Corporate buffet catering is an efficient way to serve a large group of people at a professional event. Guests can choose their own foods and portion sizes to suit their individual preferences and dietary needs. The arrangement also encourages guests to interact, which can help build stronger working relationships between teams and departments.

5 tips for corporate buffet catering

A successful buffet involves careful planning, both in terms of the menu and the layout of the space. Use these corporate buffet catering tips to streamline the process and organize an event that goes off without a hitch.

1. Determine event information right away
As soon as you can, start gathering basic information about the event. At a minimum, you’ll need to know the:

  • Number of attendees
  • Occasion
  • Style and formality of the event

These details have a big impact on the planning process; the buffet for your company’s formal annual gala will be considerably different from the buffet at the company picnic. Once you have the basics sorted out, you can choose a caterer, pick an appropriate location, and decide what type of food to serve.

2. Choose a menu early on
The menu dictates many aspects of a corporate buffet, so it’s helpful to plan it first. To start, decide whether you want a hot or cold buffet. A cold line is usually more casual, featuring dishes like sandwiches and chips; it also eliminates the need for heated serving dishes. A hot line can be either casual or formal.

There’s no need to have all the details of the menu right away; a basic outline will do. Your caterer will be a valuable resource in this process. Many providers have sample menus and a list of standard dishes for you to pick from.

A great corporate buffet menu includes:

  • Options for a wide range of dietary limitations
  • Both hot and cold foods
  • Low-mess foods that minimize splatters and spills

Once the menu is complete, analyze it to determine what you need in terms of space and furniture. If you’re serving pasta, for example, you might need to leave space for dishes of parmesan cheese.

You may discover that the practical requirements of your planned menu don’t suit the event space. When that’s the case, you’ll need to adjust the food offerings or the space itself.

3. Consider the flow of the room
Examine the layout of the event space, and plan the flow of the buffet. The best place for a buffet line is typically close to a wall. That way, people can access it easily from a door or their table. If you’re serving a large group, consider using a two-sided buffet to get more guests through at once.

To encourage one-way travel down the buffet line, consider putting plates, cutlery, and napkins at one end. This strategy lets people know where to start and helps prevent bottlenecks and slowdowns.

Guests may not have a free hand to carry a drink after moving through the main buffet line. To prevent disruption, create a separate drink station in a different area. You can do the same for desserts.

After you create a layout, draw it to scale. Distribute it to the setup crew and the caterer to ensure everyone’s on the same page—it’ll help everything run smoothly on the day of the event.

4. Think about necessary supplies in advance
Make sure to decide what supplies you need well before the big day. Some things, including table and chair rentals, can take time to organize. When everything is under control in advance, you won’t need to scramble to find a solution.

As a reference, most corporate buffet catering events require:

  • Serving tables
  • Linens
  • Napkins
  • Dining tables and chairs
  • Plates and utensils
  • Glassware
  • Garbage cans

Your caterer will likely provide serving utensils, platters, chafing dishes, bus tubs, and tray stands.

5. Don’t forget about decorations
The food is the star of the show at a buffet, but decorations can make the space feel more welcoming and festive. Choose items that support the theme and vibe of the event without detracting from the meal. Some aspects that can enhance the aesthetic of a corporate buffet include:

  • Greenery
  • Contrasting table linens
  • Table runners
  • Decorative vases
  • Garlands
  • String lights

As you’re planning an event with buffet catering, Grubhub Corporate Accounts can streamline the process. Our corporate ordering platform makes it easy to browse menus from a wide range of local restaurants and caterers. Plus, with multiple ways to order and easy invoicing, you can use the account to order food for team lunches, board meetings, and other business events. To find out more, get started with Grubhub Corporate Accounts.