Off premise catering service is a specialized business offering quality appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks at corporate, non-profit, and social parties and events. Such providers help to bridge the gap between virtual kitchens and restaurants, providing boutique catering solutions at your doorstep. Here are the pros and cons of off-premise catering.
Pros of Off-Site Catering
Cost Effectiveness
Off-site catering gives you more control over the items to bring, which can help reduce costs. You can tailor the catering to your needs so that you only pay for what you need or what you’ll use—you will have control over the number of tables and chairs to rent, the number of food stations, and whether or not to hire servers.
How you plan your event can also impact the amount you’ll spend on catering. Off-site catering allows control over how you format the event. For instance, you can design the food service to be self-serve, instead of hiring servers to wander with party trays.
Ideal for Larger Groups
On-site catering service providers are limited by the space available and are restrained by time depending on the scheduling of the venue before and after the event. They depend on the venue and its facilities to carry out their services, which impacts the number of people they’re able to serve. This means a smaller guest list for you and potentially less freedom over your schedule and food.
With off-site catering, there is no limit to the number of people you invite to your event. Off-site caterers make the food elsewhere and can easily handle cooking plenty of food for larger groups.
Versatility in Creative Themes
Off-site catering opens up opportunities for parties with unique themes. Outdoor catering allows you and your guests more space and freedom to have fun at your venue. Additional space also means more opportunities for outdoor caterers to get creative.
The food is prepared and then brought to the venue of the event. You can have the food brought to a marina, park, residential space, fancy dining hall, or destination spot! Off-site catering allows for versatility, which is ideal if you’re planning an event in an unconventional space or place.
Personalized Catering Experience
Maybe part of your event vision is a beautiful outdoor venue. Enjoy a great meal with friends and loved ones, outside! The best catering service will accommodate your outdoor event by providing meals everyone will enjoy.
Perhaps you want to indulge in southern-style barbecue, a traditional Maine lobster bake, or have food trucks included in the mix. An off-site catering service can make your vision a reality.
Cons of Off-Site Catering
Weather Conditions
Remember that the weather is your most unreliable factor— a forecast can change in minutes. The caterer should have a backup plan if you’re planning to hold your event outdoors. They should also provide options of dishes that will offer the best experience for everyone if the weather changes at your outdoor location.
Food Transportation
Most outdoor venues don’t come with an inside kitchen. Transporting food can be tricky for off-site caterers if ill-prepared for the venue. Dishes may get crushed, spill, or end up undercooked or overcooked by the time they get to the guests. The outdoor catering team must have all the required items to carry out your reception meal successfully from start to finish. Make a secure plan and backup plan with your caterer for your event so that you’re ready for anything!
Planning the Menu
Arranging a suitable menu perfect for everyone in attendance can be challenging for any catering service. The selected caterer should have many ideas and use creativity to make unique and sweet dishes that the client will love.
The dishes selected should taste great and look great. The best off-site catering service will talk to the client beforehand and suggest unique dishes that everyone will enjoy.
Hire the Best off Premise Catering Service
Partner with an off premise catering service with a reputation for providing an extraordinary experience through food. They should plan each dish to leave a lasting impression on all those who will attend your event. Additionally, each caterer has its area of specialty. Find out what they specialize in to know if it matches your event!
The Pros and Cons of off Premise Catering
