Every office eventually faces the same question when planning a midday meeting, training session, or client lunch: do you go with individually boxed lunches, or set up a buffet? It seems like a small decision, but it shapes the whole feel of the event, and for Milwaukee businesses ordering corporate lunch catering regularly, getting it right matters more than it might seem.
When boxed lunches make sense
Boxed lunches are the practical choice for events where time, space, or formality work against a buffet line. They’re a strong fit for:
- Back-to-back meetings where attendees need to grab food and get back to work
- Training sessions or conferences with tight schedules between sessions
- Smaller offices without much room for a buffet setup
- Events where dietary restrictions are easier to manage individually labeled box by box
The tradeoff is generally cost per person and a slightly less “event” feel. Boxed lunches are efficient, not a centerpiece.
When a buffet is the better call
A buffet works well when the lunch itself is part of the occasion — a client appreciation lunch, a team celebration, or an all-hands meeting where people are encouraged to linger and talk. Buffets typically offer:
- More variety and the ability to accommodate different appetites and preferences
- A more social, less rushed atmosphere
- Better perceived value for larger groups
The tradeoff here is space and timing. Buffets need a designated area and enough time built into the schedule for people to move through the line without holding up the rest of the day.
What Milwaukee businesses should ask their caterer
Regardless of which format fits your event, a few questions are worth asking any corporate catering provider: How far in advance do you need a final headcount? Can dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies) be clearly labeled either way? Is delivery and setup included, or is it self-serve drop-off? And for buffets specifically, is there a staffing option to keep the line moving and the food maintained at proper temperature?
How Davians handles corporate lunch catering
Davians offers both formats as part of our corporate catering services, and our event sales team will help you decide which makes more sense based on your headcount, space, and schedule. Whether it’s a recurring team lunch or a one-time client meeting, we build the menu and format around how your office actually works.
Planning your next office lunch?
Reach out to our event sales team to talk through your event details, and we’ll put together a custom quote — boxed, buffet, or a mix of both.