What an office party needs that a wedding does not
Labels on everything, a serving plan that survives a lift, and food that is still good forty minutes after it arrives. Offices eat in waves rather than sittings, so the format matters more than the menu: boxed lunches for desks, trays where there is a room, live counters where the party is the point.
Dietary marking is not a nicety in an office — vegetarian, vegan, Jain, nut content and heat level go on every box and tray, because otherwise somebody asks a colleague and guesses.
Holiday parties, Diwali and launches
The December run and the Diwali fortnight are the two weeks every office wants the same caterers, and the kitchens that are any good are booked first. If you are planning either, the useful thing to know is that a date held three weeks out costs the same as one held three days out — and gets you a better kitchen.
Product launches and client evenings usually want the opposite of a buffet: passed canapés, chaat and tandoor counters, and staff who keep the room moving.
How the matching works
ChefWaala is a network rather than a single kitchen. You send one brief; we put it in front of the partners who cover your town and cook the cuisine you asked for, and you get itemised quotes back — usually within the hour, between 9am and 9pm.
You are not obliged to take any of them. If the prices do not work, say so and we will tell you honestly whether the budget is achievable at that headcount or not.
Related pages
corporate catering · office lunches on Route 1 · live counters · what catering costs
Frequently asked questions
How much is office catering per person in NJ?
It depends on format and menu more than headcount — a boxed lunch and a staffed buffet are different products. Send the brief and you will have itemised quotes within 60 minutes, 9am to 9pm.
Can you cater a Diwali party at our office?
Yes, and it is our busiest fortnight. Book early: the good kitchens fill first, and a date held three weeks out costs no more than one held three days out.
Do you label for allergies and dietary needs?
Yes — vegetarian, vegan, Jain, nut content and heat level are marked on every box and tray as standard.
Which towns do you cover?
All of New Jersey. The brief goes to partners who actually cover your town, so a Morris County office is not quoted by a kitchen that will not drive there.