs with caterers ahead of time.
Pricing
The price of office catering can vary widely depending on your location, caterer, menu options, and number of people. Here are some general guidelines on pricing:
- Sandwich platters or boxed lunches: $8-$12 per person
- Hot buffet meals: $12-$18 per person
- Salad bar: $10-$15 per person
- Pizza party: $7-$10 per person
- Taco bar: $10-$15 per person
- Barbecue or cookout: $15-$22 per person
Catering prices are usually charged per person. The more people you have, the lower the per-person cost will be. Most caterers have minimum order requirements, often around ten people.
Ordering individual meals tends to be more expensive than bulk platters or buffets shared by a group. Having a variety of menu options does increase the price as well.
Remember that prices can go up if you have extensive dietary restrictions and special meal requests. Upcharges for premium ingredients like seafood or filet mignon are also common.
Be sure to factor in service fees, gratuity, taxes, and delivery charges. These can add 25% or more to the base catering costs.
To get the best value, look for caterers that provide all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. Ordering regularly from the same provider can also lead to loyalty discounts.
Paying
The payment method for office catering should align with the company’s budget and culture.
Factors like team size, frequency of Catering, and types of cuisine should be considered when determining the ideal payment approach. Companies looking to boost the morale of catered lunches while controlling costs may opt for a split payment model.
Frequency
The frequency you order office catering depends on your company’s needs and budget. Here are some popular options:
Everyday
Having catered lunches delivered every workday is convenient for employees and builds company culture. It works best for companies that highly value employee needs and have the budget to provide daily lunches. Ordering daily Catering means your team doesn’t have to worry about or plan their lunch break, which can improve productivity and morale. Just be aware that it is one of the more expensive options.
Once A Week
Many companies find that catering, such as every Friday, balances employee perks and costs. Employees can look forward to a catered lunch one day a week. For the other days, they can either bring lunch, prep the meal, go out, or order independently. This allows more variety and flexibility than daily catering. Friday is a popular choice as it helps usher in the weekend.
Special Occasions
Ordering Catering for special office events like birthdays, retirements, holiday parties, or achievements and milestones is a great way to celebrate. Catering for special occasions is more affordable than daily orders. And it allows you to customize menus for the event. It’s best for companies that want to provide occasional meals without the costs of weekly or daily orders.
Top Local Catering Companies
When choosing a catering company for office lunch delivery, it’s important to consider options conveniently located near your workplace.
Here’s an overview of some of the top-rated local caterers in the area that offer corporate lunch service:
Tasty Catering
- Conveniently located just 5 miles from downtown, Tasty Catering has served businesses in the area for over ten years. Their menu changes daily and features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Tasty Catering has affordable group packages as well as individual ordering options.
The Lunch Basket
- With two locations just minutes from the business district, The Lunch Basket delivers nutritious and tasty lunches to your office door. Their menu focuses on fresh, made-to-order salads, sandwiches, wraps, and grain bowls. The Lunch Basket accommodates all dietary needs and has an easy online ordering system.
The Office Caterer
- The Office Caterer specializes in office catering and serves businesses throughout the metro area. Their constantly rotating menu features creative sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees with global flavors. They also offer breakfast catering, snacks, and appetizers for office events and provide free delivery.
Office Bites
- If you’re looking for healthy gourmet options, Office Bites is a great local choice. They use organic, locally grown ingredients and follow sustainable practices. Office Bites has set menus each week featuring salads, tacos, grain bowls, and more. They deliver to offices for free within a 5-mile radius.
The Office Cafe
- For delicious classic American comfort foods like mac and cheese, pot roast, and chicken parmesan, The Office Cafe is a top caterer for businesses in the area. They offer daily hot entrees, sandwich platters, salads, and sides for office lunch catering near me delivery or pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
You asked, we answered:
How Do I Choose The Best Office Lunch Catering Service?
Look for services with positive reviews, a variety of menu options, and the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What Should I Consider When Planning The Menu?
Consider the dietary preferences and restrictions of your team, seasonal ingredients for freshness, and a balance of healthy and satisfying options.
How Far In Advance Should I Book Catering?
It’s best to book at least one to two weeks in advance, especially for larger groups or during busy seasons, to ensure your preferred caterer is available.
Can I Request A Custom Menu For My Team?
Many caterers offer customizable menu options to fit your team’s specific needs and preferences. Be sure to discuss this when you inquire or book.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right caterer for your office’s lunch needs requires asking the right questions and knowing what to look for.By carefully considering these aspects, you can select the ideal office lunch caterer to satisfy your company’s requirements and maintain employee satisfaction. Get a quote for high quality office catering delivered to your office.
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