What Are the Best Value Catering Services for Small Office Events? 9 Options for Management

Planning a small office event means finding a great catering company that can accommodate a smaller crowd. Good food can make or break any event, whether it’s a team meeting, a training session or a holiday party. 

However, finding tasty options that don’t break the bank can feel tricky. Discover how to find the best value catering services for small office events and explore tips to help you pick the perfect fit.

How the Best Value Catering Services for Small Office Events Were Chosen

Catering companies that offer the best value services provide more than just affordable prices — they also excel in different areas. Here’s the criteria considered when determining the top food suppliers.

• Reputation: The companies were chosen for their reputation for providing good value, balancing portion size, price and quality.
  
• Menu versatility: Cost-effective solutions make it easier to choose a caterer. These companies offer boxed lunches, customizable packages and group platters.
  
• Ease of ordering: This list focused on services with user-friendly online platforms and straightforward ordering processes to save the management time and stress.
  
• Suitability for small events: All catering businesses specialize in or have strong offerings for small office events, featuring menu options and services tailored to team lunches, meetings and corporate gatherings.
  
• Professionalism: The nine companies are established brands with a proven track record in catering and customer service.
  
• Flexibility: Each event is unique, and these caterers can tailor their services to meet your specific requirements. Whether you need a buffet or boxed lunches, they can match your vision.

What Are the Best Value Catering Services for Small Office Events?

The quality of food is vital, no matter the size of your corporate event. Selecting the right catering partner ensures your team has the best dining experience. Consider the following suppliers.

1. Apple Spice

Apple Spice offers the best value catering service for small office events nationwide. It was founded in 1988 by Randy Clegg and Wayne Curtis as a deli and bakery shop. Fast forward to today, and the company has nearly 50 stores in various states. Order individually packaged box lunches or request traditional-style sandwiches, breakfast or corporate catering for your event.

Choose from a large selection of salads, sandwiches, wraps and baked treats. All menu options are made with fresh ingredients and topped with special dressings. The lunch menu features sandwich platters, seasonal fresh produce, a baked potato bar, dessert trays and more. Feel free to ask about vegetarian, wheat-free and vegan options. With Apple Spice’s offerings, you can ensure there’s something for everyone. 

Key Features	Main Offerings
Nutrition guide: Access Apple Spice’s informative nutritional guide, featuring details like menu items, serving size and calories. Commitment to freshness: The caterer only uses high-quality ingredients and, most notably, the bread treats are baked from scratch daily. Order types: Choose from pickup, delivery or group order options.	Box lunch menu: Sandwiches, wraps, salads, homestyle soup, fresh-baked breads and beverages Catering menu: Breakfast, build your own, hot entree, sandwich and soup, trays, and desserts Holiday menu: Pot roasts, chickens, beef tenderloin, box lunches, appetizers, desserts and drinks

2. Panera Bread

Panera Bread began in 1987 as a small bakery called St. Louis Bread Company. Today, it is part of Panera Brands, one of the largest fast-casual restaurant platforms worldwide. The menu features breakfast staples, including croissants, sandwiches, bagels, soups and more. 

Join MyPanera to enjoy exclusive perks. First-time buyers can receive a complimentary baked treat with their first purchase. You can also enjoy free delivery to your office for one month. Earn a $20 reward for every $500 spent on catering orders. Panera Bread’s menu may not have the most extensive menu, but everything is of high quality.

Key Features	Main Offerings
Reputation: Panera Bread is a household name well-known for its crowd-pleasing sandwiches. Catering options: The caterer offers bundles with beverages, sides and desserts	Breakfast menu: Egg sandwiches, soufflés, toasts, parfaits, value meals, freshly baked goods, spreads, scones and drinks You Pick Two®: Cup of soup or mac, half salad or half sandwich, with a free side Boxed lunches: Hot sandwich and salad options Others: Family feast value meals and kid-friendly options

3. ezCater

ezCater is a massive online marketplace that connects you to local caterers. It offers food options for every taste and budget, offering over 100,000 restaurants nationwide. Its corporate catering solutions include meetings, employee meal programs, concierge services and more. 

Place an order on the website or the mobile app. Enter your delivery address, date, delivery time and desired price per head. From there, ezCater will shop restaurants that serve your area. Add menu items to the cart and place your order. Many orders include delivery tracking, ensuring your food is delivered promptly.

Key Features	Main Offerings
Virtually limitless choice: EzCater connects you to a huge network of national chains and local restaurants. Helpful ordering tools: The company offers a management tool that organizes and simplifies your food spend. Individual packaging options: Choose from restaurants that offer individual meals.	– Dickey’s Barbecue – Pit Panda Express – McAlister’s Deli – On The Border – Moe’s Southwest Grill

4. Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe offers quality catering services for small office events, featuring chef-crafted meals that everyone will love. The company began its journey in 1991 at the heart of Chicago. Its mission is to bring people together through delicious food and warm hospitality. Choose from thoughtfully crafted meal bundles and individual portions based on your event needs.

A dedicated catering specialist will accommodate your inquiries and needs, ensuring you get top-notch service. Corner Bakery Cafe provides its nutritional information online to help you make informed choices for your office event. You can place your orders on the website or mobile app for a hassle-free experience.

Key Features	Main Offerings
Same-day deliveries: The catering company can accommodate last-minute requests. Solid menu options: It offers strong breakfast, lunch and snack options and can cater to an entire day’s event. Exclusive perks: Join the membership program to receive discounts and cash back.	Breakfast menu: Baked goods, fruits, coffee, breakfast trays, soups, sandwiches, wraps and overnight oats Individual orders: Pastas, salads, wraps and sandwiches

5. Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers customizable selections and catering options. This venture started in 1977 when a couple decided to sell sandwiches at their antique shop in Chicago. The company lets you build your own boxed lunch, featuring a sandwich, chips and a cookie. The sandwich bundle serves up to 10 people, making it ideal for corporate events with a small number of participants. 

Choose from delicious combinations to create something that your team will love. The catering company also offers salads, mac and soups, drinks and sides. Join Potbelly Perks to enjoy one complimentary sandwich after your first order of $5 or more. Earn coins with every purchase and redeem them for free items. 

Key Features	Main Offerings
Membership perks: Become a member to earn discounts, freebies and birthday perks. Signature toasted sandwiches: Many customers love Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s unique sandwiches. Affordable: This catering company is a solid choice when budget is the main concern.	Breakfast and lunch menu: Wraps, salads, sandwiches, soups and mac Sides: Chips, hot pepper jar, cookies and shakes

6. CaterCow

CaterCow was founded in 2012 by former Airbnb employees. It is a reliable platform where you can order from various restaurants, including minority-owned stores. Browse buffet trays and grab-and-go boxed meals to suit your event’s needs. Order through the website or connect with a professional to plan your office’s recurring lunch needs.

The company also offers a group ordering feature, allowing your staff to choose their own meal. When searching for restaurant options, you can filter for sustainable shops that use compostable packaging and champion green initiatives. Many stores offer amazing deals, including discounts for first-time customers and bulk orders.

Key Features	Main Offerings
Excellent customer service: Many client testimonials noted the team’s hands-on support, responsiveness and professionalism. Global cuisines: Choose from a variety of global cuisines, including American, Caribbean, Italian, Filipino, Thai and more. Focus on vetted vendors: The CaterCow team handpicks its restaurant partners, ensuring high-quality offerings.	– Señor Sisig – Baby Brasa  – Sweetfin – Campbell & Co.

7. Fooda

Fooda partners with more than 2,000 restaurants to bring rotating pop-up meals to offices. It serves workplaces in over 20 cities nationwide, offering contactless boxed lunch deliveries and catering services for meetings. Choose from breakfast, lunch and bar serving offerings for your board meetings and happy hours.

The company features reputable food trucks, restaurants, popular favorites and even hidden gems. You can find office lunch ideas on the website, helping you make smarter decisions. Fooda is a solid choice if you’re looking for a daily office food solution that goes beyond single-event catering.

Key Features	Main Offerings
Punctuality: Fooda boasts a 99% on-time track record. Easy ordering: Browse menus online and filter by cuisine, dietary restrictions, budget and more. Rotating pop-up restaurants: Its main service features a different local restaurant in the office for lunch, where employees can purchase their own meals.	– 5411 Empanadas – Oxido – Urban Masala – Chickpea – Lyfe Kitchen – Carvery Kitchen – SA PA

8. The Honey Baked Ham Company

The Honey Baked Ham Company is renowned for its bone-in smoked hams, which became an instant staple at holiday dinners. It has a premium selection of sandwiches, salads, desserts and more. The brand also offers catering services featuring breakfast and lunch meals. You can place an order on the website or the mobile app.

Join myHoneyBaked Rewards to earn points with every order and receive a $9 cash back after your first purchase. A total of 99 points amounts to $9, which you can use to purchase menu items. Products are shipped to arrive within two business days of your requested date, so ensure to place your orders in advance.

Key Features	Main Offerings
High-quality boxed lunches: Order excellent boxed lunches featuring premium meats. Trusted quality: Most clients enjoy the glazed ham and smoked turkey. Holiday Deliveries: Place orders for upcoming holidays to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.	Lunch and catering menu: Sandwiches, salads, deli sides, sliders, desserts and drinks

9. Jason’s Deli

Jason’s Deli is a family-owned business serving 27 states. It only uses wholesome ingredients in its food offerings, ensuring high-quality products. Choose from various menus, featuring sandwiches, salads, handcrafted bowls, pastas, soups and more. The company delivers from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings.

Enjoy perks when you sign up for the Deli Dollars Rewards program. Earn a point for every dollar spent, receive special offers and invite a friend to earn even more points. You can place an order on the website or the mobile app.

Key Features	Main Offerings
No artificial ingredients: Jason’s Deli’s offerings are free of artificial colors, flavors, processed MSG and high-fructose corn syrup.  Accessible nutritional information: The website features a nutrition and allergen tool that allows you to view the ingredients of each product. Inclusive menu: The company offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.	Deli menu: Specialty sandwiches, muffalettas, salads, pastas, handcrafted bowls, potatoes, desserts, drinks and kid’s options Catering menu: Breakfast boxes, trays, salads, special diet sandwiches, pastas, sides, desserts and drinks Community partners program menu: Breakfast, sandwich box meals, sandwich trays and hot pasta

Summary of the Companies That Offer the Best Value Catering Services for Small Office Events

Here’s a quick rundown of the top brands that cater to small office events.

Company	Best For
Apple Spice	Best overall for office catering
Panera Bread	Health-conscious office events
ezCater	Multiple local caterer options
Corner Bakery Cafe	Breakfast and baked treats
Potbelly Sandwich Shop	Casual sandwich lunches
CaterCow	Curated local catering
Fooda	Rotating restaurant pop-ups
The Honey Baked Ham Company	Special occasion catering
Jason’s Deli	Dietary flexibility

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Catering Company

Choosing one caterer from a list of reputable brands can be challenging. Consider the following factors to help you narrow down your choices:

• Health-conscious choices: Are there healthy menu options available? A study showed that 37% of workers prefer healthier food options at work. Select a company that caters to a range of dietary preferences.
• Quality and taste: Sample the dishes to ensure they meet your expectations. Read reviews and take note of mentions about the food quality.
• Budget: Set a clear budget and understand the different pricing structures. Some caterers charge per head, while others price per package.
• Customer service: Does the company respond quickly? You want to ensure timely pickup and delivery options to ensure your team eats on time.

Choose a Catering Company for Your Small Office Events

Getting the best value is about finding the right mix of quality, price, convenience and great service. Check out your options, reach out to a few companies and go with the one that feels right for your small office gatherings.