In our three-part catering series with Bi-Rite Market, we get the insider’s take to catering with the Bay Area’s most beloved grocer. Here, Bi-Rite’s sales manager, Sue Mackimmie, shares tried and true catering menus that are sure to delight your guests. Explore a sample catering menu for breakfast, lunch (light and heavy), appetizers, and full dinner. If you’re a visual person, be sure to check out the infographics linked to at the bottom of each sample catering menu.
Healthy Start Breakfast (10-12 bites)
When you’re hosting morning meetings, attendees usually expect breakfast. It’s easy to order bagels, but consider adding something with protein such as yogurt, chia pudding, frittata, or quiche to keep belly’s full and minds engaged. If you are planning an all-day conference, a mid-morning snack (three bites) with coffee is a nice added touch.
Sample Menu
- Seasonal Fruit Salad
- Granola & Yogurt
- Vegetable Frittata
- Coffee & Tea Station
- Add-on Options: Juice, Bagels, Breads, and Pastries
View the Healthy Start menu infographic
Light Lunch (8-10 bites)
Fast and effective, box lunches are the old standby option. However, they are usually limiting in terms of options – not to mention can result in wasted food and packaging. Giving employees the freedom to choose their meals will lead to higher satisfaction. Even offering a buffet featuring sandwich ingredients with plenty of variety makes a world of difference. For an easy fix, go with a combination of chicken and vegetarian options.
Sample Menu
- Chicken and Vegetarian Sandwiches
- Grain Salad
- Leafy Salad
- Cookie bites
- Add-on Options: Vegetable and Hummus Platter
View the Light Lunch menu infographic
Power Lunch (10-12 bites)
If you want a more elevated and robust meal, choose a protein such as chicken skewers, along with a large salad, vegetable platter, and grain. For dessert, add small cookies or mini cupcakes. Remember to keep soda and junk food out of the office – you don’t want employees getting the sugar high comedown.
Sample Menu
- Finger Sandwiches
- Skewers (Mix of chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetables)
- Grain Salad
- Leafy Salad
- Cupcakes and Cookies
- Add-on Option: Grilled Vegetables
View the Power Lunch menu infographic
PM Snacks / Heavy Appetizers (6 bites)
Employees can start crashing in the afternoon, so offering a substantial snack to get them through the end of day can be important. If you are ordering food before an event, conference, or panel, heavy apps are your best bet.
Sample Menu
- Savory Tartlets
- Focaccia Flatbread
- Crudités
- Cookies
- Add-on options: Grilled Vegetable Platter and/or Cheese Platter
View the Heavy Appetizers menu infographic
Dinner (10-12 bites)
Don’t underestimate the power of an incredible dinner. Dinner gives your team the opportunity to have a curated gourmet meal, and spend time relaxing and bonding. Be mindful about where you set up your buffet stations so that it allows people to flow easily through the space.
Sample Menu
- Main Entree (grilled fish and vegetarian option)
- Grain Salad
- Leafy Salad
- Focaccia Flatbread
- Grilled Vegetable Platter
- Cookies, Bars, and a Cake
View the Dinner menu infographic
