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Who says business catering has to cost a fortune? The Coronavirus pandemic has puckered up corporate catering budgets harder than a lemon heavy kombucha. The tough economic fallout has not been lost executive catering companies, many of whom are experiencing their own revenue being sliced and diced. Still, employers are dedicated to providing tasty and memorable feasts for their hard working teams albeit on a budget, and executive caterers are graciously up for the task.

Whether you need event catering services for a large, but socially distanced crowd, or a tasty lunch for your small team, here’s how you can make corporate catering affordable. 

Go for the Noodles

When it comes to executing catering, the cheapest dishes are noodle based. They’re also some of the most delicious and popular corporate catering options, and this was true pre-COVID-19. Be it rice plentiful cultural dishes from the eastern world of Thailand and India, or tasty favorites from the old world of Italia. 

While noodle based dishes are filling, they are often light on the meat. Meat is one of the most expensive components of executive catering, which brings us to our second suggestion for affordable corporate catering.

Vegetarian 

Meat can be expensive. This is especially true when it comes to event catering for large gatherings. Luckily, your executive catering partners know how to create culinary masterpieces from their garden produce. Vegetarian dishes tend to be lighter on your staff’s stomach, meaning your employees can avoid that after-lunch energy slump.
A soup and salad lunch is an excellent way to feed your hungry crew in a health and financially conscious way. 

Tacos

Tacos. Enough said, right? Hard or soft shell, it doesn’t matter. Everyone loves tacos, and your catering budget loves them too. A taco bar allows for a mix of everything. It’s easy to appeal to both your vegetarian staff and the meat lovers in your office. Ground beef and shredded chicken are some of the cheapest options when it comes to meat, and tacos call for lighter meat portions. A catered taco meal is fun, creative, and affordable.

App it Up

Appetizers and small plates add variety to your lunch without breaking the bank. This is a great way to add meat to your corporate or event catering menu on a tight budget. Appetizers also go great with a soup and salad lunch, and can add some comfort and soul to your office.

Don’t Order in Excess 

Pre-COVID-19, it was a common trend in executive catering for business owners and event staff to order excess amounts of food. This is understandable as no one wants to run out of food during the party. But in these times of economic hardship, it’s wise to order only what you need. This is a good way to be budget conscious, as well as cut down on food waste.
Not sure how much food you need? Consult with your executive catering partners. Tell them your head count and menu needs. They’ll be able to advise you on how much food you will need to order.

Hungry?

Are you in the midst of planning a catering event for your hungry guests or staff? The Silver Spoon can help! Drop us a line, and tell us your cuisine needs and crowd size. We’ll prepare a tasty feast that is sure to satisfy your appetite. 

Category: Uncategorized

Throughout lockdown, birthdays, weddings, team meetings, and other events had to be put on hold. As states around the country relax stay at home orders and restrictions, Americans everywhere are excited to reconnect and celebrate with friends, family, and co-workers.

While many states now allow meetings and events, certain restrictions still apply. It’s important that event planners learn all they can about state rules and CDC guidelines to ensure everyone stays safe. This is especially true if you plan to serve food. 

Keep Surfaces Clean & Sanitized

Although cleanliness is important whenever serving food, it’s even more crucial during a pandemic. Event planners could benefit from developing and enforcing procedures aimed at preventing the spread of disease.  

• Do Not Allow Guests to Serve Themselves
  When guests serve themselves, they spread germs from one person to the next via serving utensils. Instead of serving guests buffet-style, consider having your event catered and designate one person to serve each guest. Another popular option, you can provide guests with pre-made boxed lunches. These pre-made meals provide guests with the perfect portion while keeping meals separate.
• Encourage Frequent Hand Washing
  Make sure that both guests and staff have easy access to handwashing stations.
• Make Sure Everyone Wears a Mask
  Although it’s not possible to eat while wearing a mask, event planners should make sure staff and guests wear masks at all other times. This isn’t just crucial, it’s required in many parts of the country.
• Enforce Social Distancing
  When having guests line up for food, consider placing markers on the floor to encourage social distancing. Keep tables and chairs separated as well. Only members of the same household should come within six feet of each other.
• Clean & Disinfect Serving and High Touch Areas

Clean and disinfect all high touch areas before, during, and after the event. Make sure to use quality CDC-approved cleaners and disinfectants.

Consider Open Air Venues

As the situation changes, so do CDC guidelines and recommendations regarding event venues and occupancy. Although many states now allow limited occupancy in indoor venues, having your event outdoors offers the greatest flexibility and safety for your guests and staff. If possible, look for an outdoor event venue. If you do choose to have your event indoors, make sure you fully understand your state’s guidelines and restrictions regarding social gatherings. Speak with the venue in advance to learn if they have any additional rules or restrictions.

Keep Staff and Guests Informed

Even with the best precautions in place, you can’t make your event truly safe without communicating your plans with your staff and guests. Make sure everyone knows the procedures you’ve put in place before your event. Signs can let guests and staff know how to properly wear PPE and maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and other guests. Signage can also direct staff and guests to handwashing stations.

Silver Spoon Caterers offers catering services for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. Our team works hard to ensure the safety and satisfaction of every guest. Please contact us to learn how we can help make your next event a success!