5 Tips for Successful Corporate Event Catering

Why BBQ Works for Corporate Events

BBQ catering has become a go-to choice for corporate events in Tampa Bay. It's approachable, crowd-pleasing, and creates a relaxed atmosphere that encourages networking and team building while maintaining professionalism.

Tip #1: Know Your Audience and Timing

Consider the Event Type

Different corporate events have different catering needs:

Lunch Meetings — Keep it light with sandwiches and wraps, aim for 45-60 minute service
Team Building Events — Heartier portions, family-style service encourages interaction
Client Appreciation — Premium options like brisket and ribs show you value the relationship
Holiday Parties — Buffet style with variety to accommodate all preferences

Optimal Timing

For lunch events, schedule catering between 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. For evening events, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM works best. Always allow 15-20 minutes for setup before guests arrive.

Tip #2: Plan for Dietary Restrictions

Professional events require accommodation for various dietary needs:

Always include vegetarian options (grilled vegetables, veggie burgers)
Offer gluten-free sides and clearly label them
Consider pescatarian options for versatility
Ask attendees about allergies when RSVPs come in

We recommend having at least 10-15% of your order as vegetarian alternatives, even if you don't have confirmed vegetarian attendees.

Tip #3: Choose the Right Service Style

Boxed Lunches

Perfect for:

Working lunches where people need to eat at their desks
Off-site meetings with limited setup space
Events with staggered arrival times

Buffet Service

Ideal for:

Team celebrations and milestone events
Client appreciation gatherings
Events where networking is encouraged

Station/Action Stations

Great for:

Larger events (100+ people)
Multi-hour receptions
Interactive, memorable experiences

Tip #4: Quantity Planning

Nothing's worse than running out of food or having excessive waste. Here's our formula:

Meat Portions

Lunch events: 1/3 - 1/2 pound per person
Dinner events: 1/2 - 3/4 pound per person
Cocktail reception: 1/4 - 1/3 pound per person

Sides

Plan for 6-8 oz of sides per person
Offer 3-4 side options for variety
Include one hot side, one cold side, and one starch

Pro Tip

If your event includes alcohol, increase food quantities by 15-20%. Guests tend to eat more when drinking.

Tip #5: Professional Presentation Matters

Setup and Appearance

Ensure serving area is well-lit and accessible
Use professional chafing dishes and displays
Provide clear signage for dishes (especially allergen info)
Keep the serving area clean throughout the event

Staffing

For corporate events, we recommend:

1 server per 25-30 guests for buffet style
1 server per 15-20 guests for plated service
Additional staff for bar service if beverages are included

Timing and Flow

Have everything ready 15 minutes before scheduled start
Announce when food is ready to avoid awkward hovering
For large groups, dismiss tables systematically
Keep hot food hot — quality matters for your company's reputation

Budget Considerations

Corporate BBQ catering is cost-effective compared to traditional catering:

Lunch events: $15-25 per person
Dinner events: $25-40 per person
Premium options: $40-60 per person

These ranges include proteins, sides, and basic service. Add-ons like appetizers, desserts, and premium staffing adjust the price accordingly.

Making It Memorable

Stand out from typical corporate catering:

Add a signature sauce bar with your company colors
Include custom labels or menu cards with your branding
Consider a small take-home item (sauce bottles, rubs)
Coordinate with your AV team for music that complements the vibe

Ready to Book Your Corporate Event?

Station House BBQ has catered corporate events for companies throughout Tampa Bay, from small team lunches to large client appreciation events. We understand the importance of professionalism, punctuality, and exceeding expectations.