Feeding a group is a big responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and the right partner, Steak-Out catering can turn any meeting, celebration, or team event into a delicious success.
Start With Your Event Details
Before you look at menus or place an order, take a few minutes to define the basics of your event. Clear details make it easier to choose the right Steak-Out catering meals and avoid last-minute stress.
Know Your Headcount
Your guest count is the foundation of every catering decision. Create a list of everyone invited and then estimate how many will actually attend. For workplace events, you can usually plan for most people to show up; for more casual gatherings, build in a small buffer.
When in doubt, plan for a few extra meals so no one is left out. Leftover steak, grilled chicken, or grilled shrimp is always better than running short.
Clarify the Occasion and Timing
Next, think about what kind of event you are hosting and when it will take place. A working lunch, an all-day training, and an evening celebration each call for a slightly different approach to your Steak-Out catering order.
- Is it a quick, working meal or a more relaxed gathering?
- Will people eat all at once or come and go over a window of time?
- Do you need individual meals or shared catering meals everyone can build from?
Share these details when you check with your local Steak-Out so the team can help you choose the best options.
Plan Around Dietary Needs and Preferences
Every group has a mix of tastes and dietary needs. A little planning here goes a long way toward making everyone feel included.
Ask About Restrictions
If possible, ask your group about any dietary restrictions in advance. Common needs include vegetarian options, lighter choices, or avoiding certain ingredients. Steak-Out catering offers a range of grilled meats, salads, and other guest-favorite sides available at your local Steak-Out, so you can build a balanced menu.
When you place your order, let the restaurant know about any important restrictions. They can help you select menu items that work for your group.
Balance Hearty and Lighter Choices
Steak-Out is known for hearty, flame-grilled favorites, but not everyone wants the same style of meal. Aim for a mix of options so everyone can find something they enjoy.
- Include a variety of steaks, grilled chicken, or grilled shrimp.
- Add salads and grilled vegetables for guests who prefer lighter plates.
- Consider a few extra toppings or sauces so people can customize.
This balance helps you serve a crowd without overcomplicating your Steak-Out catering order.
Choose the Right Steak-Out Catering Format
Once you know who you are feeding and what they like, it is time to choose how you want the food served. Steak-Out catering can work well for both individual and shared-style meals, depending on your event.
Individual Meals
Individually packaged meals are ideal for meetings, trainings, and events where convenience and speed matter. Each guest gets their own clearly labeled meal, which helps with dietary needs and minimizes contact.
Individual meals are especially helpful when guests are spread out across a conference room or need to eat at their desks. When you order online or call your local Steak-Out, you can specify counts for each type of meal to match your headcount.
Shared Catering Meals
For more relaxed gatherings, shared catering meals let guests build their own plates. This style works well for family celebrations, game days, and team appreciation events.
Ask your local Steak-Out about guest-favorite options for group-style meals, including steaks, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, salads, and sides, or burgers and sandwiches served with potato chips. The team can help you estimate the amount of food you will need based on your group size and appetite level.
Estimate How Much Food to Order
Getting the right amount of food is one of the biggest questions in any catering plan. While every group is different, a few guidelines can help you estimate confidently.
Think in Portions per Person
For most events, planning one main item per person is a good starting point. For example, if you are ordering steak or grilled chicken meals, match the number of meals to your guest count plus a small buffer for last-minute additions.
For shared-style Steak-Out catering, talk through your guest count with the local restaurant. They can recommend appropriate quantities of mains, salads, and sides based on your group and the time of day.
Consider the Type and Length of Event
Groups tend to eat more at evening events or longer gatherings. If your event runs several hours or includes a lot of activity, consider adding a few extra meals or sides so guests can go back for seconds.
If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to check with the local store. The team can share what has worked well for similar events and help you fine-tune your Steak-Out catering order.
Don’t Forget Drinks and Desserts
Great catering is about more than the main course. Rounding out your order with beverages and desserts turns a simple meal into a complete experience.
Plan Simple Beverage Options
Decide whether you will provide drinks yourself or include them with your Steak-Out catering. Many hosts choose a simple mix of bottled water and a few popular soft drinks so guests can help themselves easily.
Ask your local Steak-Out what drink options are available with catering so you can keep everything in one order if that is more convenient.
Add a Sweet Finish
Dessert is an easy way to make your event feel special. NY Style Cheesecake and Death by Chocolate Cake are both crowd-pleasing choices that pair perfectly with Steak-Out favorites, along with our freshly baked cookies.
When you place your order, ask about dessert options and quantities for your group size. Even a small selection of sweets can leave a big impression.
Schedule and Place Your Steak-Out Catering Order
Once your plan is set, you are ready to place your order. Giving the restaurant enough notice helps ensure everything is prepared and timed just right.
Order Ahead When Possible
For larger groups, it is best to place your Steak-Out catering order at least a few days in advance. Bigger events may need even more notice, especially during busy seasons.
When you order online or call your local Steak-Out, be prepared to share your guest count, event time, menu preferences, and any dietary restrictions. The team can confirm availability and help you finalize details.
Confirm Pickup or Delivery Details
Decide whether you will pick up your order or schedule delivery. For workplace events or larger gatherings, delivery can save time and keep everything running smoothly.
Make sure you confirm the delivery address, contact person, and timing so the food arrives fresh and on schedule. If you are picking up, plan space in your vehicle to keep meals secure and level on the ride.
Set Up Your Serving Area
A little preparation at your event space makes serving fast and easy. Before your Steak-Out catering arrives, clear a table or counter where guests can move through comfortably.
Arrange plates, napkins, and utensils at the start of the line, followed by main items, sides, and desserts. Keep drinks in a separate area to avoid bottlenecks. If you are using individual meals, group similar meals together and label them clearly so guests can quickly find their choice.
Make Future Events Even Easier
After your event, take a few notes about what worked well and what you might adjust next time. Did you have the right amount of food? Which items disappeared first? This simple recap makes your next Steak-Out catering order even smoother.
Many hosts also like to keep a record of favorite menu combinations that their teams or families love. Over time, you will have a go-to list of Steak-Out catering meals you can order with confidence.
Use Steak-Out Gift Cards for Groups
If your group is spread out or you want to give people more flexibility, consider using Steak-Out gift cards. They are a practical option for employee rewards, thank-you gifts, or event follow-ups.
Gift cards can be purchased online, making it easy to send appreciation to team members, clients, and friends who can then enjoy their favorite Steak-Out meals on their own schedule.
Ready to Plan Your Next Steak-Out Catering Order?
With a clear headcount, an understanding of your guests’ needs, and a simple menu plan, ordering for groups becomes much easier. Steak-Out catering is designed to help you feed a crowd with hearty, flame-grilled favorites and convenient options for any occasion.
When you are ready, order online or check with your local Steak-Out to talk through your event. The team can help you fine-tune your order so you can relax and enjoy the gathering while everyone else enjoys the food.