Hiring a caterer for any event can require a lot of planning. Especially, if it’s the first time you’ve been given the task. It can be hard knowing where to begin with so many catering services available. Rather than look far and wide for a caterer, we recommend looking locally! The top benefits of hiring local corporate catering include their knowledge of the area and its regional flavors, customization options, and much more.
Event Location
If you’re hosting the event in the workplace, it’s ideal for the catering services to be within a reasonable distance. Local caterers understand that each venue may offer different resources and space. This enables them to plan for the event even better.
Having an event held in the workplace itself is one thing. Using a separate location for a corporate event is another. Local caterers tend to know of available rental spaces that aren’t far out of the way. They may even have their own facilities in surrounding areas to provide the ideal setting for the event!
With the advantage of having a level of familiarity with possible venues, the event planning process can be greatly simplified. Especially, if they can provide knowledge of previous events, and what had worked versus what could have used improvement.
Knowledge of the Area
If the caterer is based in the area, there is a greater chance that they know the community well. This local knowledge means they already understand the ins and outs of the resources they have readily available. Equally so, they know which ones will need to be outsourced.
Depending on the event being catered, specific local regulations must be followed. While you may not have previous knowledge of them, it’s part of a caterer’s job to know how these regulations will affect your event. This valuable information will save time, money, and unnecessary stress.
More Freedom To Customize The Event
Local catering services try their best to offer a more personalized experience for their clients. While larger and more widespread companies attempt to offer the same customization, it’s simply impossible to compare.
This includes local catering being able to customize the services to be more in line with your preferences and needs. With greater attention paid to the smaller details, they do their best to meet your expectations.
In-Person Consultations
Similarly, booking and having consultations is often faster and easier to schedule. There is no need to take time off to travel far distances for such meetings! They are a much more convenient option. This is even more helpful in the event of last-minute matters to discuss. Especially, ones that cannot be handled over the phone or email.
Regional Flavors
A passion for many catering companies is to use the robust flavors of their region. For this reason, local caterers tend to build relationships with vendors and distributors based in their area. Working with local farmers, especially, helps to source high-quality, fresh, produce and meats.
In Chestnut Hill and its surrounding areas, this translates to a variety of fresh ingredient options. This includes an assortment of root vegetables, apples, regional cheeses, mushrooms, nuts, and various types of mustards. Best of all, it won’t require long distances to be transported to the location. Thus, reducing the carbon footprint, cost, and time, attached to the entire catering experience!
You’re not getting just any meal when working with local farmers, distributors/vendors, and caterers. You’re enabling guests to taste what the environment naturally provides. Sourcing local foods is advantageous as it offers value, taste, and health benefits.
In-Season Options and Flexibility
Local corporate caters are also aware of which ingredients are in-season. For example, fruits like peaches and apples will enhance Summer dishes. While ingredients like kale and potatoes can be featured as highlights of Fall/Winter dining options.
There is also flexibility offered by local caterers in terms of their menu offerings. Due to their specialized services, they are usually more willing to accommodate certain requests, such as dietary restrictions and preferences.
Local corporate caterers often provide vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options for their clients. They understand that they are servicing a variety of diners, and it is necessary to have many options available. This makes them more appealing for those looking for a more adaptable catering option.
Supporting The Local Community
Choosing local corporate catering services also means that you’re supporting local businesses. There are several ways to help build your community; this is one of the better ones! By supporting local business ventures, the revenue generated is more likely to remain in the local economy. This encourages growth and even more success in the future.
In addition to this, the selected caterers will always remember your business. Over time, a certain amount of trust and rapport will be built. This translates into an overall amazing business arrangement for all involved. Word of mouth is important for any business and having such a respected reciprocal relationship is advantageous.
Chestnut Hill Corporate Catering
The next time you need catering for a corporate event, contact Chestnut Hill Brewing! We’ll take care of the food! All that is left for you to do is to enjoy the event at hand. Whether it’s for a regular team meeting, or a larger/special event like a party, fundraiser, seminar, conference, or networking event, we have all your catering needs covered.
From sandwich platters and other delicious main options to desserts and much more, learn more about our catering options here. You may also email us at lindsey@chbrewing.com. Or, call us at 215-247-0330 and we will be happy to go over all of your options!