Here at Goode Co. Catering, we’ve been trusted by the Houston community for over 47 years! Family-owned and operated, our reputation sees us as the go-to for catering for corporate events, from simple soirées to buffet barbeques for businesses and corporate teams.
With full-service catering and dedicated on-site staff, our blend of mesquite-smoked meats, fiery Tex-Mex, and fresh seafood selections makes us as authentically Texan as it gets.
We know that planning any corporate event can be stressful, with so many moving parts to consider. But our in-house logistics team and experience mean we know how to handle it from the kitchen and beyond.
So, before you stress about the preparations for your upcoming festivity, let’s show you how to plan corporate catering in Houston without a hitch.
Why Corporate Event Catering in Houston Starts with the Right Partner
What to Look for in a Corporate Event Caterer
When choosing your corporate event caterer in Houston, make sure they have the experience and reputation to impress your guests.
Ideally, they should offer customizable menus and specialize in a single style of food (such as BBQ), so you know it’s high-quality and authentic.
We also recommend you look for someone local who’s familiar with the logistics of planning events in Houston, so you don’t run into any embarrassing problems. This comes in hand with an in-house logistics team who can do the dirty work like preparation, theming, and cleanup/tear-down.
Why Goode Co. Catering Is Houston’s Choice for Corporate Events
At Goode Co. Catering, we’ve been serving up authentic Texan barbeque since the 1970s. We’ve perfected the art of slow-smoked meat, patiently tenderizing it over mesquite wood for up to 15 hours.
Throw in some delicious homemade sides and our famous Texan hospitality, and you’ve got a catering team that makes your day easy and delicious.
With considerable experience in the game, we know the demands of corporate events vary and can take care of everything from buffet set-ups and clear-up, to theming and waiter service.
How to Plan Catering for Corporate Events
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, here are our seven most important catering tips for your upcoming corporate meeting or event:
Define Your Event Type and Goals
Before booking your corporate event caterer, 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 purpose of your corporate event will lay 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. For example, it may suit a buffet-type set-up, while a more serious partnership may suit a formal plated meal.
Set Your Budget Early
Setting a budget can help you determine what you can ask your catering team to provide and prevent you from going overkill.
So, before you execute your grand plans, consider your budget to determine how many guests you can invite, the menu options, and any add-ons like live-fire grills, entertainment, or theming.
You should also consider the timing of your event, as it can make or break the budget. For example, planning a corporate holiday might cost more than it would 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, we will help you plan a party within your price range, so it’s not a pain in the neck.
Get Your Headcount Right
Having a head count determined early on will help you choose the right venue for your event. Plus, your caterer or event planner will ask for this early on to provide an accurate quote.
As a result, you’ll know if it’s worth booking a big venue for a larger event or if you need something more intimate.
Secondly, note that the guest list may change up until your corporate event is scheduled, people cancel, life happens! With these caveats in mind, you’ll want to provide ongoing updates to your caterer and event planner as your private event approaches.
Account for 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.
At Goode Co. Catering, we cater to dietary requirements, clearly label specific items, and ensure they’re not mixed with other ingredients.
Choose the right menu — BBQ, Tex-Mex, or full-service
Your specific menu choices have a big impact on the event’s vibe. So, 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 the caterer offers, such as wait-staff service or a buffet setup. Depending on the season, the caterer may also have special menus. Think: Fall catering selections or holiday-inspired ideas in the wintertime.
Fortunately, we take the guesswork out of menu planning for you with classic mesquite-smoked barbeque meats, Tex-Mex, seafood, housemade sides, and our famous Brazos Bottom Pecan Pies.
If you’re not looking for on-site catering, we also offer Houston catering delivery menus, which see us bring perfectly cooked and conveniently packaged favorites to your business premises.
Select the Right Venue
Your venue of choice offers more than just the vibes. When choosing the right venue for your event, consider how it will affect the number of people who can attend. Plus, know that parking, location, and vendor requirements will also come into play.
No matter the function, at Goode Co. Catering, we always bring Houston hospitality to our venues across the city, including Upper Kirby, Memorial, The Woodlands, and Cypress.
We also work closely with a variety of venues across town to offer you a wide selection of options. Whether you’re looking for the best venue to host your corporate holiday party or want to plan a laidback gathering, we’ve got you covered.
Book Your Corporate Event Caterer Early
The sooner you book catering for corporate events, 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.
We’ve made this step simple with a contact form that lets you share the most important details and connects you with an event specialist, so your corporate event goes off without a hitch.
Corporate Catering Menu Options from Goode Co. Catering
Here’s a closer look at some of our full-service catering menus, all of which can be customized as needed:
Full-Service BBQ Catering for Corporate Events
Our corporate catering in Houston offers menus with a variety of approaches, all featuring irresistible, beautifully tender meat slow-smoked over mesquite wood (the authentic Texan way). Our famous smoked-meat options include brisket, pork ribs, homemade sausage, ham, turkey breast, and chicken.
We’ve also got a selection of appetizers for longer events where you need to keep things moving, along with homemade sides (including all the classics).
Tex-Mex Catering for Office and Corporate Gatherings
For a more fiery approach, we offer Tex-Mex catering with live fire grilling, mesquite-grilled beef, chicken fajitas, shrimp, carnitas, Mexican rice, refried beans, flour tortillas, and all the southern toppings.
Seafood and Cocktail Catering Options
For that taste of the Gulf, we’ve got fresh seafood like Catfish fillet, salmon, redfish, Gulf shrimp, and oyster. All this is served with dinner rolls, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and iced tea.
Delivery Catering for Corporate Meetings and Lunches
For catering corporate events where you need little appetizers while people network, rather than a full meal, you can opt for our Cocktail Reception menus.
These featured appetizers were served for 2 services, including deviled eggs, pimento dip, smoked redfish dip, port tamales, Texas goat cheese with roasted tomato bruschetta, and cheese quesadillas.
Book Your Corporate Event Catering in Houston
If you’re looking to impress a potential client or business partner or to thank your existing team, opting for catering for corporate events is a great idea. After all, the way to a Texan’s heart is through their stomach.
Contact us today to receive a quote and understand how we can help, whether it’s at your office, a private venue, or in our private venue spaces such as The Armadillo Palace, Memorial, or Highway 290.
You can call us today at 713.844.8180 or contact us via our online form here to start your catering services for corporate events.
FAQs on Corporate Event Catering in Houston
How to organize catering for an event?
We recommend that you first determine your budget, headcount, preferred service type (such as on-site, buffet, plated meal, or delivery), and any add-ons you may need. Then, pick some potential dates and request a quote from our team.
- Read related: Choosing the perfect catering menu
What can I expect from your corporate catering in Houston?
We provide full-service catering in Houston, which you can customize to your needs. This can be as little as delivery or as much as a fully staffed meal, with live grilling, waiters, and on-site logistics staff.
We can come to your office or private venue, or reserve one of our private spaces at our famous Houston venues.
Can you take care of theming and decor?
Yes. We can take care of theming, audio and visual needs, and any other corporate event catering ideas. So if you need to set up a presentation or want your company’s logos visible, we’ll make it happen.
Can you take care of dietary requirements?
Yes. We regularly prepare food for gluten-free, vegetarian, and other dietary requirements, ensuring it is prepared safely and labeled clearly.