Do you want to host an event for your employees and need catering services? Are you trying to decide between in-house lunches and corporate catering services? You are not alone if you are searching for answers to these questions. Both options can be seen in action at offices, events, and team gatherings. Each catering service has pros and cons.
If you want to serve your employees the best meal, this guide is for you. Here, we will explore key differences between corporate catering and in-house lunches. Corporate caterers prepare and bring your food from the outside, especially from their food trucks or restaurants. On the other hand, in-house caterers make delicious cuisines right in front of your employees. Let’s find out which one can be the best fit for your next event.
Corporate catering means when an outside catering service brings your food to your event or office. The common service providers are nearby food trucks, local restaurants, and small catering companies. They offer different types of corporate catering services, such as one-time events, a weekly lunch, or even daily meal services. From preparing to delivering, corporate catering providers handle everything. You just need to order and enjoy the hot and delicious meals.
In-house lunches are meals prepared in your office kitchen or cafeteria. Your own staff members could cook the meals, or you can hire a chef. This is a suitable option when you have a dedicated kitchen crew. In-house lunches are like preparing and eating together in the break room. However, it is inconvenient for everyone because most offices don’t have dedicated kitchen and cooking staff.
Now you know what corporate catering and in-house lunches are. Let’s find out the key differences between these two.
Corporate catering is ideal for offices that don’t want the hassle of preparing food. It is convenient and easy. You can get professional catering services that offer a wide range of delicious meals.
● Convenience: When you hire corporate catering services, you don’t have to be involved in anything. The catering team will handle everything. They will shop for the ingredients, prepare meals, deliver food, and clean.
● Variety: Depending on your team’s taste and dietary needs, you can order from regular or customized menus.
● Professional Service: The catering services deliver hot and fresh meals on time at your office. Some services include setup and cleanup.
● Impress Clients and Staff: You can offer special meals to your employees and get a long-lasting impression.
● Scalability: No matter the number of your employees, corporate catering can handle them all. These services are suitable for large meetings, conferences, and special events.
Many food trucks offer corporate catering services. Some have fixed menus you can order, whereas others provide a custom list of options.
For instance, That’s My Dog Food Truck offers a corporate combo, including a hot dog bar, chili dogs, hamburgers, gourmet fries or regular fries, pull pork, baked beans, potato salad, Cole slaw, and lemonade. You can customize the menu based on your employees’ preferences and dietary requirements.
You can choose in-house lunches if you have a dedicated kitchen and staff. Also, it would be ideal if you could shop for ingredients and manage the whole cooking process.
● Cost Control: If you know where to purchase ingredients, you can shop for sales, buy in bulk, and manage portions. This can help you save a significant amount of money.
● Team Bonding: Cooking together can build friendship and bond in the office.
● Flexibility: In-house lunch option lets you control the menu and schedule.
● Homey Vibe: It can feel casual and comfortable. The kitchen is one step away. Your team can take a bite of delicious meals whenever they want.
The ideal catering service depends on your office environment and preferences. So, there is no right answer. You can choose corporate catering if you prefer convenience, variety, and professionalism. It is perfect when you organize a big event. On the other hand, an in-house lunch can be an ideal solution if you have a small team, a tight budget, and a personal touch.
Corporate catering vs. in-house lunch: which one is suitable for you? It depends on your team’s needs, your resources, and your goals. You can choose in-house lunches if you have a dedicated kitchen, chef, and option to buy ingredients. On the other hand, if you don’t want to handle the hassle of buying ingredients, cooking meals, and setting up the food, you can go for corporate catering. You can enjoy professional catering services without lifting your finger.
