Are you planning an office event and looking for corporate catering? Or maybe you’re looking for regular drop-off catering for your workplace? If so, you’ve likely come across both traditional buffet catering and boxed meals. What are the differences between these two types of catering, and which should you choose for your office lunch catering in Toronto?
Below, let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide. Read on MealFix Canada below to learn more.
What Are Boxed Meals?
Boxed meals, also known as individual meals, are packaged, pre-portioned meals. Everyone pre-selects their own meals before the event or lunch. When the event begins, the meals are then distributed to each person.
Pros:
- Easier to accommodate individual preferences
- Reduced food waste
- No need for larger serving tables
Cons:
- Less visually appealing
- Fewer options to choose from
- More structured and less social
What Are Buffet Meals?
As its name suggests, buffet-style office lunches involve food items laid out in serving trays. During the event, people can serve themselves from the family-style serving dishes.
Pros:
- A greater variety of items to choose from
- People can choose their own portions for individual items
- Encourages social conversation with one another
Cons:
- May have more waste
- Certain dishes can run out early
- Requires setup space
- People must line up; it can be more inefficient
So, Which Is Best?
Both of these unique catering options have their benefits, especially when considering a few key factors.
Cost
- While cost is often a determining factor, it’s not always the most cut-and-dry. As a general rule, boxed meals usually offer the most straightforward price per head. That said, buffet-style catering is often more cost-effective for larger groups due to scale.
Number of attendees
- In many cases, buffet meals are ideal for larger groups or company-wide events, while boxed meals may be better suited for smaller gatherings.
Type of event
- Buffets typically foster a more energetic, lively atmosphere, making them a great choice for team-building lunches. Boxed lunches, on the other hand, are easy to distribute for lunch-and-learns or other structured events.
Set up & Clean up
- Buffet-style catering often requires more set-up space to place the trays, plates, and utensils. They may also require additional time to clear plates and leftovers. Boxed meals, in contrast, can be stacked and take up much less space during distribution. They’re also easier to tidy up at the end.
If you’re unsure, speak with your corporate caterer. They’ll help go over your options and determine which option makes the most sense.
What About Dietary Restrictions?
Taking care to meet all these needs helps ensure that everyone feels considered. When organizing an office event, it’s crucial to consider everyone’s dietary needs and preferences.
Often, this is where boxed meals stand out. By allowing each individual to select their own meals, it’s easy to ensure that everyone’s dietary needs are met. Buffet meals, on the other hand, can be riskier. You’ll need a list of everyone’s preferences to ensure there are enough options for everyone.
How MealFix Comes In
Every office lunch and event is different. That’s why at MealFix, we offer both boxed meals and drop-off family-style catering. We make corporate ordering for the office easy. Simply reach out to let us know what kind of event you’re interested in having catered. You’ll then be invited to fill out the custom spreadsheet, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Vibrant Office Catering In Toronto
Since 2015, MealFix has been providing wholesome, chef-prepared meals throughout Southern Ontario. If you’re looking for office lunch catering in Toronto, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to explore our ordering process and learn more about how we can elevate your next event.