No matter whether you work for a major corporation or a mom and pop shop, budget is always a consideration when ordering catering. No one doesn’t like saving money! Plus, during these financially uncertain times, many companies are tightening their budgetary belts, leaving less room for extras at a catered meal. If you’re the point person for ordering breakfasts and lunches in your office, it’s up to you to find ways to minimize spending on food.
At CaterSquad, your budget is among our highest priorities. Our experts are trained in helping you make the most of your money. Text us at (858) 999-5129 to place a budget-friendly order–or stick to these tips for ordering catering on a budget.
Make it a buffet
If there’s one universal truth to the #caterlife, it’s that buffets are less expensive than plated or boxed meals. Fewer serving materials and fewer ingredients mean fewer dollars spent. When budget is a consideration, let your staff serve themselves in a buffet line. When the food is tasty, no one will be thinking about how it was cheaper!
Opt for package deals over a la carte
There’s a reason restaurants and catering companies often offer deals, such as packages that serve 10, 20, or 50. These menus are pre-determined to be economical
for the restaurant–and they’re typically the best deal for you, too. Ordering a la carte, on the other hand, can ratchet the bill up fast. Stick to pre-set menus: simpler for you, easier on your budget.
Choose menu items that feed a crowd
What do pizza, casseroles, and salads have in common? A big group can chow down on them for a few bucks each. Stretch your catering dollar by thinking of which menu items can be served family-style.
Go veggie
Not only are meatless meals often better for your health, they tend to be significantly cheaper than their meaty counterparts. To save money, boost health, and do your part for the planet, opt for plant-based protein like beans, vegetables, or soy foods when placing your catering order. Or simply ask for more budget-friendly cuts of meat, like tri-tip instead of tenderloin or tilapia instead of salmon.
Minimize the extras
Sure, we all love a fancy hors d’oeuvres platter pre-meal and an indulgent molten lava cake to finish things off…but these delicious extras add up (both for your wallet and your waistline). Stick with the basics of an entrée, a couple of sides, and a modest beverage selection. If your staff is really hankering for dessert or drinks, grab something store-bought and serve it alongside a catered meal.
Don’t over-order
In every catering order, you’re probably striving to find the Goldilocks balance of just enough and not too much. (And it’s all too easy to order too much.) Striking it right will help keep you within your budgetary bounds. When in doubt, check out our guide to ordering the right amount of catering. Finally, don’t forget that CaterSquad’s team is always on hand to help you make the most of your catering budget.