Business Event Catering

I need a caterer for a business event held by a member association. We're not charging a lot for the event, so want to keep costs reasonable. It's in a month; we typically have 60-100 people at the event. I'll have a better idea as it gets a bit closer. Someone else was supposed to be doing this, but it fell through the planning cracks, lol, so now I'm in a bit of a panic.

Anyone have any experience with any companies that you'd recommend? We don't need staff to stay at the event, but would need it delivered and set up.

got a budget?

I have ordered from Rent-A-Chef, and they work with you on budgets. Their food is pretty tasty - I highly recommend the hummus and pita chips.

I love Catering by Michael's and Pear Tree, but I don't know their prices. I worked with them many times and I've tried some of their food, which is really something. If you go with Catering by Michael's, I recommend the jalapeño cornbread cups topped with pulled pork.

Rent-A-Chef; Jeanmarie Reid
940 Pitner Ave, Evanston
(847) 676-2433

Catering By Michaels/A Tray to Remember/Designed Cuisine
6203 Park Ave., Morton Grove
(847) 966-6555

Pear Tree Catering
950 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills
(847) 459-1100

I've enjoyed working with Big Delicious Planet in the past. Haven't had any recent (maybe the past year) experience with them but their food is really yummy and they were very willing to work with us. Never ordered from them on the scale of 60-100 but they did a fabulous job with 20-30. They have some healthier stuff and it's all pretty tasty. They struck me as affordable but not cheap. They're also great if you have to feed vegans and vegetarians but still have great omniverse food...

http://www.bigdeliciousplanet.com

412 North Wolcott Avenue
Chicago IL 60622
312 455 1019

The only catering company I've had experience with was FIG at a friends wedding in Michigan. Loved the food and they were great.

http://www.figcatering.com/

I use FIG whenever I can at work. They've helped me with events from 20 people to 300+. The food is good, and they're easy to work with and very reliable.

Maybe a year ago, I went to an office party at a friend's organization catered by Big Delicious Planet, and I liked the food quite a bit. I remember canapés and charcuterie, all well executed. I have no idea how much it cost, but I think the client had a very ample budget.

We have ordered catering from here many times.. and we have ALWAYS been satisfied.


http://www.staropolskaofbelmont.com/

Staropolska Restaurant of Belmont
5249 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641


tel 773 736 5230

I would like to recommend Apropo Catering (yes, I know, they are missing an "s') in Schiller Park for your consideration. I have had many, many fine meals catered by Joe Aiello and his staff, including a dinner party for 80 for my husband's 50th birthday. That was one of those once-in-a-lifetime blow-out events; he also does much simpler affairs and could certainly accommodate your group's needs. Here is the website:

http://www.apropocatering.com/

Good luck with the selection process; you've received a lot of good recommendations!

Sharon

Thanks so much to everyone.

In terms of budget, I honestly don't know. I haven't done this in many years, so am not sure what prices are. The last time I did this was 2005 and I can't remember the name of the caterer I used. He was excellent, though. I wish I could remember!

We had 80 people last time and the cost was about $800 delivered and set up, IIRC. It's sort of a grazing event--the see a speaker for 30 minutes, then network and graze for 20 minutes, then another speaker, then another graze, etc. While we did have some sandwiches, we mostly had things like hummus, baba ganoush, breads/crackers, fruit, veggies, salads, nuts, cookies, etc.