CATERING TABLE
SETTING THE STAGE
Great catering makes any event special by meeting attendees' needs and matching the vibe. Whether it’s a fancy buffet for a classy event or boxed lunches for a casual meet-up, our new catering program ensures everything fits perfectly.
By stepping up our catering game, we show our commitment to top-notch hospitality. We’re not just serving food; we’re taking care of the people who care for our patients, building stronger connections, and proving our value as partners in creating memorable experiences. This guide is packed with tips and tools to help you deliver amazing catering services, focusing on the whole experience—from food and marketing to packaging and all the little details that matter.
DID YOU KNOW?
CONNECT WITH FOOD
Employers are always looking for ways to boost in-office participation and team unity, and food is a great solution! In fact, 83% of businesses say their food-for-work budgets have either stayed the same or increased.
QUALITY FEEDS LOYALTY
Great food and service really matter—90% of our clients love it when things are just right. Building good relationships is important since 70% of our guests keep coming back for more events.
FRESH, LOCAL, ECO-FRIENDLY
Health and sustainability are top priorities. Forty percent prefer nutritious options, and 25% have dietary restrictions. Eco-friendly packaging and local ingredients are also a big deal, with 35% of caterers incorporating these practices.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT'S NEW
We’re thrilled to introduce you to our brand-new catering program, designed to make every event a memorable experience. This guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about delivering a top-notch catering experience.
CATERING CATEGORIES
Our new catering program features a variety of categories to suit every event, from casual meetings to elegant gatherings. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s included:
prices per person | minimum 12
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST / $XX
assorted muffins & pastries, fresh fruit
FRUIT & YOGURT PARFAIT / $XX
greek vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit, banana bread, granola, dried cranberries, honey
AVOCADO TOAST / $XX
hard boiled egg, smashed avocado, pickled onion, tomato, capers, assorted breads
SAY CHEESE / $XX
assorted meats, cheeses & fruit, pickled vegetables, olives, candied walnuts, honey, jellies, jams, crostini
SMEAR IT / $XX
smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, pickled red onion, capers, pepper jelly, strawberry jam, assorted bagels
HEALTHY START
Replace one item with egg bites or chia pudding
CLASSIC AMERICAN BREAKFAST / $XX
scrambled egg, seasoned potatoes, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit
SOUTHERN STYLE GRIT BOWL / $XX
scrambled eggs, cheese grits, smoked bacon or sausage, biscuits & country gravy
MORNING JUMPSTART / $XX
assorted mini quiche, chia seed pudding, fresh fruit
TACO TIME / $XX
scrambled egg, potato & chorizo, charro beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheddar cheese, tortillas
FRENCH TOASTY / $XX
french toast casserole, scrambled egg, bacon, fresh fruit
THE EVENT
BREAKFAST
Mornings can be hectic! Make sure the catering cart and event space are set up the day prior.
Our breakfast menu has something for everyone, with both continental and hot breakfasts. Enjoy fresh pastries, fruit, and avocado toast, or dig into breakfast tacos and French toast casserole. Don’t forget to suggest add-ons for the perfect touch, like overnight oats and hot drinks.
CONTINENTAL
Light and delicious options perfect for any morning gathering! HOT BUFFET
arranged garnished
Hot & fresh favorites that are sure to please the crowd.
prices per person | minimum 12
CLASSIC / $XX
choose up to three classic sandwiches, choice of side salad, chips, cookie
ARTISAN / $XX
choose up to three artisan sandwiches, choice of side salad, chips, double chocolate brownie
CHICKEN SALAD/ $XX
assorted chicken salad sandwiches choice of side salad, chips, assorted cupcakes
CLASSIC BOXED / $XX
choice of up to three classic sandwiches, chips, cookie
ARTISAN BOXED/ $XX
choice of up to three artisan sandwiches, choice of side salad, double chocolate brownie
GREEK TABBOULEH
FRESH FRUIT SALAD
DIJON POTATO SALAD
PESTO PASTA SALAD
GARDEN SALAD
TURKEY & PROVOLONE
turkey, provolone, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, multi-grain
THE ITALIAN
ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, arugula, tomato, red onion, mustard, demi baguette
MEDITERRANEAN VEGGIE WRAP (V)
feta, hummus, cucumber, roasted red peppers, lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion, tortilla
BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAP
buffalo chicken, celery, spring mix, blue cheese dressing, tortilla
CHICKEN CAESAR WRAP
grilled chicken, parmesan, lettuce, tomato, croutons, caesar
CHICKEN SALAD CROISSANT
housemade chicken salad, lettuce, tomato, croissant
HAM & SWISS
ham, swiss, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dijon, sourdough
LEMON ROSEMARY TURKEY
turkey, swiss, lettuce, tomato, lemon rosemary mayo, focaccia
PESTO PORTOBELLO (V)
grilled portobello mushroom, sundried tomato, lettuce, onion, pesto, multi -grain
CAPRESE (V)
mozzarella, tomato, basil, pesto mayo, balsamic, demi baguette
HAM & BRIE
ham, brie, arugula, honey dijon, multi grain bread
HORSERADISH ROAST BEEF
roast beef, arugula, tomato, horseradish mayo, marble rye
FRESH VEGGIE WRAP (V)
cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, tomato, black bean purée, tortilla
THAI PEANUT CHICKEN WRAP
roasted chicken, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, napa cabbage, scallion, cilantro, peanut sauce, tortilla
THE EVENT
DELI
Enhance your catering presentation by placing platters on risers, selecting artisan breads for a special touch, and choosing eco-friendly paper to-go boxes over plastic.
Deli caterings are our bread and butter, so it’s essential to get them just right. Our menu features both buffet and boxed styles, each with classic and artisan options. With a variety of premium breads and delicious vegetarian options, there's sure to be something for everyone.
DELUXE
Our deluxe deli option offers a choice of up to three sandwich platters, including classic, artisan, or chicken salad varieties varieties, and comes with a choice of side salad, chips, and dessert.
Always finish your sandwich with a pick, just skip the frilly ones.
BOXED
The Classic Boxed Lunch includes a sandwich, chips, and a cookie, or upgrade to the Artisan Boxed Lunch for a premium sandwich, side salad, and a double chocolate brownie.
These clear containers are ideal for side salads and breakfast parfaits—and they come with lids too!
LEMON ROSEMARY TURKEY
CAPRESE
THAI PEANUT CHICKEN WRAP
prices per person | minimum 12
CHOOSE A SIGNATURE SALAD THEME
served with artisan bread + assorted desserts
$XX
PROTEIN ADD ONS:
balsamic portobello mushroom
blackened chicken
mediterranean grilled chicken
hot honey salmon
CHOOSE UP TO TWO SIGNATURE SALADS
served with pita chips + cookie
$XX
$XX
$XX
$XX
$XX
MEDITERRANEAN CRUNCH
greek chicken, feta, cucumber, tomato, pickled onion, kalamata olives, hummus, pita crunch, spring mix, greek dressing
CHILI MARGARITA
grilled chicken, monterey, cheddar, corn & black bean salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, spring mix, avocado ranch
SESAME GINGER SHRIMP
poached shrimp, bok choy, snow pea, red bell pepper, carrot, red onion, scallions, lo mein -style noodles, sesame ginger dressing
BUTTERNUT, KALE & QUINOA (V)
butternut squash, tri-color quinoa, red onion, sunflower seed, kale, lemon thyme vinaigrette
BERRY FIELDS (V)
feta, strawberry, blueberry, candied pecan, spring mix, strawberry balsamic vinaigrette
BBQ CHICKEN
chicken, cheddar, cowboy caviar, tortilla strips, spring mix, bbq ranch
ADD ANY SIGNATURE SALAD TO YOUR CATERED EVENT SERVED FAMILY STYLE!
$XX | serves x
THE EVENT
SALAD
Salad caterings are ideal for health-conscious clients, offering a wide range of flavor profiles. Choose from a customizable salad bar setup, a family-style salad add-on for sharing, or a convenient salad boxed lunch.
SALAD BAR
Choice of signature salad theme, served with artisan bread and assorted dessert bars.
SALAD ADD-ON
Any salad can be ordered à la carte in family style, making them a great addition to any catered menu.
BOXED
Choice of signature salad served with pita chips & cookie.
CHILI MARGARITA CHICKEN
DID YOU KNOW? Ceramic floor tiles (8in. x 24in) are a cost-effective way to create shelves for your dishes—and they can even sit on top of hot elements!
prices per person | minimum 12
MEDITERRANEAN $XX GRAZE
lemon chicken, lamb gyro, lemon orzo, herb tabbouleh, greek salad, hummus, olive, tomato, cucumber, red onion, tzatziki, warm pita
served w. baklava
SOUTHWESTERN $XX
chicken carnitas, beef barbacoa, cotija, cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables,garden salad, street corn salad, black beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, jalapeño, pickled onion, black olive, chips, tortillas
served w. warm churros
SESAME & GINGER $XX
sweet soy sesame chicken, bang bang shrimp, edamame fried rice, baby bok choy, honey ginger salad, steamed edamame, egg rolls
served w. chia mango pudding
BASMATI & SPICE $XX
tandoori chicken, curry cauliflower, siracha sweet potatoes, quinoa & brussels sprouts, Indian-spiced corn salad, hummus, cilantro chutney, tzatziki, naan, lemon burst cupcake
served w. lemon burst cupcake
LITTLE ITALY $XX
jumbo meatballs, italian sausage withgreen peppers, tri-color tortellini alfredo, pasta pomodoro, italian chopped salad, cheesy garlic bread served w. tiramisu
SMOKEHOUSE BBQ $XX
memphis bbq chicken, pulled pork, macaroni & cheese, southern-style green beans, creamy coleslaw, garden salad, cornbread served w. banana pudding
POWER UP $XX
lemon braised chicken, moroccan chickpeas, sweet potatoes, tri-color quinoa, sautéed kale, napa cabbage slaw, carrot hummus served w. coconut crunch cake
HAPPY HEN $XX
signature fried chicken, rotisserie chicken quarter, smoked gouda mac & cheese, hot honey brussels sprouts, tomato salad, honey-kissed cornbread served w. peach cobbler
THE EVENT
THEMED MEALS
MORE HOT & FRESH THEMES
SESAME & GINGER
BASMATI & SPICE
LITTLE ITALY
SMOKEHOUSE BBQ POWER UP HAPPY HEN
When a cold lunch just won’t do, our new hot buffet menu is the perfect solution! With eight themes featuring everything from classic comfort foods to exciting new flavors, you'll find just what you need for any occasion.
SOUTHWESTERN
LEVEL UP
Ditch the traditional chafers and insert pans, and switch to heated shelf alternatives with cast iron pans!
maximize space by neatly organizing hot components
highlight the themed dessert
prices per person | minimum 12
MEDITERRANEAN (V) / $XX
hummus, whipped feta, marinated artichoke, roasted red pepper & mushroom, grilled vegetables, olive, pita
BREADS & SPREADS (V) / $XX
creamy spinach & artichoke dip, bruschetta, hummus, baked pita, crostini, tortilla chips
FIESTA (V) / $XX
guacamole, salsa verde, pico, tortilla chips, cinnamon churro
CHARCUTERIE / $XX
assorted meats & cheeses, pickled vegetables, fresh fruit, honey, jellies, jams, crostini
FRESH BAKED COOKIES
BROWNIE BITES
DESSERT BARS
FRESH CUPCAKES
PEANUT BUTTER
PROTEIN BITES
SEASONAL DESSERTS
$XX DOZEN
$XX
$XX
$XX
$XX
$XX
PRETZEL TWIST (V) / $XX
warm pretzels, cheddar cheese sauce, green chili queso, whole grain mustard
ENERGY BREAK (V) / $XX
greek yogurt, assorted toppings, fresh fruit, protein bites, granola bars, mixed nuts
FONDUE DIPPER (V) / $XX
chocolate fondue, strawberry, pineapple, brownie, pound cake, rice krispie treat, marshmallow, graham cracker
SHORTCAKE SPOT (V) / $XX
angel food cake, pound cake, biscuit, strawberry, peach, whipped cream
TRAIL MIX
$XX
SPICED NUTS $XX
CHIPS & GUAC $XX
CHIPS & SALSA $XX
• ADD GUAC $XX
• ADD QUES0 $XX
SHRIMP COCKTAIL / $XX
poached shrimp, cucumber, celery, cocktail sauce, horseradish sauce, cajun aioli, lemon
VEGETABLE CRUDITE (V) / $XX
cucumber, carrot, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, snow pea, radish, bell pepper, herb cream cheese, hummus
FRUIT & CHEESE (V) / $XX
strawberry, blueberry, grape, whipped ricotta, cheddar, pepper jack, fig spread, honey, crostini
FRUIT & YOGURT (V) / $XX
strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, pineapple, grape, sweet yogurt sauce
THE EVENT
SNACKS + BREAKS
Keep your guests energized all day with our tasty snacks and breaks! Enjoy sweet treats like gourmet brownies and seasonal desserts, or savor our Mediterranean hummus bar and charcuterie options for a perfect mix of flavors.
THEMED BREAKS
Themed break menus add excitement and variety to events, making breaks more fun and engaging.
A LA CARTE
Our à la carte snacks are great on their own as a quick bite or mixed and matched for a personalized snack break.
MIX & MATCH FOR A CUSTOM EVENT!
CHARCUTERIE, FONDUE DIPPER, BREADS & SPREADS
FRUIT & CHEESE
VEGETABLE CRUDITÉS
THE EVENT
SNACKS + BREAKS
BAKERY
Our bakery menu is sure to impress! With our Sweet Street desserts, you can offer guests an elevated experience without needing a full-time baker. From fresh cupcakes and decadent dessert bars to seasonal favorites, our treats are the perfect touch to any event.
New platters with high domes are perfect for casual events, offering both style and functionality!
Warm the cookies before delivery to wow your guests, and if possible, use a heat shelf to keep them warm. The enticing aroma and gooey texture will make them even more irresistible!
FRESH CUPCAKES
DESSERT BARS
FRE SH BAKEDCOOKIES
HYDRATION STATION
DRINKS
Keep everyone refreshed with a variety of drink options. Whether it’s a hot coffee, a refreshing iced tea, or a bubbly sparkling water, there’s something to complement every event and food package.
Labeled coffee pots w/ drip trays Full assortment of condiments, alternative milk, and paper products
Durable, stylish, visibility to fresh, colorful ngredients
Clear carafes to see contents without needing labels
For an ambient display, have an ice unit and scoop
Pre-chill beverages before putting them on ice
per person unless noted by servings
LEVEL UP MAKE IT MEMORABLE
Make the most of your catering events by considering the following:
PLAN AHEAD
INNOVATE
Keep your events exciting by getting creative. Offer new and seasonal items, and keep your menu fresh with regular updates that will surprise and delight your clients.
DOUBLE-CHECK
Always double-check everything— no detail is too small. After the event, gather feedback to ensure you’re meeting expectations and making improvements where needed.
ALL HANDS IN
Successful events start with solid planning. Lock in all the details early, from timing to menus, and give your clients plenty of time to decide. This way, everything is ready to go well before the event.
WOW FACTOR
It’s all about making a great impression. Make sure everything looks as good as it tastes by using the right serving pieces, adding creative touches, and showing off your best dishes. Before the event kicks off, take a quick look around to ensure the space is clean, all trash is removed, and setup equipment is put away so everything looks sharp.
Collaboration is crucial. Work closely with your team and your facility’s events staff to ensure everyone is on the same page and the event runs smoothly from start to finish.
MAKE YOUR MARK
THE MARKETING
Heart & Table comes with a full set of marketing tools, from easy-to-edit templates to eye-catching signage. These resources are here to help us look our best and make a great impression at every catered event!
Download and customize your Heart & Table Catering menu template here!
Easily adjust, add pricing, and use it as your guest-facing menu.
All marketing materials are available for download on MyCompass.
BRANDED LABELS
Always use our branded labels to individually mark all boxed lunches and wrapped items.
2.5" circle stickers for box lunches, salads, etc. use with avery label 22562
vegetable crudités
3" circle sticker for platters, trays, and pizza boxes use with avery label 22891
SIGNAGE
callouts
PACKAGING
STANDARDS
Good packaging is key for catered lunches. It makes meals easy to transport and serve, boosts their appearance with professional branding, and improves the overall dining experience, leading to happier customers and more repeat business.
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
BOXED LUNCHES
A LA CARTE / PLATTERS
Rectangle Kraft Paper
Catering Box
14.25” x 10.25” x 3.25”
18" x 12.25" x 3.25"
*Restaurantware
Rectangle Kraft Paper
Catering Tray
19.75" x 12" x 4.25"
*Restaurantware Baggasse
GET STARTED!
We've put together a recommended starting order of smallwares to kick off your catering upgrades. It’s around $3k to get you going. Click here to check out the order!
THE SMALLWARES
Check out our new line of durable catering smallwares that add style and elegance to any event. Great service ware makes your food look amazing and elevates the guest experience.
CAST IRON
With the durability of cast iron and the non-stick benefits of enamel, porcelain enameled cast iron is impossible to beat! They look great too and are available in green, red, black, grey, & orange.
HEAT
DISPLAY
DID YOU KNOW?
We understand that one size doesn't fit all, so we've handpicked catering-specific pieces to complement the retail smallwares aesthetics: Tranquil Spa, Modern Sleek, and Urban Farmhouse. Choose the package that best matches your hospital's style and retail spaces for a consistent, cohesive look.
Drip
MERCHANDISING MAGIC
Make your catering event special by turning an ordinary setup into something amazing. Wow your guests with visual appeal, a consistent theme, and great service. By keeping everything high-quality and easy to access, you'll exceed expectations and make every event memorable.
full menu displayed
utensils for every item with utensil plate
individual drinks for quick grab & go
hot pad for heat source variety of heights
small platters to ensure food is replenished often and looks full
pre-wrapped silverware good natural station flow
chafer alternatives and cast iron pans for a modern look line IDs for every item
GET INSPIRED COOKING IS A SCIENCE, PLATING IS AN ART.
THE DETAILS
LAUNCH PLAN
Click here to learn more
Collaboration is essential to the success of our new catering program. While the implementation timeline may vary by account, it typically takes around three months from start to go-live. Follow these general guidelines to ensure a smooth and effective launch of your catering operations.
MILESTONES
90 DAYS
60 DAYS
REVIEW THE NEW CATERING MENU AS A TEAM, AND COME UP WITH A PLAN
DETERMINE FINAL MENUS, INCLUDING PRICES AND POLICIES
ORDER ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT AND SMALLWARES
SUBMIT REQUEST FOR CATERING PLATFORM UPDATE
CONDUCT TEAM TRAININGS
PLAN CATERING EXPO AND SEND INVITATIONS
HOST A CATERING SHOWCASE
30 DAYS
TEST THE ORDERING PLATFORM AND SUBMIT ANY FINAL CHANGES
SEND AM EMAIL BLAST TO CATERING GUESTS WITH IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ENSURE DIGITAL ORDERING PLATFORM IS ACTIVE, CORRECT, AND LINKED
SUPERVISE CATERING EVENTS TO ENSURE PROPER SET-UP AND PRESENTATION
REQUEST FEEDBACK, DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES, CELEBRATE SUCCESS
Set up weekly check-ins with all key players to discuss progress and provide project updates!
CATERING SHOWCASE
A catering showcase is a great way to give guests a sneak peek at our exciting new menus. Each showcase should feature a variety of menu items, highlight different set-ups, and include helpful materials, while giving attendees a chance to meet our catering team. It’s all about making connections and showing off our top-notch in-house catering service.
• Set a date / time
• Establish a menu
• Send out invites
GET STARTED PREPARE
• Highlight new and seasonal items
• Plan the room set-up
• Have business cards and menus to share
MAKE IT FUN
• Raffle a cookbook or a free catering service
• Add music and a slideshow of recent events
• Take pictures for the hospital's intranet
LEVEL UP
Send your guests off with a little gift to say thanks and leave a lasting impression!
01 DISPLAY
Show a variety of menu items and station set-ups.
02 TASTE
Provide menu cards with a section for tasting notes.
03 ENGAGE
Ensure team members are available to discuss the menus and schedule future events.
THE DETAILS
COMMUNICATION
Good communication between a client and the catering manager is key to a successful event. It ensures all details are clear, helps prevent mistakes, allows for timely adjustments, and makes sure the client’s needs and expectations are fully met.
TIPS FOR SMOOTH CATERING
CLIENT CHECK IN
Confirm next day's event details with clients via phone, email, or visit. Verify menu, guest count, location, and times. Suggest any missing items like drinks or desserts.
TEAM MEETINGS
Hold daily meetings with the kitchen and catering manager to review banquet event orders (BEOs). Weekly, discuss upcoming events, including menu, staffing, supplies, rentals, timing, setup, and delivery.
FOLLOW UP
Call clients on the day of delivery to check how it went. Leave a message if needed, and log feedback to review with your team for improvements.
Create a QR code to your desired email address and insert them into the feedback card. Ensure that a card is left at each catering event.
THE DETAILS
RESOURCES
Getting organized is key to setting your team up for success! A well-planned start minimizes disruptions and sets the stage for a smooth implementation. Make sure to tap into the resources provided. Dive in, get prepared, and watch your events come to life.
EMAIL BLAST
CHECKLISTS
Organization is essential for successful catering! Use the checklist as part of your toolkit to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Quickly and professionally share exciting news and catering updates with your clients.
COSTING TOOL/BEO
Use the Price and Portion tab in the Catering Event Request Form to set your prices. If you don’t have MyEcatering or Catertrax, just use the Catering Order Form for event details and the Catering Request Form as your BEO.
TIMELINE
NIGHT BEFORE
• catering cart set
• room is ready
30 MIN PRIOR
light sternos
• turn on heat sources
15 MIN PRIOR
• line check
• quality
• taste
• temperature
DURING
• monitor food levels
AFTER
• touch tables • event cleared within an hour
• follow-up with client
*never let an event sit overnight
ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Are you adding variety to your set-ups with different heights, colors, and textures?
Are you using the Heart & Table menu templates and marketing materials?
Are you using the approved smallwares and packaging materials?
Are you using the right dishes for the right foods to ensure they look their best?
Are you using the approved recipes and following the forecasting methods?
Are you sticking to the catering timelines and completing the service, quality, and temperature checks 15 minutes before the event?
Do you have a plan to keep the foodreplenished and full throughout the event to exceed client expectations?
Are you aware of dietary preferences and allergens before the event, and do you have appropriate meals for those guests?
Are you using 'prepared by' cards to add a personal touch and build trust?
Do you have a feedback loop in place, and are you using it to improve your catering services?