Selecting a menu for a corporate lunch may be daunting, particularly if you aren’t sure of everyone’s dietary preferences. Gather that information beforehand so that you can proceed accordingly and make sure that the spread includes dishes for all attendees. Before you place your order with the caterer, keep these details in mind.

A Guide to Crafting the Perfect Corporate Lunch Menu

What Are Different Dietary Restrictions to Consider?

Allergens are critical concerns; some of the more common ones are nuts, dairy, soy, and shellfish. In a large group, there may be at least a handful of vegan or vegetarian guests. Vegan diets limit the consumption of all animal-based products, including dairy and eggs, while vegetarians only restrict meat. Some attendees might follow a gluten-free diet, which cuts anything that contains grain-based ingredients like barley and wheat, for celiac disease or other sensitivities. You may also need to consider religious restrictions. Some Muslims consume halal foods, for example, while Jewish guests may require a kosher diet.

What Is the Best Way to Plan the Menu?

During registration for your corporate lunch, provide a space on the form to note dietary preferences. To simplify the planning process, create boxes that guests can tick so that you can quickly and easily separate each attendee according to their dietary limitations. Create separate piles so that you don’t lose track of how many vegetarian meals you need, for example, or how many nut allergies there are in the group. Make a special stack for individuals with multiple concerns. These details allow you and your caterer to efficiently design an appealing menu.

How Will Caterers Assist?  

Catering services have experience in selecting the appropriate foods to meet different dietary needs. Make sure there are at least one or two options for each guest. If you serve meat and some individuals follow halal or kosher diets, you may need to contact them to ask if they would be open to a vegetarian option. Otherwise, you might have to request specialty plates. If you’re planning on buffet catering, however, you might line the tables with plentiful options and have the catering team label them accordingly so that guests know which ones are safe.

Residents of Fairfield County, CT, turn to Fortuna’s Deli & Caterers of Westport for all their catering and deli needs. Ever since they opened for business in 1975, this area institution has impressed visitors and catering clients alike with their delicious and versatile menu. They’re happy to sit down with you and create a lunch event everyone will appreciate. View their offerings online or call (203) 226-3587.