Best Panera Bread Catering Alternatives in Boston: 8 Better Options for Your Office
Panera has been quietly cutting corners on freshness. Here are 8 Boston office catering alternatives that are doing it better — from scratch-made kitchens to Mediterranean platters your team will actually look forward to.
Panera Bread has long been the default office catering choice for Boston companies — easy to order, recognizable to everyone, and just good enough to get through a working lunch. But in 2024 and 2025, Panera quietly made some changes that have a lot of corporate clients reconsidering.
The company moved to a par-baked frozen bread model, closing down its fresh dough-making facilities. They've also been rolling back the clean food guidelines that made them stand out in the first place. For offices that ordered Panera specifically because it felt like a step above fast food, that step is getting smaller.
The good news is that Boston has no shortage of better options — caterers who are actually making food fresh, with real ingredients, and who treat your order like it matters. Here are eight of the best Panera alternatives for office catering in Boston.
1. Basil Tree Catering
If Panera's appeal was always the "clean, fresh" positioning, Basil Tree is everything Panera used to promise and actually delivers it. Cambridge-based and woman-owned, Basil Tree specializes in sustainable drop-off corporate catering with a rotating menu that keeps repeat orders interesting.
- ✅ Genuinely fresh food made with locally sourced ingredients
- ✅ Compostable, clearly labeled packaging — no plastic waste
- ✅ Rotating menu so offices don't see the same spread every week
- ✅ Trusted by MIT Sloan, Foundation Medicine, and dozens of Boston institutions
- ✅ Highly responsive team from ordering through day-of delivery
2. Milk Street Cafe
A Boston institution since 1981, Milk Street makes everything from scratch in-house every single day — which is exactly what Panera used to claim and no longer does. The menu covers breakfast through lunch and accommodates a wide range of dietary needs.
- ✅ Everything scratch-made in-house daily — no par-baked shortcuts
- ✅ Family-owned and operated, Boston-based
- ✅ Dietary restrictions accommodated across all menus
- ✅ Loyalty program with genuine perks
- ✅ Unsold food donated to local food bank daily
3. Metro Catering
For offices that liked Panera because it was reliable and could scale, Metro Catering is the direct upgrade. They've been serving Boston corporate accounts for over 30 years and can handle anything from a small team lunch to a 500-person event.
- ✅ 30+ years serving Boston offices, government agencies, and nonprofits
- ✅ Handles groups of any size — 10 to 500+
- ✅ Individually wrapped options available on request
- ✅ Known for accommodating last-minute and same-day orders
- ✅ Delivery and pickup both available
4. Rebecca's Culinary Group
Recognized by the Boston Business Journal as the largest caterer in Massachusetts, Rebecca's is the obvious choice for offices that need a dependable, scalable partner across Boston, Cambridge, and Longwood.
- ✅ Largest caterer in Massachusetts
- ✅ Customizable menus for any dietary preference or event type
- ✅ Same-day delivery windows available
- ✅ Handles breakfast, boxed lunches, hot entrees, and holiday events
- ✅ Corporate-focused ordering process with minimal friction
5. Viga Italian Eatery & Caterer
For downtown Boston offices, Viga is a fresh, affordable, and consistently well-reviewed alternative that has been serving the Financial District and Back Bay since 1999. Think Italian comfort food — pastas, calzones, hot sandwiches, salads — made daily from local ingredients.
- ✅ Multiple locations across downtown Boston
- ✅ Fresh, locally sourced ingredients made daily
- ✅ Italian-focused menu: sandwiches, pastas, salads, calzones
- ✅ Competitive pricing — often better value than Panera for comparable quality
- ✅ Handles small team lunches and large corporate orders
6. Boston Catering & Events
With 35 years in the business and a globally trained culinary team, Boston Catering & Events is a strong choice for offices that want more variety and creativity than the Panera sandwich-and-soup formula.
- ✅ More diverse and creative menus than standard corporate caterers
- ✅ Punctual, professional, easy to communicate with
- ✅ Strong track record with regular, ongoing corporate accounts
- ✅ Handles everything from working lunches to full holiday parties
- ✅ 35 years of experience in the Boston market
7. Above and Beyond Catering
For offices that want to elevate beyond the Panera-level experience — client meetings, team milestones, quarterly reviews — Above and Beyond brings event-quality food and presentation to corporate settings.
- ✅ Award-winning catering with 25+ years in Greater Boston
- ✅ Fresh, seasonal menus that go well beyond standard office fare
- ✅ Full event planning support available
- ✅ Preferred vendor at several top Boston event venues
- ✅ Best for client dinners, team celebrations, and office milestone events
8. ANI Catering & Cafe — Belmont, MA
For Boston offices tired of the same sandwiches and salads, ANI brings something genuinely different — Mediterranean and Middle Eastern catering that's been feeding the Greater Boston area for over 30 years. Chicken shawarma platters, falafel, hummus, kabobs, and fresh salads that travel well, satisfy a crowd, and give your team something to actually look forward to at lunch.
- ✅ Mediterranean and Middle Eastern menu — a real change from the usual rotation
- ✅ Family-run with 30+ years serving the Boston area
- ✅ Fresh ingredients, generous portions, honest pricing
- ✅ Food travels and holds well — conference room and desk friendly
- ✅ Customized quotes for groups of any size across Greater Boston
Open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 8pm.
👉 View ANI's office catering information at anicateringandcafe.com
Full disclosure: ANI Catering & Cafe is our family's business. The other seven companies on this list are included because they genuinely represent some of the best office catering options in Boston — and because your team deserves better than frozen dough.
Whether you're switching from Panera or just looking for something new, Boston has excellent options at every price point and scale. The best office caterer is the one your team actually gets excited about — and that's worth a little research. ```
10 Best Office Caterers in Boston: Who to Call for Your Next Corporate Lunch
From large-scale corporate events to weekly office lunches, these are the 10 best office caterers in Boston — and what makes each one worth knowing about.
Finding a reliable office caterer in Boston isn't hard. Finding one that consistently delivers on quality, shows up on time, and doesn't require three follow-up emails just to confirm an order — that's the real challenge. Whether you're feeding 15 people for a lunch meeting or 200 for an all-hands event, here are ten of the best corporate caterers in the Boston area worth knowing about.
1. Metro Catering
One of the most trusted names in Boston corporate catering, Metro has been serving the city's offices for over 30 years with a reputation for reliability and scale.
- ✅ Serves government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector companies
- ✅ Handles groups from small meetings to 500+ person luncheons
- ✅ Delivery and pickup available; individually wrapped options on request
- ✅ Known for accommodating last-minute orders
2. Milk Street Cafe
A Boston institution since 1981, Milk Street brings four decades of scratch-made cooking to corporate catering across the city.
- ✅ Everything made from scratch in-house daily
- ✅ Wide range of dietary restrictions accommodated
- ✅ Loyalty program with perks including Celtics tickets and hotel stays
- ✅ Unsold food donated to local food bank at end of each day
- ✅ Menus span from morning pastry spreads to full lunch buffets
3. Rebecca's Culinary Group
Recognized by the Boston Business Journal as the largest caterer in Massachusetts, Rebecca's is built for corporate clients who need scale and reliability.
- ✅ Serves Boston, Cambridge, and Longwood
- ✅ Same-day delivery windows available
- ✅ Customizable menus for any dietary need or event type
- ✅ Handles breakfast, boxed lunches, hot entrees, and holiday events
- ✅ Streamlined ordering process designed for corporate environments
4. Basil Tree Catering
Cambridge-based and woman-owned, Basil Tree is the go-to for offices that care about sustainability without sacrificing quality.
- ✅ Compostable, clearly labeled packaging on all boxed lunches
- ✅ Rotating menu keeps repeat orders fresh
- ✅ Highly responsive team from inquiry through day-of delivery
- ✅ Trusted by MIT Sloan, Foundation Medicine, and dozens of Boston institutions
- ✅ LGBTQIA+ owned and committed to local sourcing
5. Boston Catering & Events
With 35 years in the business, Boston Catering & Events is a dependable partner for both recurring office lunches and full-service corporate events.
- ✅ Globally trained culinary team with varied, creative menus
- ✅ Handles everything from all-hands lunches to holiday parties
- ✅ Known for punctuality and easy communication
- ✅ Strong track record with regular, ongoing corporate accounts
6. Above and Beyond Catering
For corporate events that need to make an impression, Above and Beyond brings creativity and full event support alongside the food.
- ✅ 25+ years of award-winning catering in Greater Boston
- ✅ Fresh, seasonal menus updated regularly
- ✅ Hands-on event planning support included
- ✅ Preferred vendor at several of Boston's top event venues
- ✅ Best suited for client dinners, team celebrations, and office holiday parties
7. Cafe Luna Catering (formerly Jules Catering)
Operating since 1987 from a 12,000-square-foot commissary on the Somerville/Cambridge line, Cafe Luna is a precision-focused partner for institutional and corporate clients.
- ✅ Nearly 40 years serving Boston-area law firms, universities, and pharma companies
- ✅ Well-trained, professionally attired staff
- ✅ Full range from boxed lunches to conference buffets to corporate dinners
- ✅ Long-term employee retention reflects consistent quality standards
8. Viga Italian Eatery & Caterer
A downtown Boston fixture since 1999, Viga is the reliable choice for offices in the Financial District and Back Bay looking for fresh, affordable Italian-focused catering.
- ✅ Multiple locations across downtown Boston
- ✅ Italian-focused menu: pasta, calzones, sandwiches, salads, daily specials
- ✅ Made fresh daily from local and seasonal ingredients
- ✅ Competitive pricing for the quality delivered
- ✅ Handles both small team lunches and large corporate events
9. The Catered Affair
For high-stakes corporate events at premium venues, The Catered Affair is one of the most acclaimed full-service operations in New England.
- ✅ Nationally recognized for culinary creativity and presentation
- ✅ Deep experience at Boston's top institutional and corporate venues
- ✅ Full-service event management — not just drop-off catering
- ✅ Ideal for client galas, executive dinners, and large-scale conferences
10. ANI Catering & Cafe — Belmont, MA
For offices that want something beyond the standard sandwich rotation, ANI brings 30+ years of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern catering to the Boston corporate market.
- ✅ Chicken shawarma platters, falafel, hummus, kabobs, and fresh salads
- ✅ Food travels well and is easy to eat in a conference room setting
- ✅ Generous portions, fresh ingredients, family-run with 30+ years of experience
- ✅ Customized quotes for groups of any size
- ✅ Serves offices across the Greater Boston metro area
Open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 8pm.
👉 Request a corporate catering quote at anicateringandcafe.com
Full disclosure: ANI Catering & Cafe is our family's business and we're proud to be part of Boston's catering community. The other nine companies on this list are included on their own merits — they represent some of the best and most established corporate caterers in the city.
Whether you're feeding a team of 10 or an office of 300, Boston has no shortage of excellent catering options. The key is finding one that matches your budget, your food culture, and your operational needs — and then sticking with them long enough to build a real working relationship.
Best Mediterranean Food in Belmont, MA: Top 5 Spots to Know
Belmont has a surprisingly rich Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food scene. From a beloved Persian institution to a family Greek kitchen to a 30-year local shawarma spot, here are the top places worth knowing about.
Belmont might be a small town, but it sits at the intersection of some of Greater Boston's richest culinary neighborhoods — bordered by Watertown, Cambridge, and Arlington. For Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food specifically, Belmont punches well above its size. Here are the top spots worth knowing about, from a beloved Persian institution to a family Greek kitchen — plus the local favorite that's been here for over 30 years.
1. Cafe Vanak — 271 Belmont St
With nearly 1,900 Google reviews and a 4.8 rating, Cafe Vanak is one of the most beloved Persian restaurants in the entire Boston area — and a true anchor of the Belmont dining scene. The menu features classic Iranian dishes done with care: ghormeh sabzi (herb and kidney bean stew), kashk bademjan (roasted eggplant with whey), chicken kebabs, and a lamb shank cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection. The barberry rice is a consistent standout, fragrant and slightly tart in a way that pairs beautifully with the proteins. Save room for the honey cake. The staff is warm and attentive, and the overall atmosphere is the kind that makes you slow down and actually enjoy your meal. Reservations are strongly recommended on weekends — the dining room is intimate and fills up fast. There's also a Persian grocery market next door, which is worth a browse if you want to bring some of those flavors home.
Order Online: https://www.vanakfood.com/online-ordering
2. My Other Kitchen — 762 Pleasant St
My Other Kitchen is a family-run Greek spot on Route 60 that has built a devoted following through consistently fresh, clean cooking. The grilled chicken is exceptional — juicy, well-seasoned, and a clear standout among regulars. Every dish is made to order, and the menu is intentionally simple: choose your protein and get it as a salad, pita wrap, or plate with rice and grilled vegetables. Nothing is drowning in heavy sauces or over-seasoned, which is either a feature or a drawback depending on your taste — but for people who want honest, ingredient-forward Greek food, it hits the mark. The baklava is homemade by the family patriarch, who is in his nineties — that detail alone says a lot about the commitment to doing things the right way. It's a small space with a brisk takeout business and the staff is consistently friendly. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
3. Sofra Bakery & Cafe — 1 Belmont St (Cambridge/Belmont border)
Technically Cambridge by address, Sofra sits right on the Belmont border and is very much part of the local culinary conversation. Chef Ana Sortun's Middle Eastern bakery and cafe is one of the most acclaimed spots in the greater Boston area, with a menu that draws from Turkish, Lebanese, and Persian traditions. The Turkish-style breakfast is a destination meal on its own — soft-boiled eggs, spiced yogurt, olives, and fresh vegetables all presented with care. On the savory side, the za'atar man'ouche and chicken shawarma are regulars worth ordering, and the Arabic coffee is exactly as good as the reviews suggest. The pastry case alone is worth the trip — Persian-spiced kouign amann, sesame-crusted cookies, and seasonal items that rotate with the kitchen's whims. It's a smaller, cozier space than the Allston location, which only adds to the charm. Open daily 8am–5pm.
4. Savino's — 449 Common St
Savino's leans Italian-Mediterranean rather than Middle Eastern, but it earns its place on this list through the sheer quality of its cooking. The lamb shank is consistently praised as one of the best in the entire area — braised to tenderness with roasted root vegetables and a deeply flavored sauce. The stuffed Swiss chard is the kind of dish you think about after the meal, and the swordfish and scallop preparations reflect a chef who takes Mediterranean seafood seriously. It's an intimate, owner-operated dinner spot on Common Street with a warm, unhurried atmosphere. Monday pasta special nights offer a three-course format that's particularly good value. Closed Mondays for à la carte; lunch service Tuesday through Saturday.
Order Online: https://savinosgrill.com/belmont-savino-s-food-menu
5. ANI Catering & Cafe — 687 Belmont St (That’s Us)
Our recommendation? Try the Chicken & Beef Combo Plate with Rice!
ANI has been a Belmont institution for over 30 years and represents exactly the kind of family-run business that makes a neighborhood feel like a community. This Armenian and Middle Eastern cafe on Belmont Street is known for their chicken shawarma wraps — generously stuffed with tender marinated chicken, garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables in a warm pita — as well as their crispy falafel and hearty plates served with fluffy rice and salad. The hummus is made in-house and regulars often add a drizzle of hot sauce to their wraps for an extra kick. What keeps people coming back, sometimes every single week for years, is the combination of quality, consistency, and genuine warmth. It's not trying to be trendy — it's just doing it right, the same way it has for three decades.
Beyond the cafe, ANI is one of the go-to catering operations for corporate offices, birthday parties, and events across the Boston area. Party platters, customized menus, and large-scale catering are all available, and the team brings the same care to a 200-person office order as they do to a lunch for two.
Open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 8pm. Closed Sundays.
Our favorite? Try the Chicken & Beef Combo Plate with Rice!
👉 Order online or request a catering quote at anicateringandcafe.com
Belmont's Mediterranean food scene is small but genuinely worthwhile. Whether you're in the mood for Persian stews, Greek grilled chicken, Armenian pastries, or a classic shawarma wrap that's been perfected over three decades, the options here reflect a community that takes good food seriously — and a neighborhood that's been home to some of Greater Boston's best-kept culinary secrets.
The Local Advantage: Why Your Choice of Caterer Matters!
Think a big corporate name means better service? Think again. Discover how a local Belmont caterer saved an event when the guest list doubled—and why "big" often means "stuck."
We’ve all been there: you’ve meticulously planned an event, sent out the invites, and checked the RSVP list twice. Then, the unexpected happens—your guest list doubles at the last minute.
For many hosts, this is a full-blown nightmare. But for our customers at ANI Cafe, it’s just another opportunity for us to show why choosing a local caterer makes all the difference.
A Real-Life Rescue: From 10 Guests to 20
Just today, we received a call from a client in a bit of a pinch. They had originally planned a small gathering for 10 people, but as the event kicked off, they realized they were closer to 20 guests.
In the world of big corporate catering brands, a last-minute change like this is often met with a "sorry, our system doesn't allow for same-day adjustments." But at ANI Cafe, we operate differently.
Because we are a local Belmont business, we were able to:
• Pivot instantly: We skipped the corporate red tape and went straight to the kitchen.
• Scale the order: We prepared, cooked, and wrapped extra portions of our fresh Mediterranean favorites.
• Meet the deadline: The extra food was ready and waiting before the client even arrived for pickup!
Why "Local" Means Better Service
When you choose a local caterer over a national chain, you aren't just supporting your community—you’re buying agility.
• Flexibility: While big brands have rigid systems, we are able to pivot on a dime.
• Communication: You talk to real people who know your name, not call centers.
• Quality Control: Our food is hand-prepared with local care, not mass-produced.
• Community Impact: Your support stays right here in the Belmont economy.
"Agility is a key differentiator for local businesses. Being able to respond to a client's last-minute needs is how we build lasting partnerships in the Belmont community."
Don't Let Your Guests Go Hungry
Whether you’re hosting an office lunch, a family reunion, or a last-minute get-together, you deserve a catering partner that works as hard as you do. Don’t get stuck in a "system" when you can work with a team that values your event’s success as much as you do.
Plan Your Next Event with ANI Cafe
Ready to experience the Mediterranean flavors and local reliability that Belmont loves? Let’s make your next gathering stress-free!
• Visit Us: 687 Belmont St, Belmont, MA
• Order Online: https://orderfromani.com/
• Contact Us: Reach out today to discuss your custom event needs.
How Much Food Do I Need for Catering? (The 2026 Boston Guide)
Don't let your guests leave hungry! Learn the "magic number" for catering portions and why 6–8 oz of protein is the secret to a successful event.
One of the biggest anxieties of hosting an event—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate lunch, or a family milestone—is the fear of running out of food. We’ve all been to that one party where the last few people in line are left with nothing but a scoop of rice and a garnish.
At ANI Cafe, we call this the ultimate catering "red flag." To help you host a seamless, stress-free event, we’re breaking down the math of the main course.
The Magic Number: 6–8 oz of Cooked Protein
If you want to ensure your guests are truly satisfied, the industry gold standard is 6–8 oz of cooked protein per person.
It sounds simple, but hitting this mark consistently is what separates a "good" meal from a "great" experience. Here is why we swear by this range:
1. Guaranteed Guest Satisfaction
A hearty 6–8 oz serving is the "sweet spot" for satiety. It’s enough to ensure your guests feel full and energized, but not so much that they feel sluggish. Whether it’s our flame-grilled kebabs or slow-roasted shawarma, this portion size provides a premium experience for every plate.
2. Visible Value for Your Budget
When you invest in catering, you are investing in your guests' experience. You want to see that budget reflected on the plate. Skimping on protein often makes a catering spread look "thin." By prioritizing generous portions, we ensure that every dollar you spend is visible and delicious.
3. The "Buffet Line" Peace of Mind
Nothing kills the energy of an event faster than the "buffet panic"—that moment the host realizes the trays are almost empty and there are still ten people left to serve. By planning for 8 oz per person, you build in a natural buffer that accounts for those with larger appetites or second helpings.
Pro Tips for a Balanced Plate
While the protein is the star of the show, a truly meaningful meal is about the balance. To complement your ANI Cafe favorites, we recommend:
Two Sides: A mix of a starch (like our signature rice) and a fresh vegetable/salad.
The "Half-Plate" Rule: Encourage guests to fill half their plate with greens and the other half with protein and grains for the perfect nutritional balance.
Plan Your Next Event with ANI Cafe
Don't let your guests leave hungry. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a massive celebration, we’re here to help you get the math right every time.
Ready to impress your guests? [Browse our Catering Menu here] or text us today to discuss a custom package tailored to your guest list.
We CRUSH Last Minute Office Caterings
If you’re in Boston and suddenly realize your meeting starts in an hour and the team is expecting lunch… breathe. You’re in the right place. At ANI Catering & Cafe, last-minute office catering is not just something we can do. It’s something we love doing.
The Office Manager Panic Button Story 🔥
This happens all the time. An office manager calls, voice shaking, whisper-yelling:
“We forgot lunch… we have 20 people… can you help us?!”
My father and I share a quick look. The “we got this” look.
Chicken kebabs hit the grill. Rice gets fluffed. Fresh salad chopped, hummus scooped—perfectly creamy and ready to impress. In under 60 minutes, we have a full Middle Eastern feast headed your way. The office hero gets their cape back, and no one knows how close lunchtime came to disaster.
Why Middle Eastern Food Saves the Day
✅ It travels flawlessly
Grilled kebabs, saffron rice, warm pita, hummus, garlic sauces… our food was born to travel. Flavors stay bold. Texture stays perfect.
✅ Minimal prep, massive flavor
We prep throughout the day. That means no long waits, no complicated finishing steps. You call. We assemble. You feast.
✅ Everyone LOVES it
Vegetarians? Covered. Gluten-free? Easy. Dairy-free? No problem.
Middle Eastern cuisine is one of the most diet-friendly catering options in Boston.
Perfect For Every Boston Office
We support:
- Pharmaceutical lunch-and-learns
- Tech company “please don’t quit us” meals
- University department celebrations
- Client presentations where food needs to impress
- Last-minute lunches when someone 🫣 forgot to order
(We won’t tell anyone.)
We Know Boston. We Feed Boston.
We’ve been a family-run Middle Eastern restaurant for nearly 30 years. My father still hand-skewers kebabs every morning. We take pride in showing up for this city, especially when timing gets tight.
Short Notice? Challenge Accepted.
Call us with one hour, two hours, same morning—we will move mountains (and lots of shawarma) to take care of you.
⭐ Popular Last-Minute Catering Packages
- Chicken & Beef Kebab Platters
- Falafel Trays (Vegan ❤️)
- Family Style Feast: Rice, hummus, salad & sauces
- Shawarma Platters that spark joy
- Fresh-baked pita and dips for days
Office Managers Choose Us Because:
- We answer the phone
- We deliver exactly when we say we will
- We make them look like superheroes
- We handle everything so they can get back to work
Book Your Last-Minute Catering Now
Even if your meeting is in an hour.
Even if your team doubled overnight.
Even if your CEO just texted you “food?” and sent a thumbs-up emoji.
📞 Call ANI Catering & Cafe: (617)484-6161 📍 Serving Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and surrounding areas
🧆 Middle Eastern catering that never disappoints
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How fast can you deliver last-minute catering in Boston?
We can typically prepare and deliver office catering within 60–90 minutes depending on distance and order size.
What dietary restrictions can you accommodate?
We offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal Middle Eastern food that works for most diets.
What areas do you deliver to?
We deliver throughout Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and surrounding areas. Call to confirm your location.
Do you provide serving utensils and plates?
Yes. We include plates, napkins, utensils, and serving tongs for all orders at no extra charge.
Is there a minimum order?
Minimums can vary based on distance, but most office orders for 10+ people qualify easily.
𝟱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝘅 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺)
Boston office catering lunch with shawarma, kebabs, falafel, tahini, hummus, rice pilaf, and pita bread
I’ve been catering for offices in Boston for 15 years. 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝟯𝟬.
Here’s what I WISH office managers would do differently when they order food for the company.
It’s not so much that the food they’re ordering isn’t good quality or it’s not being delivered on time. It’s that they could be getting so much more from their orders just by implementing these 5 tweaks.
Now will these tweaks make bad tasting food magically taste better? No. But it may open up a line of communication between you and the caterer that will lead to EVEN BETTER food for your office.
What are these 5 mistakes, and the tweaks I recommend to squeeze more out of your next order?
Well, let’s start with the mistakes...
1️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
If you're going online and trying to click and scroll your way to a tasty meal, it will only work when trying to SEARCH for the place. Once a place catches your attention, that's when you should stop scrolling...
2️⃣ 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 "𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲"
If you're trying to save time by multitasking the order, navigating the menu on ezCater then doing something else, forgetting you didn't get guac, and by accident ordered pork instead of carne asada, trust me, there's a much easier way. 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘.
3️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Grubhub and ezCater will tell you what everyone else is ordering for sure. At our place its usually Chicken Shawarma and Falafel. Great options. Very, VERY popular. What if I told you that our Chicken Kabob is what I would recommend more for caterings? 🤫 If you had talked to the owner they would've gave you their recommendation based on how far you are and which option serves more efficiently.
4️⃣ 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗛𝗣 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲"
Don't be tricked by all the carbs. Carbs are OUT. Protein is in. If you're ordering catering and the package contains all carbs, you're asking for a disaster. The people want PROTEIN, and at least 6 oz of it if not more during lunch. We follow the "Half Pound Rule". We ALWAYS factor about half a pound of uncooked meat per person. Ask your caterer how much protein they usually account for per person.
5️⃣ 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
Have them send you a 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘. What you may not realize is that most caterers, at least our company, will send you a sampling for at least a few people so that you can try them out, especially if they know it's for a large group.
We will actually do this. Don't believe me?
Send me a message using the form below and say send me a sample and where/when to send it 😊