As the person in charge of organising the food for your office, you know it’s often the most stressful part of planning an event. Whether it’s a high-stakes client lunch or an all-day staff training, a lot is riding on you to get it right.

That’s where a great partner for corporate catering makes all the difference.

This isn’t just another ‘how-to’ guide. This is a practical checklist with the key questions you need to ask. Use this to vet your options and find a reliable partner for your next corporate event or function in Brisbane.

1. How fast is their response time?

Why this matters: We’ve all been there. You send an enquiry and then… silence. If a caterer is slow to respond when you’re trying to give them money, imagine the panic on the day of the event when you have an urgent question. A slow response time is a major red flag for unreliability.

What to look for: You’re a professional, and you deserve a partner who respects your time. A 24-hour reply is the bare minimum. A truly professional office catering service will get back to you in just a couple of hours, with a clear, detailed quote that answers all your questions.

2. Is the food made fresh on the day?

Why this matters: You can spot a sandwich that was made yesterday a mile away. The bread is a bit stiff, the fillings look tired, and it just feels… uninspiring. It’s not the impression you want to give to important clients or your hardworking team.

What to look for: Ask this question directly: “When is your food prepared?” The only answer you should accept is “fresh on the day of the event.” This is the secret to a vibrant, delicious, and impressive corporate lunch. It shows a commitment to quality over cutting corners.

3. Is there variety beyond the standard sandwich platter?

Why this matters: “Not another sandwich platter.” We’ve all heard it, or at least seen the look. Relying on the same old menu for every corporate event catering opportunity makes your events feel flat and uninspired.

What to look for: A great menu should be flexible and exciting. Look for a caterer who can go beyond the basics. Do they offer a wide range of options, like:

Hot food (gourmet mini pies, arancini, sausage rolls)
Fresh, seasonal fruit platters
Vibrant, healthy salads
Impressive cheese and grazing platters
A selection of sweets, cakes, and slices for afternoon tea

Why not check out our range of options that are sure to supercharge your event and impress your guests

Explore our Hot Food Catering Menu
See our impressive Grazing Platters
Satisfy a client’s sweet tooth with our Dessert Options

4. How seriously do they take dietary requirements?

Why this matters: This isn’t just a preference; it’s a critical health and safety issue. In modern office catering, flawlessly managing vegan, gluten-free, and specific allergy needs is non-negotiable. Providing a “sad salad” for your vegan guest just isn’t good enough.

What to look for: You need a specialist, not a generalist. Look for a caterer with a dedicated, specialist menu for dietary needs. Are all items clearly and individually labelled? Do they package meals separately to prevent cross-contamination? This is the sign of a true professional.

This is so important to us, we built a whole menu for it. Discover our dedicated Gluten-Free, Vegan & Vegetarian Offerings here.

5. What’s included in the delivery and setup?

Why this matters: This is the hidden stressor. The food arrives, but it’s in cardboard boxes at your building’s reception. Suddenly, you’re scrambling for plates, cutlery, napkins, and serving tongs, all while your meeting is about to start. That’s not a service; that’s a stressful project.

What to look for: Ask for a “zero-hassle” delivery. This means they deliver to your floor, on ready-to-serve platters. All necessary serving utensils, high-quality plates, and napkins should be included. This is what complete corporate event catering looks like.

Your Plan for a Stress-Free Event

Organising corporate catering in Brisbane doesn’t have to be a stressful part of your job. By asking these five simple questions, you can confidently find a partner who will make you look like a hero.

Ready to find a caterer that ticks every box?

Contact My Alter Ego today – we’re ready to show you how easy it can be.