Office managers, executive assistants, and operations leads, this one is for you. If you order corporate lunch in Fort Lauderdale on the regular, you already know the difference between a vendor who shows up on time, sets up cleanly, and makes you look good versus the one who cuts corners. Here's what we've learned about getting it right.
Group Size Changes Everything
The biggest mistake we see is ordering the same package regardless of group size. What works for 10 people is wasteful for 50, and what's perfect for 50 is overwhelming for 10. Here's our rule of thumb for office catering:
For 10 People, The Working Lunch
One assorted sandwich platter (a mix of turkey, roast beef, ham, tuna, egg salad, 10 sandwiches), one large garden salad, one fruit platter or veggie tray, a small dessert tray, bottled waters. Total: ~$185 — $220. Sets up in 5 minutes.
For 25 People, The Real Lunch
Two sandwich platters (mix of cold and wrap pinwheels), one large salad PLUS one pasta or grain salad, a fruit platter, dessert assortment, bottled drinks. Total: ~$425 — $500. Now you have choice and abundance without surplus.
For 50 People, The Event Lunch
Three platters (sandwich, wrap, deli meat board), two large salads, hot dish (brisket sliders or pasta), veggie crudité, fruit platter, full dessert assortment, coffee setup, drinks. Total: ~$850 — $1,100. Always include something hot at this size, it elevates the whole thing.
What to Avoid
- Pizza for executive lunches. It's cheap and easy, and your team will notice. Save it for casual Friday.
- Pre-packaged box lunches for collaborative meetings. Boxes create individual silos. Buffet-style food encourages people to mingle and talk.
- Heavy hot food for productivity meetings. A big brisket lunch at noon means a sluggish 2 PM. Lighter is better when you need brains working.
- Skipping the dessert. A small dessert costs $40 — $60 and is the thing people remember. Always include it.
Lead Time
For groups under 20, we can usually do same-day if you call before 9 AM. For 25+, give us 24 hours. For 50+ or anything with hot dishes, 48 hours is ideal.
Direct Billing
If your office orders catering more than once a month, ask us about direct billing. One invoice per month, no per-order PO. Saves your AP team and ours.
What Goldberg's Brings
We use the same Carnegie Deli pastrami, Hebrew National meats, and hand-rolled bagels we serve in-store, not separate "catering inventory." Your team gets the real deli experience, delivered to your conference room. We deliver throughout Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Pompano Beach, and most of Broward County.