| Many of us have had to attend a business lunch | | | | the decision yourself. If you have had business |
| or meeting for work which was catered. But how | | | | lunches with these people in the past, think of |
| many of us had to hire the catering company? | | | | some of the dishes that you know they enjoy. |
| Often times, these meetings are scheduled the | | | | Begin calling restaurants and caterers. Trying to |
| day before - or even the morning of. If you are | | | | find a caterer for business lunch on short notice |
| charged with the task of finding food for the | | | | can be difficult, but many catering companies |
| next business lunch, don't panic. Here are some | | | | expect to prepare food for business lunches and |
| tips for catering a business lunch on short notice. | | | | meetings with little turnaround time. When you |
| Find out who will be attending the lunch meeting. | | | | find a caterer that is able to provide you with the |
| How many people will be eating? Ask your boss | | | | food you need, ask about all of your options. Will |
| or the meeting executive whether or not the | | | | the food be delivered or will you need to pick it |
| lunch should be casual or more upscale. This is | | | | up? Exactly what side dishes or condiments are |
| important because you certainly will not want to | | | | included in the lunch? Does the caterer provide |
| order a three-course meal for an informal | | | | plates, napkins and utensils? Will they provide any |
| business lunch. Conversely, you will not want to | | | | heating trays (if needed)? |
| order sub sandwiches for a room full of | | | | Once the food is prepared and in the office, set |
| executives or board of directors, unless | | | | up the conference room or designated area |
| specifically asked. Of course, you may have a | | | | where you are having your business lunch. Place |
| budget to which you need to adhere. This may | | | | the food in a central location along with plates, |
| also determine the type of food you purchase for | | | | cups and napkins so everyone has easy access |
| your business lunch. In most cases, however, | | | | to it. Some catering companies will provide you |
| sandwiches and fruit or potato chips are ideal for | | | | with set up and clean up service, but you |
| an impromptu business lunch. | | | | probably won't need that unless the meeting is |
| Try to find out what type of food the attendees | | | | more formal and upscale. |
| prefer. If there is time, take a quick poll of the | | | | Allow the attendees to enjoy the food and |
| attendees and see if they have a craving for a | | | | discuss business. Once the meeting is over, clean |
| certain type of food. You can also provide them | | | | up and restore the conference room to its |
| with a choice - Mexican or Chinese food? | | | | previous condition. Having your business lunch |
| Sandwiches or Pasta? Be careful, though. You | | | | catered on short notice may seem difficult, but |
| may have a lot of differing responses, which will | | | | by following the tips provided here, your |
| leave some of the attendees disappointed in your | | | | attendees will think you've had it planned for |
| food selection. When in doubt, it is best to make | | | | weeks. |