There are two kinds of corporate holiday parties: the ones people RSVP to because they have to and the ones they talk about well into January. If you’re aiming for the second, here’s a tip: skip the sad salmon and call the pitmaster.
Barbecue catering is the unexpected MVP of end-of-year corporate events. It’s festive, flavorful, and frankly more fun than another chafing dish of chicken piccata. Whether you’re hosting 25 people in the office conference room or 200 in an event space, BBQ can handle the crowd and leave a lasting impression.
Why Barbecue Works for Corporate Events
Barbecue has always been a communal meal. It’s rooted in togetherness, storytelling, and gathering around something warm. And that makes it perfect for company events, especially at the end of a long, chaotic year.
Here’s why it works:
- It feels elevated without being fussy
- It serves easily to groups (no carving station required)
- It travels well and holds heat
- It’s universally loved—no one gets mad about brisket
- It offers range: meats, veggie sides, salads, desserts, sauces
And compared to the cost of a plated dinner or full-service catering staff, barbecue catering gives you more value per guest without sacrificing quality or experience.
Planning the Menu: More Than Just Meat
Good barbeque catering isn’t just about the smoked meats (though let’s be honest, that’s the main event). It’s also about the sides. Think tangy slaw, BBQ beans, mac and cheese, potato salad, cornbread, maybe a seasonal salad for balance. These sides turn a meal into a moment.
Don’t forget dessert. Banana pudding, cobbler, or even individual pies can make a huge impact without a huge price tag.
And if you’re planning a midday office lunch vs. a formal dinner party, your menu can flex. Sandwiches, sliders, or even BBQ bowls keep it casual but craveable.
Setting the Scene (Without the Drama)
Barbecue naturally brings a relaxed, convivial vibe. If you’re doing a big end-of-year celebration, you don’t need florals or formalwear… just good food, music, and a reason to toast the team.
Want to level it up? Consider:
- Branded to-go containers so employees can bring leftovers home
- Holiday spice rub gift bags or BBQ sauce party favors
- A “build-your-own plate” station or slider bar
- Photo ops with holiday props and BBQ puns (“Sauced for the Season” anyone?)
This kind of low-pressure, high-reward setup makes the party feel fun instead of forced.
Timing Tips for Holiday Catering
End-of-year calendars fill up fast, so if you’re considering barbecue catering, book early. We fill our December catering slots weeks in advance, but often can accommodate last minute requests, so be sure to reach out!
And remember: it doesn’t have to be tied to a full-blown party. Barbecue catering is ideal for:
- Holiday lunches for departments
- Appreciation meals for warehouse or hourly staff
- Investor open houses or client thank-you receptions
- Team happy hours or new year kickoff meetings
A tray of smoked brisket and cornbread can go further than a company-wide email when it comes to saying “thank you.”
Close the Year With the Right Kind of Smoke
At the end of the day, what makes a company gathering memorable isn’t how fancy it is. It’s whether people feel seen, appreciated, and fed.
Barbecue catering delivers on all three. It tells your team you went with something thoughtful and flavorful, not just convenient. It brings everyone together. It sparks conversation. It fills the room with warmth, literally and metaphorically.
So whether you’re the office manager, the CEO, or the intern tasked with planning the holiday party, consider this your permission slip to ditch the status quo. Order the brisket. Get the good slaw. Pass the banana pudding.
Because nothing says job well done like a plate full of smoky, saucy, slow-cooked celebration.
Call us at 214-353-0027 or fill out our online form to get in touch with our catering team. And if you’re in the Dallas area, come visit us at one of Dallas’ oldest and iconic restaurants on Inwood Road, open 24/7/365 for barbecue pickup or barbecue delivery. We cater beyond Dallas – reach out to us for barbecue catering in Richardson, Plano, Fort Worth and beyond!
