Whether you’re planning a simple soirée or full-blown fiesta for your corporate office, preparation is key to carving out an unforgettable experience. Luckily, Goode Co. Catering & Events has mastered the craft of serving mouthwatering food, and even more memorable parties. After all, we’ve been a family-owned and operated business for 47 years.
We offer tried-and-true ‘que, authentic Tex-Mex foods rich with tradition, and savory seafood selections that add a splash of Creole classics. And for the ultimate taste of Texas, we combine the best dishes Houston is famous for, bringing you a melting pot of Goode old-fashioned favorites. With our carefully crafted full-service and delivery catering menus, your only worry should be what to eat.
While there’s no better way to plan a corporate catering event than with delicious meats and treats, planning the perfect menu is only one piece of the pie. Everything from the catering setup to the head count can make or break the experience.
Don’t worry, we know how to handle the heat (from the kitchen and beyond). So, before you stress about the preparations for your upcoming festivity, learn how to plan a corporate catering event without a hitch.
Common Catering Challenges to Avoid
There’s nothing worse than putting out fires when you’re planning a party, like going over budget, finding a venue that’s already booked, or selecting dishes that don’t cater to your guests’ dietary restrictions.
For the secret to a stress-free event, read through the seven most important catering tips for your upcoming corporate event. We’ll craft the food, you craft the fun.
What Type of Corporate Event Are You Planning?
Before booking an event specialist, caterer, or venue, ask yourself these questions:
- Who are you hosting the party for?
- What is the goal of the event?
- What do you want your guests to leave with?
- What values matter to your brand?
Whether you’re celebrating your employees or you want to attract new clients, understanding the reason for your corporate event will set the foundation for the rest of your planning. The focus of your party may also shape who you partner with. If working with a family business aligns with your company’s values, then it adds purpose to the plates.
Setting a Budget
Sometimes, the least savory part of grabbing a bite is paying the bill. But it must be done. Before you execute your grand plans for a fun-filled event, your budget will determine the vendors, venues, and menu options you can book, as well as the number of guests you can invite. The timing of your event can also make or break the budget. Planning a corporate holiday party might cost more than during a slower season.
Knowing your budget well in advance will not only save you a headache during the planning process, but it’ll set realistic expectations. Either way, Goode Co. Catering & Events will help you plan a party within your price range, so it’s not a pain in the neck.
Getting a Head Count
It’s a lot easier to pick a catering menu and choose the right venue for your event when you have a head count. Plus, your caterer or event planner will ask for this early on. For one, the caterer can give you an accurate quote.
Secondly, while the guest list will change up until your corporate event is scheduled—people cancel, life happens!—you’ll go in knowing if it’s worth booking a big venue for a larger event or if you need something more intimate. With these caveats in mind, you’ll want to give continuous updates to your caterer and event planner as your private event nears.
Find Out Dietary Restrictions
Here’s some food for thought: For the comfort and safety of your guests, knowing their dietary restrictions is a necessity. Make sure to include this small, but significant detail in your invitation, so you can alert your caterer ahead of time and meet their requirements on menu adjustments.
How to Select the Best Menu for Your Corporate Event
Put simply, your menu matters. Once you’ve nailed down the budget, guest count (and their dietary restrictions), and event type, you can curate the cuisine.
Another hot tip: Caterers typically provide larger dinner menus for evening events, while smaller courses are suggested for breakfast or lunch gatherings. It’s also important to know what serving styles are offered by the caterer, such as a wait staff, a buffet setup, etc. Depending on the season, the caterer may also have special menus. Think: Fall catering selections or holiday-inspired ideas in the wintertime.
Fortunately, Goode Co. Catering & Events takes the guesswork out of menu planning for you. Our meats are smoked to perfection, our tortillas are freshly rolled, and our famous pies are hand-crafted. With our full-service menu, we offer a splendid selection of BBQ catering, Tex-Mex catering, seafood catering, and cocktail catering. Our delivery catering menus also bring perfectly cooked and conveniently packaged favorites to your door, so you can dash with the goodies in hand.
Finding the Right Venue for Your Private Event
The venue offers more than just the vibes. When choosing the right venue for your event, consider how it will affect the number of people that can attend. Plus, know that parking, location, and vendor requirements will also come into play.
No matter the function, Goode Co. Catering & Events always brings the Houston hospitality with our venues, which are sprawled across the city, including Upper Kirby, Memorial, The Woodlands, and Cypress. We also work closely with a variety of venues across town to give you a vast selection of meat-and-greet options. Whether you’re looking for the best venue to host your corporate holiday party or want to plan a laidback gathering, we got you covered.
When to Book the Catering
The sooner you book the catering, the better. Securing the caterer in advance gives you ample time to finesse the menu, set up the right serving style, and serve food that fits the theme. Goode Co. Catering & Events makes this step stress-free with a contact form that lets you share the most important details, as well as connects you with an event specialist, so that your corporate event goes off without a hitch.
Connecting with Goode Co. Catering & Events for a Goode Time
We know that the way to a Texan’s heart is through their stomach, which is why we’re the best option for your corporate catering event in Houston. If you want to keep impressing your clients or coworkers, check out the top catering trends for 2025.
If you are planning a holiday corporate event make sure to book catering early!