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Is there anyone who doesn’t love a potluck? A group of people descend on a location and everyone brings food…come on. Has anyone ever really gone to a potluck and said, “Wow, I could have skipped that”?

The answer is no. Potlucks are great when they involve friends and family, and they can also be great in an office environment. Again, what’s not to love? As far as office get-togethers go, the company potluck is often low-pressure and fantastic for culture and camaraderie. 

If you’ve been thinking about setting up a potluck for your next company event, we’ve got you covered. The following guide includes some potluck ideas for work and even some planning tips that will make the whole event easier!

WHY HOST A POTLUCK, ANYWAY?

There’s just something low-key about a potluck. Maybe it’s the fact that people have selected and have cooked (or at least purchased) these dishes; they are, in some small way, sharing part of themselves by selecting a meal they like and sharing it with the rest of the team. Often, folks bond over setup, finding places to arrange this slow cooker or that platter. And if you’re bringing together people from different teams — well, there’s really no better way to get to know someone than over their ancient family recipe for crepes.

They can also be quite cost-effective, especially if you’re keeping an eye on food budgets. You might provide a stipend for ingredients, but that will still be far less than buying multiple meals or ordering catering. 

With that said, there may be some times when a potluck isn’t a fantastic or easy-to-pull-off idea. If you are working with very large teams, you’re essentially asking people to bring in what could amount to outrageous amounts of food, which quickly becomes stressful rather than fun. And keep in mind, teams that have many dietary restrictions may also be difficult to cook for (hey, why not let us help out?). 

Lastly, if you’ve got a department- or company-wide deadline, do not schedule a potluck just before or after it’s due. Trust us on this one. 

HOW TO PLAN AN OFFICE POTLUCK: A STEP-BY-STEP CHECKLIST

1. Pick a theme.

Having a theme serves two purposes: it gives your team some parameters, and it’s just downright fun. You can come up with themes based on the season, or related to the industry your business is in, or even movies or television shows. Here are a few office potluck themes to get the brainstorm started:

• Comfort classics. If it’s something you’d eat in PJs on a rainy day, then bring it! Think grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, macaroni and cheese, and cookies. 
• Breakfast club. Stick to foods that are generally considered morning fare. This can include eggs of any kind, bacon and hash browns, pancakes, waffles, and more. It can also include things like doughnuts, fruit, and cereal.
• Holiday cheer. There’s no question the winter holidays are full of delicious food. Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing are all good starters, along with sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pie. Bonus if someone can bring eggnog. Double bonus if someone can make gingerbread. 

2. Choose a date, time, and location.

A conference room or the kitchen area are easy and accessible choices, but you might also look into outdoor spaces (like the parking lot) or even proper parks, if you have one nearby. Once you have a location selected, start figuring out how you can arrange serving tables and seating. You’ll also want to have access to trash and electrical outlets, especially if meals need to be kept warm.

3. Create a sign-up sheet.

You don’t need to get fancy with this! A regular old Google Sheet or Microsoft Excel spreadsheet will do. Include the following columns:

• Attendee name
• Dish name
• Allergens
• Reheating needs
• Serving utensils needed

The allergens column is particularly important, as it will let people know what they can and can’t eat.

4. Don’t forget beverages.

You’d be surprised by how many operations go all-in on food and then just forget they’ll need to wash all that grub down. Bottled or filtered water is a great start, but look into coffee, tea, juices, and perhaps mocktails or sodas. Whether you decide to bring in alcohol is up to your operation, but if you do, wine and beer are good places to start. 

5. Prep logistics.

If you can plan out the following ahead of time, you’ll be in good shape:

• Setup crew
• Serving areas (do you need more tables?) 
• Places to sit
• Location of flatware and serving ware
• Space in office fridge, counters, etc.
• Approximate eating time + hard stop 
• Cleanup crew + equipment (trash bags, sponges, etc.)  

POTLUCK IDEAS FOR WORK: DISHES THAT TRAVEL WELL

Of course, we’ve saved the biggest and most important question for this portion of the article: what on earth is everyone going to bring? We’ve put together a list of foods that are generally crowd-pleasers that can be cooked in large batches to serve many people. They also — this part is critical — travel well, provided they’re properly packaged up (pies in pie tins, for example). The soups may prove somewhat challenging as they are entirely liquid, but we’ve found that thermoses can get the job done there. 

Anyway, if your colleagues aren’t sure where to start, just show them this list.

MAIN EVENTS

Lasagna: Everyone loves noodles, and you can do all sorts of things with a good lasagna — adding veggies, for example, or going with the classic beef. 

Chicken parmesan: Breaded chicken with cheese? Yes, please. 

Mac and cheese: A creamy, cheesy classic that tastes good and goes with just about everything.

Chicken salad: Greens and protein (plus any extras you can think of) join forces in this delicious, filling entree. 

Sliders: You aren’t limited to just the regular beef and cheese here, by the way; we’ve seen amazing ham and cheese sliders and even turkey pesto sliders. 

Meatballs: Meatballs don’t have to be made of meat, by the way (although chicken, beef, and pork are all popular) — there are several vegan types on the market now. 

Pizza: Hey, no potluck is complete without some pizza (or its fancier sibling, flatbread pizza). 

SIDES

Pasta salad: A cold dish loaded with veggies and dressing. It’s best served cold, but it can survive without the fridge for a couple hours.

Potato salad: Super filling and often very good (especially if served with a slightly tangy dressing). 

Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and veggies make for a quick, tasty side that’s good hot or cold. Bonus: It goes with just about any kind of protein. 

Roasted vegetable tray: Healthy and pretty? Sign us up. Drizzle them with a sauce or dressing, or provide a dip, and you’ll be in business. 

Sweet potato fries: Soft, slightly crispy fries are somehow both sweet and savory. Ever dipped one in ranch? Mmm. 

Baked beans: Beans are often considered a basic diet staple, but the right sauce (we suggest a smoky, slightly sweet variety) can make them downright delicious. 

Garlic bread: They travel well when wrapped in foil and they’re a crowd-pleaser. 

Chips and dip: If your employees are really hesitant on cooking, chips and dip are an excellent fallback. Dip can ranch from ranch to salsa, guac, and queso, and you can get chips in almost every flavor.

Chili: Beans, meat, and spices, oh my! It’s hearty, it’s good, and yes, you can get vegetarian chili. 

SNACKS & APPETIZERS

Deviled eggs: This creamy classic gives you protein and deliciousness in a small, portable package.

Stuffed mushrooms: Bite-sized mushrooms filled with savory cheese, sausage, or other goodies are fairly easy to make and transport.

Pita chips: Ideal for scooping up dips without getting ultra-soggy.

Hummus: Hey, if you have pita, you need to have hummus (bonus: you can dip veggies into it, too!). 

Pigs-in-a-blanket: Mini sausages wrapped in golden dough make for a tasty treat. 

Skewers: You can put just about anything on a skewer. Meat, cheese, veggies, or all three; then wrap them in foil or plop them into a Tupperware container to bring them in. 

Cheese and cracker platter: Honestly, this might be the ultimate snack.

Fruit bowl: A refreshing and colorful mix of cut fruit. Opt for whatever’s in season! 

SOUPS

Chicken noodle soup: We don’t know anyone who actually dislikes chicken noodle soup, where noodles, chicken, and veggies combine to make the ultimate comfort food. 

Lentil soup: Lentils are packed with protein, and this soup goes well with warming spices and (potentially) other veggies.

Butternut squash soup: Is it a soup? Or is it a puree? No one really knows. All that matters is it’s delicious and holds its flavor well even during transport. 

Minestrone: Throw in veggies, beans, and pasta and you’ve got yourself a tasty classic.

DESSERTS

Cookies: They’re portable and durable — seriously, a broken cookie is as good as a whole one — and they’ll stay delicious for days. 

Brownies: These dense chunks of chocolate travel well, and like cookies, they’re often good for a while after the main event. Brownies and coffee post-potluck? Hmm…

Lemon bars: A lighter, more citrusy option for dessert; these can be more complicated to make, but they’re equally delicious. 

Pie: Sturdy crust? Check. Sweet filling? Check. Whipped cream? If you want! Pies tend to be easy to cut through and serve, and leftovers usually go fast.

Banana bread: If you’ve got bananas that are going brown, mash ‘em up and throw them into banana bread! You can also substitute pumpkin depending on the time of year.

CHALLENGES OF A POTLUCK

We think it’s pretty clear that we love potlucks, and if your office is moved to host one, you should! But they do present some challenges:

• Dietary restrictions: We’ll give your colleagues the benefit of the doubt and say that most of them don’t want to cause each other harm. But homemade dishes may lack ingredient lists on the packaging; in addition, a dish that is supposedly nut-free might have been made in an environment where nuts were recently prepared. In extreme cases, that’s all it takes. 
• Limited kitchen equipment: Odds are you’re going to need to store and then reheat at least some of the food brought in. Many office kitchens have one microwave, half a fridge, and assorted cutlery left behind by employees. There may not be enough counter space to prep.
• Cleanup: Your coworkers are probably the ones who will be helping you set up, but who’s going to handle cleaning? What happens if there’s leftovers? If you have one sink and multiple platters/slow cookers/pots/etc., how will you manage dishwashing? And what about cleaning up any dribbles and taking out the trash? 
• Duplicate dishes: If six of your teammates are absolute geniuses at making pasta salads, odds are you’re going to have six fantastic pasta salads and maybe not much else. This is a small problem in the scheme of things and easily avoided if you use the sign-up sheet we described above.
• Accessibility: Let’s not forget that potlucks are great fun when everyone can participate. Not everyone is going to be able to buy massive amounts of ingredients, cook a huge batch of food, and then lug it to the office for their coworkers. They may face cost restrictions, or be limited to what they can carry on public transportation, or simply have other obligations to attend to. 

We can’t fix everything on this list, but we can step in and assist in certain areas. You can turn to Waiter to fill in the gaps that a potluck can leave: a vegan entree, for example, or a gluten-free appetizer to ensure no one is left out due to allergies or other restrictions. 

You could also look to Waiter to help you create a blended potluck, where we deliver the main courses and your colleagues bring in sides and desserts. The perks of this arrangement include:

• Less angst around prep. If the main dishes are being delivered, there’s more kitchen space for everyone else.
• Meals will arrive hot and ready to eat. Waiter transports food in individually labeled and expertly packed and sealed containers.  
• Cleanup is easier. Just toss the biodegradable packaging into the recycling bin when you’re done. 

You’ll still have to deal with the prep around whatever your employees bring in, but taking the main courses out of things can take a lot off everyone’s shoulders. And hey, you might realize that letting someone else handle all the catering is, in fact, the way to go for the next one. 

LET WAITER GIVE YOU A HAND (OR A MEAL)

Potlucks can be an absolute delight and a delicious way to bring coworkers together. With proper planning (and maybe a little support from Waiter, if you need it), you can turn your office potluck into a memorable meal that brings the whole crew together without adding heaps of stress.

And if it turns out the potluck is just a lot of work for very little reward, hey, we aren’t judging. We’d be happy to bring tasty, customized meals right to your office. All the perks of food and none of the angst? Yeah, that sounds good to us. Don’t worry — you can still call it a potluck. 

Every year it happens. The Halloween decorations may still be out; they may even stay up. But already the next Big Thing is upon us: the holiday season. 

Theoretically, it begins just after Halloween (or in some areas, a little before). You’ve probably already noticed the familiar decor popping up: snowmen and Santa Claus and turkeys and sometimes menorahs briefly hanging out with the skeletons and ghosts of October. It can be a time of great joy, bringing along with it dreams of snow and winter vacations and presents and delicious meals shared with family. It can also be a wild stressor for the person putting together the annual holiday party.

If you’re reading this blog, that’s probably you.

You may be looking at the screen in dread, convinced your life is about to be swallowed by coordinating menus, juggling dietary needs, and making sure there’s enough food (but not too much — fridge space is limited, after all). 

We’re happy to tell you it doesn’t have to be like that. With smart planning (and, y’know, the right holiday party catering partner), you can pull off a festive and memorable holiday event that the whole team will enjoy. 

DEFINE YOUR BUDGET & SET THE GUEST LIST

All the greatest office parties begin with two numbers: how many people you’re feeding and how much you want to spend. Your headcount will drive everything, from where you set up to menu size and portioning.

People tend to plan vacations for this time of year, so find out who will be in town and who plans to attend. You can do this and get information on peoples’ dietary restrictions by sending out a survey, setting up a spreadsheet open to everyone, or sending out an email and managing the data yourself.

Once you’ve got a headcount, set a per-person budget. This is also when you’ll start working out proportions. For example, you’ll want to make sure each attendee has at least one entree, one side, and one serving of dessert. 

WHAT’S YOUR CATERING STYLE?

So…how are you going to feed all these people? Depending on what kind of party you want to throw (and what kind of office culture you have), you could choose from:

• Potluck: Encourage everyone to bring something and serve it buffet-style. Pro Tip: Put together a signup sheet so others can see what’s already in progress. Nothing puts a damper on a holiday party faster than a dozen salads and only one serving of mashed potatoes. 
• Full catered meal: Bring in something delicious from a local restaurant and let them do the cooking and the setup. Usually it includes an entree and a selection of sides, along with a salad and dessert. Sometimes it’s served buffet-style. 
• Individual meals: Attendees can order the meals they want from a selection of restaurants. They can choose their entrees, sides, and desserts, along with any special dietary requests (such as “cheese on the side” or “extra cheese”). Meals will arrive in individual packaging, ready to hand out and eat. 

BUILD YOUR HOLIDAY CATERING MENU

OK, now it’s time for the good part: the food! What you end up serving will depend on what catering method you choose, so these two steps may well be taken together. 

Traditional fare

The winter holidays tend to emphasize warm, hearty meals, involving food like: 

• Turkey 
• Mashed potatoes
• Candied yams
• Stuffing
• Ham
• Cranberry sauce
• Salad
• Biscuits/rolls

We’ve also seen roast beef, prime rib, and macaroni and cheese on some peoples’ lists. In addition, different cultures may have their own holiday specialties. If you’re curious about these, check in with your teammates. 

Alternates

You’ll notice something about the food described above: aside from the salad, it’s all very rich and heavy. It’s entirely possible you have the kind of coworkers who will gobble it all down and look for more, but you may run up against some dietary restrictions along with people who just prefer lighter fare. Look into substitutes like:

• Gluten-, nut, and dairy-free options
• Vegetarian options
• Fruit salad 
• Soups
• Hummus and dippable items like veggies or crackers

Dessert

No holiday dinner is complete without pie. Any kind of pie will do, though apple and pumpkin tend to be the big winners in the winter. But you can also lean into the season with these treats:

• Gingerbread men (bonus idea: have a gingerbread decorating party before the holiday party)
• Cheesecake
• Cookies of all sorts
• Fruitcake

Again, make sure you take into account the allergies and dietary requirements of your staff. 

Beverages

What can you offer your people besides water? We’re so glad you asked.

• Sparkling cider (apple and cranberry are often big winners)
• Sparkling water
• Tea and coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Mocktails 
• Eggnog

As you put together your beverage menu, you may end up fielding questions over whether you should serve alcohol — spiked eggnog is popular, for example, as are hot toddies — but that’s up to you. Generally speaking, we’d advise you not to bring alcohol into the office. After all, everyone’s going to have to drive home at some point. 

DETERMINE YOUR SETUP

You’re at the finish line. You’ve selected a catering style and a menu. How will you serve all this delicious grub?

Ask yourself the following questions:

Where will you host this party?

• A conference room or open area?
• The company kitchen?
• Outside (if in a temperate climate)?
• In a rental space?

How will the people actually get the food?

• What kind of equipment (serving trays, utensils, glasses, etc.) may be necessary?
• Do you have serving tables?
• Will you be using regular flatware or disposable?

Are you going to decorate?

• Tinsel on the serving tables
• Cranberry boughs (real or fake)
• Festive fairy lights

Who’s cleaning everything up?

• You?
• You + volunteers?
• Let the CEO do it?

GET YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY TOGETHER EARLY

Over the years, we’ve had plenty of people ask us, How far in advance should I order holiday catering? Our answer is always the same:

Order it early.

Really early.

If you’re having a potluck where everyone brings something, you’ve got more flexibility — just let people know the date and time and how many will be attending, and they’ll take care of the rest. But if you’re ordering individual meals or a fully catered service, get to the head of the line early. Remember, catering and delivery companies aren’t just waiting on your order; they’re also getting requests from other businesses in the area (and everyone else who might be hosting a party). The sooner you can lock in your date and place your order, the less you have to worry about. 

The best time to order holiday party catering is three to four months in advance. The second-best time is right now.

SERVE UP HOLIDAY GOODNESS WITH WAITER

All that sounds…well, kind of stressful. And holiday parties should be about celebration, not stress. We invite you to hand off the hardest part of planning — the food — to the Waiter team. Does your team want their meal fully catered? We can help with that. Or would you rather have your coworkers choose their own meals made to order? That way they can pick what they like. Yeah, we’ve got you covered there, too. And get this: because the meals are individually wrapped, clean-up is as simple as dropping the packaging in the recycling. Who’s off cleaning duty? You! 

Take the energy you’ve been putting toward menus and portions and put it towards enjoying the party. Seriously, start decorating. We’ll bring the food. 

Question: How do you bring a team together, boost morale, and please tastebuds all in one go?

Answer: The team lunch.

We talk a lot about food being the fuel employees need to do good work. But food is also about connection: a time to pause the work, to break bread with each other, to talk about stuff other than work. 

Why is this important? Teams that like each other tend to work better together, and a good team lunch can spark collaboration and improve your company culture. Oh, yeah, and it’s really yummy. What else can you ask for?

HOW TO PLAN A TEAM LUNCH

Before anything else, you’ve got to decide on the purpose of this gathering. Reasons include:

• Celebrations: Maybe someone got promoted, or someone reached a milestone, or it’s someone’s birthday.
• New teammates: Do you have a new colleague? A team lunch is a great way to welcome them.
• Teambuilding: Just hanging out and eating together can bring colleagues closer. 
• You’re hungry: Hey, sometimes you just want lunch.

Once you’ve nailed down your purpose, move on to budget and logistics. 

• Is this a one-off lunch, or will it be a regular (quarterly, monthly, or otherwise) thing?
• How much can you spend on the entire group, and how much per head? 
• What kind of dietary restrictions does your team have?
• Do you want to get food delivered or catered?
• Does your team include remote workers in different time zones, or people otherwise out of the office?

That last bullet tends to add a little bit of extra planning to any kind of meeting. Don’t worry — we’re here to help. 

VIRTUAL TEAM LUNCH IDEAS

Remote workers are part of the team, too, and they deserve the same connection as your in-office folks. Lunch can help make that happen…but how? What if they’re across the country?

This is where you put on your scheduling hat and figure out a time that works. If your team is on the West Coast and you’ve got East Coasters on your staff, between 11AM and 1PM Pacific time might be the sweet spot — it’ll just be a late lunch for those folks on the eastern seaboard.

Once the time is set, it’s time to plan the meal itself. You’ve got a lot of options:

• Themed menus. Encourage everyone to make a sandwich, pasta, or salad, and share their creations. This can get quite entertaining and even provoke deeply thoughtful discussion around the question we all must face: are hot dogs really sandwiches? 
• Meal delivery. We’d be remiss not to mention this, since it’s kind of our specialty. If your teammates are located within Waiter’s operating areas, we’d be happy to bring them delicious meals from restaurants of their choice, made to order. If not, you can provide delivery stipends to employees and let them choose meals from their local restaurants. 
• Cultural celebration. If team members have a favorite dish from their cultural background, encourage them to try making it. It’s a wonderful way to learn and bond (and may even inspire your next team lunch). 
• Play some games. Just about everything is online these days. Consider sending out a survey ahead of time and getting an idea of what people would like to do, if anything. Your team could try a virtual escape room or trivia (as a bonus, these activities encourage collaboration), take a class (like cooking or mixology), or even do a group yoga session. 

IN-PERSON TEAM LUNCH IDEAS

Maybe your entire team is in-office and getting together for lunch is no big deal. You can still make it an event they’ll look forward to — we recommend the following:

• Take it outside! Set up your team lunch in a picnic area or on the roof, if you’ve got the space and weather allows. You may need to do a little more wrangling as far as organizing seating goes, bringing up tables and chairs (or cushions, if your team doesn’t mind sitting on the ground) as well as something to provide shade, but it’s worth the improvement in mood sitting out under the sky can provide. 
• Pick a theme. Pizza parties are frequent standbys because they’re popular and fairly easy to put together. Other options include a summer picnic (complete with blankets and lemonade) or a food truck bonanza (calling in several local food trucks and letting your colleagues order what they like). You can go much further than this, of course, by picking a movie or TV show everyone likes or at least knows and encouraging teammates to bring dishes inspired by the story (yes, there are Star Wars and Game of Thrones cookbooks out there). 
• Build-your-own lunch. Taco bars come to mind first, but you can also create a burger bar or a “Build a Bowl” with greens, proteins, grain, and sauces. Heck, you could even go all-out and set up a sundae station. 
• Office potluck: Everyone brings a dish — it can be their signature piece or something meaningful to their culture, or just something they’ve been wanting to try. Everyone takes a portion and chows down.

HYBRID TEAM LUNCH IDEAS

Are your teammates split between remote and in-office? No problem! You just need to make sure everyone gets a piece of the pie.

• Match experiences. Bring in office catering and provide the same meal or vouchers to remote staff.
• Let everyone have some fun. The same activity options we described for remote teams apply to hybrid teams — you just need to make sure your in-office colleagues bring their computers. A livestreamed class, game, or (work-safe) show could be just the ticket to an entertaining team bonding session. 

THE SECRET TO A GOOD TEAM LUNCH

You’ve gathered the people and ordered the food. How do you make sure the lunch is a good one? By following one little rule:

Don’t talk about work at first.

Here, we’ll say it again: 

Don’t talk about work at first.

Focus on other stuff. How is everyone? What do they think of the latest superhero movie, or what are they reading? Does anyone follow sports? 

Some talk of work may eventually creep in. It’s hard to avoid it altogether; work is, after all, what has brought all of you together. But if this is a true team bonding lunch and not a catered meeting or workshop, then make sure to stick to more general topics, like the new software you’re all testing out or whether the company coffee machine is really haunted. 

REMEMBER TO FOLLOW UP

As with all things, a little planning goes a long way. Send out short surveys once the lunch is over to gather feedback that you can apply to future lunches. Keep your team involved in the planning so they feel they have some stake in it, and remember dietary needs and tech access for your virtual attendees. 

We might suggest not doing the same event or activity multiple times in a row unless everyone really, really likes it. You want these lunches to be events — change things up!

LET WAITER GIVE YOU A HAND…AND A MEAL

Want to bring your team together? Let the team at Waiter help. If you’re hosting people in-office or your remote workers are within our radius, we’d be delighted to bring your colleagues the kind of meals that will make them look forward to their team lunch. If you’re ready to put a meal on the calendar for the foreseeable future, look into our Recurring Catering. Want everyone to be able to choose their own meal and add-ons? The Custom Cafe is your answer. 

We’ll bring the food. All you have to do is start eating. 

Picture this: you’re halfway through a department meeting. At least, you thought you were halfway through — you just looked at the time, and you still have another hour to go. Your team members are glassy-eyed, some seemingly about to nod off while others may well be disassociating. 

It is a tragic sight, and one that’s all too common in meetings. In a best-case scenario, you halt proceedings and bring in the one thing that is almost 100% guaranteed to turn a meeting around: snacks. 

Your colleagues brighten. They reach for whatever you’ve brought in and pour themselves water or top off their coffees. Meeting snacks aren’t just a nice perk; they’re fuel that will get them through the rest of the meeting and possibly even the rest of the day.

Man…what if you’d brought the snacks in earlier? You make a note to yourself to do that next time.

YES, SNACKS MATTER

In our ongoing quest to educate and connect local businesses with delicious meals, we admit that snacks sometimes fall by the wayside. But make no mistake: snacks are just as important to workplace morale and productivity as a fully catered lunch. 

Why are snacks so powerful? They do all the stuff a good meal does, including raising blood sugar, which can improve focus and energy. And they do it without the lapse in work that comes from consuming a full meal. 

Oh, yeah, the average snack requires a lot less cleanup, too. 

Plus, who are we kidding? People just love food. The company that feeds its employees has a better chance at keeping them.

PLANNING YOUR OFFICE SNACKTIME

You’re probably on this page because you want meeting snack ideas, and yes, we’re going to get to them. But much like full meals, different types of snacks may be better-suited for different times of day or types of meetings. And while some meetings can go on for hours, a lot of them wrap up much quicker than that. 

So stick with food that is easy to eat and doesn’t require a ton of utensils. Finger foods are a quick win here, as are pre-packaged items like trail mix or granola bars. As a bonus, they’re usually quick to clean up. 

Before dropping everything to go food shopping, find out what kind of dietary restrictions and preferences you’re working with. Some of your colleagues may have gluten or nut allergies or be vegetarian. You’ll want to be considerate of their needs, too — that doesn’t mean you can’t bring in donuts or beef jerky, but make sure you’ve accommodated the needs of the entire team. 

Let’s be clear: there is no one snack to rule them all. If you’ve got a group with diverse dietary needs, you probably won’t strike gold with a perfect snack everyone can eat (or wants to eat). But you can provide several choices that will a) fit your colleagues’ requirements, b) make them happy, and c) help them be more productive. 

HEALTHY MEETING SNACKS

• Hummus and veggie cups: What goes well with creamy hummus? Veggies! Specifically crispy ones like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. If you really want to go all-out, bring in a few different kinds of hummus and let folks pick their favorites. 
• Cheese cubes: Pretty much any cheese you can imagine is available in a cube. It’s tasty, it’s bite-sized, and did we mention it’s really easy to clean up? Throw in some veggies and crackers and you’ve almost got a full meal right there. Bonus: You can find dairy-free alternatives. 
• Trail mix: Now, we said there’s no one snack to rule them all, but if there were…trail mix might be it. There are seemingly endless mixtures available, with fillings including dried fruit, chocolate, nuts, granola, carob, and more. It’s also easy to eat and generally doesn’t leave a mess.
• Popcorn: It’s light, it’s fluffy, and it’s satisfying. We love almost any kind of popcorn as a meeting snack, but if you have an itch for more flavor (and don’t mind compromising on the healthy aspect a little bit), then you can add all kinds of flavors.  
• Fruit skewers: Sticks of fresh fruit pack a colorful punch; we like them stacked with berries, pineapple, and melon, but you can use any fruit that’s in season. They’re sweet and refreshing, and all you have to do afterward is toss or recycle the skewer. 
• Apple slices: Apples on their own are a sweet and healthy snack, but they also provide plenty of real estate for spreads. You can go traditional with peanut butter or almond butter, or try something more daring, like cocoa-hazelnut or cookie butter. 
• Yogurt: Creamy and often rich in protein, there’s a yogurt for just about every need. Plain, fruit-on-the-bottom, mixed fruit, and honey are all delicious options, and you can find plenty of dairy-free alternatives, too. 
• Bagel and cream cheese: It’s a touch heavier than some of the snacks we’ve discussed here so far, and indeed could be called a substitute meal. But this old standby is tasty and filling, and might be just the thing to kick your meeting into high gear. 

A LITTLE INDULGENCE IS OK

The more traditional office snacks may not be ultra-healthy, but you know what? That’s all right.

• Granola bars: They’re fast, they’re tasty, they come in all kinds of flavors and with all sorts of ingredients. Since they’re individually wrapped, they’re easy to hand out and clean up — a great fast snack during a brief lull in a meeting. 
• Donuts: Hey, they’re a crowd-pleaser. They’re also available in endless varieties, from basic unglazed to artisanal creations that are almost too pretty to eat. 
• Rice cakes: A light and crunchy snack that can be eaten on its own but mostly ends up as a vehicle for toppings (chocolate, hummus, nut butter, mayonnaise…we don’t judge). 
• Cookies: Honestly, most people love cookies. They’re sweet, they come in many varieties, and you can find them with alternative ingredients to ensure you can take care of the dietary needs of your team. 

LIQUIDS ARE IMPORTANT, TOO

• Water: Keeping water on hand is just the decent thing to do — but it doesn’t have to be boring water. Make flavored infusions available, or go the fancy route and pick up some sparkling water. 
• Coffee: Yes, you should have the ultimate pick-me-up on hand. Bonus points if you bring in creamer and sweetener for those who need it. Okay, you should probably ask your team if they’d like decaf, too. 
• Tea: Tea has many of the same benefits as coffee: it’s hot, it’s tasty, and many types have enough caffeine to give you a little boost. Ask your team what flavors they’d like and keep them in stock for future meetings. 

SNACKS ARE IMPORTANT…BUT SO ARE MEALS

When it comes to productive meetings, snacks can make all the difference. Tasty, easy-to-eat options can help attendees stay focused and motivated, turning what might have been a slog into a productive event.

But sometimes — just sometimes — you need a real meal. If that’s the case, Waiter is here to help. Our Meals on Demand is a great way to try out our meal delivery and catering service without all the strings of a long-term commitment. Honestly, it’s almost a snack unto itself. 

Nothing improves an office event like food. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just bringing everyone in for an all-hands, the right grub does a lot of heavy lifting. It lets colleagues know they’re valued, and it gives them time and space to nosh, chat, and just bond. Besides, food is awesome! Everyone loves a good meal.

(Especially clients. Clients are very impressed with food.)

The only real problem is putting together a meal for a large group of people who may have varying tastes and dietary requirements.

At Waiter, we’re all about food — and we love feeding large groups of people. That’s why we’ve put together this list of food for large groups. All of the options listed can be scaled up to feed whatever size group you end up hosting.

Speaking of hosting…you aren’t planning on doing any of the below alone, right? The planning and cooking hours behind the choices below are…intense. You can go right ahead, if that’s your jam, or arrange for an office potluck…or…you could let someone else do the catering work while you just kick back and eat.

Really, it’s up to you; the food will be delicious either way. But if the idea of purchasing 200 tortillas and the ingredients to fill them makes you a little nervous, think about letting us help.

Now, on with the meal!

1. Taco Bar

Taco bars are pretty much universally popular, so they deserve the #1 spot. Bring in the tortillas, the protein (chicken, beef, carne asada, and more), the veggies, the salsa…and of course the cheese.

Alternates: Got some dietary restrictions to work with? Cue up some vegan meat and cheese options!

2. Pastapalooza

Take the beloved concept behind the taco bar and swap in pasta. You can go with tried-and-true familiars like spaghetti, macaroni, and fettuccine, or branch out with gnocchi, tortellini, and orzo. You’ll also want plenty of sauces (marinara and Alfredo are only the beginning; have you thought about pesto?). And let’s not forget the add-ons like various meats and cheeses, or herbs like rosemary and basil.

Alternates: Most, if not all, of the food described has gluten-free and vegan versions available.

3. Baked Potato Extravaganza

This is still technically a bar, but we’re aiming for festiveness. Set out large potatoes with all the fixings: cheese, bacon, broccoli, chili, salsa, and any herbs and spices. Oh, let’s not forget butter.

Alternates: Vegan-friendly and dairy-free varieties of cheeses (and yes, even vegan bacon) are available.

4. Breakfast-for-Lunch (or Dinner) Buffet

While breakfast food is usually consumed in the earlier hours of the day, there’s no law stating you can’t have it for lunch or dinner or any other time of day. So go big! Bring in scrambled eggs and sourdough to make toast. Set up a pastry plate loaded with croissants and bear claws. Yogurt parfaits and fruit are always winners, as are pancake- and waffle-making stations.

Alternates: If you’ve got vegans, gluten-free folks, or other dietary needs, you can find all sorts of breakfast alternatives available.

5. Pizza Party

Pizzas are pretty much the go-to meal for big groups. Some pies have 12 or more slices to go around, and there are so many varieties to choose from! There’s vegan pizza, vegetarian pizza, meat-lover’s pizza…and that’s just scratching the surface. Bring in Chicago and New York-style pizzas and judge the crusts. Throw in Greek-style pizza, too. And don’t get us started on the toppings, which are endless.

Alternates: None needed. There’s a type of pizza for everyone.

6. Salad Station

Salads are sometimes viewed as side dishes, but a good salad can be a fine meal on its own. Bring in an assortment of greens to serve as the base (spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, and more) and then go nuts with the toppings or proteins like chicken, shrimp, nuts, and vegetables. Don’t forget about dressing, which is, for some, the most important part; ranch, Italian, and more are out there.

Alternates: Set up a fruit station so folks can have a sweet alternative!

7. Sushi Soiree

Nigiri and sashimi and maki, oh my! There’s a sushi roll that fits pretty much every set of taste buds. Most sushi contains a base of rice and seaweed, accompanied by other fillings (or toppings, depending on the roll). Salmon and tuna are popular, as are the beloved California rolls, but that’s just scratching the sushi surface. Crab and tofu, along with other types of seafood and vegetables, may also make appearances.

But…sushi can be hard to serve buffet-style, and you may have to accommodate colleagues who are just not into seafood. This might be a good time to turn to Waiter’s Meals on Demand, which lets you choose a restaurant (like a Japanese place that has sushi and non-seafood options) and place a customized order. The folks who want sushi can get it; those who don’t can choose something else. Everyone eats!

8. Dessert Decadence

Sometimes you just want something sweet. Dessert-for-Lunch (or Dinner) can cover a lot of bases. Ice cream sundae bars are often a hit; just bring in several flavors of ice cream and enough toppings to give people a sugar buzz that will last into the next century. But you can also look into cupcakes, brownies, cookies, or cakes and pies.

Alternate: Once again, the fruit platter can save the day. There are also dairy-free, vegan ice creams out there, as well as sugar-free sweets!

How to Serve Big Meals for Groups Without Losing Your Mind

Getting the whole office together for a meal can be stressful. But look, you don’t have to do all of the above on your own. Waiter.com’s Catering Delivery gives you a direct line to restaurants that make exactly the kind of meals you’re looking for, and in the quantities you need when you’re ordering office food for many people. All you really need to do is tell us where to put the food and herd everyone over when it arrives (although to be fair, most people follow their noses and don’t need the help).

So go ahead: dream big. Let us bring you the perfect pies from a local pizza parlor, or the region’s best baked potato. Japanese, Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, Mexican, and other cuisines are all on offer, and we even deliver the food in recyclable containers. Who isn’t doing dishes after the party? You!

Seriously, though, check out our group food ordering. We’d love to keep your entire team fed.

The lights are flickering. Sinister music is emerging from an office. And is that a fog machine in the company kitchen?
Yes, it’s almost autumn, and that means Halloween is right around the corner.

Plenty of workplaces are already gearing up to welcome it, including ours. An informal poll of the Waiter offices found that people like:

• Consuming mass quantities of sugary goodness without judgment, while
• Dressing up like superheroes/cowboys/giant squids/David S. Pumpkins

The holiday itself can bring some levity to every kind of office. Costume contests, themed food, and yes, a fog machine can work wonders for morale (or at least break up an otherwise ordinary day).

But how do you do it? What can you feed your colleagues that’s outside the norm enough to be special, but won’t take hours or days to put together? Can you just slap skull stickers on everything and call it a day?

(You can, but that’s only half the fun.)

The Waiter team is filled (perhaps unsurprisingly) with big fans of food. We’re also big fans of food that doesn’t take a lot of effort and is fairly easy to clean up.
We kept those three qualifications in mind while making this list of tasty, easy-to-make, Halloween office party food ideas that you can create yourself or offer up to the office at large for a potluck-style adventure.

Time & dietary notes:

• Almost all of these snacks can be assembled in under 15 minutes if you purchase the primary ingredients (cookies, brownies, and frosting) ahead of time.
• From-scratch baking may take up to two hours for more intensive dishes.
• Most items can be swapped for vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and other dietary needs.

Spooky Office Snacks

If you’re short on time and want to bring in snacks for a lot of people, you can’t go wrong with these!

Monster Rice Krispies Treats

You can buy readymade Rice Krispies treats for this (or make them yourself if you have the inclination). All the snack really requires are
candy eyeballs held on with icing or frosting, but you can get as elaborate as you want. Use candy and frosting to give them outfits,
various appendages, and crazy hairstyles. The sky’s the limit with this one!

Zombie Popcorn

Any kind of popcorn will work for this, though you might want to get a few flavors to appeal to various tastes. Cheddar, cinnamon, and caramel are often big winners.
Add in M&Ms and some candy corn, then drizzle it with the following:

• White chocolate sauce mixed with red food coloring
• Melted red candy

Voila! It’s no longer popcorn. It’s zombie popcorn.

Creepy Crawlies

Most of the time, spiders are not welcome snacks. But it’s Halloween, and these spiders are a great deal tastier than their real-life counterparts.
You have a few options when it comes to creating them, but the most popular version involves small, rounded brownies or cookies. Pop some candy eyeballs on them
and then give them legs: pretzel sticks or licorice work well.

Gruesome Goodies

For those who want something a little more challenging, we’ve also got a few Halloween-themed appetizer ideas.

Mummies

Give the classic pig-in-a-blanket a spooky Halloween twist by cutting the blanket dough into strips. Wrap the “mummy” in its “bandages” and you’ve got yourself a filling, on-theme snack.
We’ve also seen condiments like mustard, ketchup, and relish used to make tiny eyes.

Graveyard Dirt

Purchase or make pudding. We recommend chocolate for maximum visual effect and deliciousness, but you could also opt for vanilla or even cherry (for obvious reasons).
Add a layer of crumbled dark cookie to the top; we’ve heard Oreos are a popular choice, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t do chocolate chip.
Top it off with some gummy or sour worms, and you have a delightfully macabre treat.

Wands

Get a couple bags of pretzel or cookie sticks and some different kinds of frosting, edible glitter, and sprinkles.
Halloween-themed is best — miniature witches, ghosts, and so on — but really, you do you.
Dip the sticks into the frosting and then roll them in sprinkles, glitter, crushed candy, or other desired toppings.

Bonus: This is also a fun office Halloween “make-your-own-snack” party activity that usually requires minimal cleanup.

Not-Quite-Undead Options

Not everyone wants to see how much candy corn they can consume in one sitting. Maybe you’ve got some health-minded coworkers,
or maybe you just want to provide people with somewhat healthier options.

Witch’s Cauldron

Slice up fruit, toss it into a bowl, and call it a cauldron. You can use any kind of fruit you like; go big and find out what’s in season
at the farmer’s market, or pick up just about anything at the grocery store. Think pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes, and honeydew to start.
Papaya, mango, kiwi, and dragonfruit can also add some color if you can get them.

Eyeballs

Nothing says “Halloween” like eating the eyes of your enemies, right? You’ll need bell peppers, cream cheese, and olives for this.
Slice the bell peppers and use a round cookie cutter to create circles. Slather on the cream cheese and put half an olive on top.

Orange Pumpkins

Peeled mandarin oranges look a lot like pumpkins, don’t they? Stick sliced-up celery in the top to act as a stem, and you’ve got a sweet and healthy treat.

Macabre Meals

What do the above snacks have in common? Well, they’re pretty tasty, for starters. They’re also loaded with sugar and not exactly filling.
Are they great fun to make and devour? Yes. Will they keep your team going after the party’s over? It’s possible, but unlikely.

If the workday must go on, why not give your team the best of both worlds? Enjoy the Halloween snacks, then summon Waiter.
Our drivers will venture forth from beyond the grave to deliver tasty, healthy meals from local restaurants to offset all the sugar your team is about to consume.

Your colleagues can choose what meals they’d like in advance, selecting substitutions and add-ons as necessary. And just because the food is being delivered
doesn’t mean you can’t add a festive Halloween touch to it. Marinara dipping sauce becomes blood. French fries can be severed fingers.
Really, your biggest challenge becomes when you want the food to actually arrive.

Should you have it come in before the party, so teammates can relax together and lay down an actual nutritious foundation before binging on junk food?
Should the food come in after the party, so your coworkers can scare off (pun intended) some of the sugar buzz and fortify themselves before getting back to the job?

Hey, if that’s the biggest decision you have to make this Halloween season, we’d call that a win. Good luck with that costume contest — and Happy Halloween!

Plan a Halloween Lunch with Waiter

There IS such a thing as free lunch!

As more people return to office, we, as the nation’s premier restaurant food delivery service, are looking for an official “Chief Lunch Officer” – someone to help us find the absolute perfect lunch meeting meal. 

For this official Chief Lunch Officer position, we are looking for someone who considers themselves passionate about the midday meal, has a strong opinion on sushi vs. salad, well-versed in office lunch etiquette (they wouldn’t dream of microwaving fish!) and grins at the idea of a boardroom buffet.

Terms & Conditions*

• Applicants must be 18+ 
• Must be based in the United States with no applicants from Alaska or Hawaii being considered at this time.
• By submitting your application details, you give Waiter.com permission to subscribe you to our mailing list. You can unsubscribe anytime.
• This is not an offer of full time employment. One person will be paid $2500 to taste as many lunch options as possible and given $500 in WaiterBucks. No further payments or benefits will be given to applicants.
• Successful applicants are responsible for their own tax obligations.
• Successful applicants must agree to provide feedback by answering a set of questions we email them within 14 days of October 13, 2025. No AI-generated responses or images will be considered. Payment will be made no later than 30 days after returning their feedback.
• Applicants agree to make themselves available for interview in order to assist the promotion of Waiter.com and the Chief Lunch Officer position.
• All feedback (written and verbal), images, videos and ideas submitted by applicants can be used freely by Waiter.com.
• Applications close on September 30, 2025 with the successful applicant contacted by October 13, 2025. Waiter.com reserves the right to modify, extend or cancel this promotion in any part or in its entirety at any time. Waiter.com’s decision is final.

Catering lunch isn’t just about feeding your team. It’s about creating a moment to boost morale, spark creativity, and break up the work day. The fact that it’s over a delicious meal is just the cherry on top. However, deciding what to order is another story. Juggling dietary restrictions, preferences, and a budget can be daunting. And how do you make sure everyone is happy with what you choose?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best office lunch catering ideas for every budget, occasion, and palate. Let us help you turn your next office lunch into a meal your team won’t forget.

Jump to:

• Best Cuisine Types for Catering
• Best Cuisine Types by Cost
• Best Dishes for Catering
• Catering by Event Type
• Tips

Best Cuisine Types for Catering

Variety is key to making everyone happy. These popular cuisines offer a good selection of entrees and sides to accommodate your team’s diverse preferences.

American Food

An American office is sure to love these familiar classics.

Entrees: Burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, wings, and BBQ ribs.
Sides: Coleslaw, mac and cheese, french fries, cornbread, and potato salad.
Desserts: Apple pie, cheesecake, and peach cobbler.

Italian Food

Italian food offers a mix of hearty and light fare ideal for catering.

Entrees: Pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagna, and ravioli.
Sides: Caesar salad, garlic bread, bruschetta, and antipasto.
Desserts: Tiramisu and gelato.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food

These cuisines are great for vegetarians and health-conscious teams.

Entrees: Falafel, kabobs, pita wraps, and Greek salads.
Sides: Hummus platters, dolmas, and tabbouleh.
Desserts: Baklava and knafeh.

Thai Food

Thai food is highly versatile, with dishes that range from sweet to savory.

Entrees: Pad thai, tom yum, panang curry, and pad see ew.
Sides: Green papaya salad, spring rolls, and laab gai.
Desserts: Mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream.

Mexican Food

Easily customizable dishes to suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Entrees: Tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Sides: Chips, salsa, and guacamole.
Desserts: Flan, churros, and tres leches cake.

Plant-Based Food

Healthy dishes for a team with many vegetarians and vegans.

Entrees: Grain bowls with quinoa or rice, plant-based burgers, and jackfruit tacos.
Sides: Roasted vegetables, vegan pasta salad, and fruit platters.
Desserts: Dairy and gluten-free pies, cookies, and cakes.

Take the stress out of planning your next lunch by setting up recurring catering to enjoy fresh, prepared meals with your team.

Best Cuisine Types by Cost

Staying within a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or your team’s happiness. We’ve broken down some recommended cuisine for every price point:

Budget-Friendly Options

• Pizza: Easy to customize and accommodates dietary restrictions.
• Sandwich Platters: Perfect for grab-and-go meetings or conferences.
• Taco Bars: Fun, build-your-own meals with a variety of toppings.
• Pasta: Hearty and filling, with hot or cold options.

Mid-Range Options

• BBQ: Pulled pork, smoked chicken, coleslaw, and cornbread.
• Mediterranean Platters: Fresh and satisfying without being heavy.
• Bowls: Customizable rice, noodles, or quinoa bowls for busy teams.

High-End Options

• Sushi Platters: Rolls, sashimi, and nigiri for special occasions.
• Charcuterie Boards: Elegant selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies.
• Steak or Seafood: Surf and turf menus with seasonal sides.

By aligning your catering choices with your budget, you can ensure that every office lunch is delicious and cost-effective. Create a corporate account so checkout is easier than ever.

Best Dishes for Catering

Some dishes travel better than others. Here are some crowd-pleasing options for your next lunch meeting or conference:

Appetizers

• Mini Sliders: Beef, chicken, or veggie options.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried bites full of flavor.
• Deviled Eggs: An easy, classic crowd-pleaser.
• Bruschetta: Hand-held bites with various toppings.

Entrees

• Grilled Chicken or Salmon: Versatile proteins with fresh sides.
• Pulled Pork or BBQ Ribs: Perfect for casual, hearty meals.
• Sushi Platters: Light, shareable, and fun.
• Pizza: Variety of toppings to suit all tastes.
• Pasta: Hot or cold options for any occasion.

Sides

• Salads: Fresh greens and local produce.
• Roasted Veggies: Seasonal, healthy additions.
• Chips and Guacamole: Ideal with Mexican or casual meals.
• French Fries: A familiar, comforting side.

Desserts

• Cookies: A variety to satisfy every craving.
• Brownies: Bite-sized, easy treats.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Perfect for special occasions.
• Fruit Platters: A healthy, refreshing option.

Beverages

• Sodas and Sparkling Water: A range of refreshing choices.
• Iced Tea: Versatile and easy to pair with meals.
• Coffee and Tea: Essential for any office gathering.

If your team just can’t agree on a meal, try Custom Café to allow your team to order their own meals from their inbox.

Catering by Event Type

Often deciding what to eat depends on the type of meeting or event that you’re hosting. Below are some common workplace events and the best catering ideas for each:

Ad-Hoc Meetings

Last-minute meetings call for a quick and easy meal.

Recommended Menu:

• Sandwich platters or wraps
• Fresh fruit, chips, and cookies
• Coffee, tea, and water

Meals on Demand allows you to quickly order directly to your meeting, no hassle or further commitment required.

All-Hands Meetings

When the entire company is gathering, you’ll need variety to accommodate everyone.

Recommended Menu:

• Buffet-style meal with protein
• Customizable salad bar
• Cookies and a fruit platter

Client Meetings

Cater more high-end fare to create a good impression.

Recommended Menu:

• Sushi platters or charcuterie boards
• Bruschetta and mini quiches
• Mini cheesecakes and ice cream

Team Celebrations

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, launch, or milestone, this menu should be special.

Recommended Menu:

• Taco bar, BBQ spread, or pizza party
• Cupcakes or cake decorated for the occasion
• A mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Workshops or Training Days

Long events like workshops or trainings call for food that will keep you energized.

Recommended Menu:

• Boxed lunches with sandwiches, salads, and fruit
• Snack station with granola bars, candy, and nuts
• Coffee, tea, soda, and water stations

Holiday Parties

Office holiday parties are an opportunity to go all out with seasonal themes and comfort foods.

Recommended Menu:

• Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing
• Mini sliders, charcuterie, and fresh vegetable sides
• Pie, cookies, and other festive desserts

Tips for Choosing the Best Catering Options

• Know your team’s preferences in advance. Create a spreadsheet with dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences to reference when ordering.
• Set a budget before selecting the menu to ensure you stay on track.
• Offer a variety to satisfy different tastes and dietary needs.

Now that you’re prepared with plenty of delicious office lunch catering ideas, you can plan your team’s next meal. Explore our list of catering options available in your city to get started. From local favorites to budget-friendly options, there’s something to fit every taste bud on your team.

As recently as a few years ago, ordering lunch for the office usually involved bringing in a ton of pizza or the local BBQ joint. Sometimes the restaurant would deliver the food; in other cases, you had to pull someone (or several someones, depending on how much you ordered) away from their work so they could pick it up and then haul it back to the office. And did anyone on staff have dietary restrictions? Sometimes you could make special requests, sometimes you couldn’t.

Let’s not get into the poor soul who had to wander the workplace, taking everyone’s requests before compiling them into an order.

Fortunately, corporate meal delivery has come a long way… and the change started earlier than you think. Ordering meals for the office online became possible in 1995, when Waiter.com set up shop on the World Wide Web and introduced Silicon Valley to the joys of ordering without picking up a phone.

It’s been a long and interesting ride since then, and many competitors have come and gone. So grab a snack and get comfortable — we’re gonna turn back the (analog, of course) clocks to the end of the twentieth century.

Corporate Meal Delivery

In 1995, ordering takeout looked very different.

Yes, the internet was around, but in a far more limited capacity. “Getting online” tended to mean dial-up, usually through a portal that jammed up your phone or fax line while it was in use. If you wanted to get a meal for your office, you placed an order over the phone and then traipsed down to the restaurant to pick it up. The more technologically advanced places might let you order by email or, if they were really fancy, fax it in.

(We’re aware of how quaint this sounds.)

Waiter.com set out to change that. Founded by Craig Cohen and Michael Adelberg, the company — then called World Wide Waiter — aimed to link restaurants with offices. In a 1996 interview with Palo Alto Weekly, Cohen explained the difficulties he encountered trying to get sandwiches made the way he wanted. It would be easier, he thought, to take orders via a computer.

As Waiter.com was located in Silicon Valley at the very start of the dot-com boom, its founders saw the difficulties office administrators faced trying to bring meals into offices. They built the tech around Waiter.com specifically to allow businesses to order meals for their people. The idea was novel: go to one “web site” and access heaps of local restaurants.

Of course, they had to pitch restaurants on both the service and the internet itself — many didn’t even have websites. Waiter.com often hosted the first web presence for Bay Area restaurants.

In its early years, Waiter.com simply acted as an ordering portal, taking a small commission. Restaurants handled fulfillment. But the real innovation was the Shared Shopping Cart, allowing multiple users to collaborate on a single order. This was revolutionary for its time.

Other platforms emerged in response, some of which no longer exist. But nearly all of them borrowed features that Waiter.com pioneered — menu uploads, saved credit cards, and multi-meal ordering.

A New York Times article in 2000 described online food ordering as “very much an evolving technology.” Despite hiccups with competitors, Waiter.com worked “with hardly a glitch” and delivered lunch within 35 minutes.

Technology Ups the Game

The early 2000s were a breakthrough moment. Internet access became widespread, and restaurants joined the digital era. But the real game-changer came in 2007: the smartphone.

Now, users could order food from anywhere. With apps flooding the market, food delivery became more convenient than ever.

Workplace cafeterias started to feel outdated. Corporate catering became the new standard, offering diverse menus delivered straight to desks. Employees loved it, and employers saw boosts in morale and productivity.

By 2007, Waiter.com expanded to serve individuals, but they stayed focused on corporate tools — like scheduled deliveries days in advance.

Unlike gig-based competitors, Waiter.com employed full-time drivers. They used insulated catering bags and prioritized professionalism and food quality. Other platforms stuck with plastic bags and part-time drivers — often leading to cold or missing meals.

How the Pandemic & Remote Workforce Changed Food Delivery

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted restaurants and food delivery. As remote work surged and dining out slowed, platforms like Waiter.com became essential to business continuity.

They implemented contactless delivery and strict protocols. And when employees returned to offices, food once again became a strong employee incentive. A good meal could make people want to come back to work — and stay.

Waiter.com, already optimized for large group orders, was ready. Their infrastructure was built for exactly this challenge, and they continued to thrive in regions like Silicon Valley.

The Future of Group Food Ordering Is Ongoing

Food delivery is still evolving. Many services now use AI and chatbots for customer support, making it difficult to reach a real person.

Waiter.com has taken the opposite approach. Their customer service team is US-based and reachable by phone or live chat — just like it was in 1995.

While flashy startups come and go, Waiter.com has remained focused on what it does best: feeding offices with great food and better service.

In 2000, co-founder Mike Adelberg said, “There’s going to be a day when this will be a big part of the restaurant takeout business.”

What can we say? He was right.

Sources

• Palo Alto Online (1996)
• Palo Alto Online (1995)
• New York Times Archive
• SeamlessXtra
• Cornell University News