How much food to order per person for a team or office lunch
By SixEighteen Events + Catering
Count diners before counting trays
There is no single portion rule that fits every team or office lunch. A light lunch, a full meal after a long shift and a table of appetizers serve different purposes. Start with the number of people who are actually expected to eat, then describe the meal you want. If attendance is uncertain, tell us the expected range and when you can confirm it.
Separate the headcount from other planning details. Note whether guests will eat together or in shifts, whether another organizer is supplying food and whether the meal includes sides. These details help explain what a tray or pack needs to do. They are more useful than choosing a universal number of slices, wings or ounces without knowing the menu or the people eating it.
Do not count every dish as a separate full meal
When pizza, pasta and salad share the same table, the same people may eat from all three. Ordering each dish as though it must independently provide a full meal can misrepresent what you need. Instead, tell us which item should be the main dish, which dishes are sides and whether guests should have a choice between main dishes. Ask for portion guidance for that particular combination.
The reverse matters too: a tray count is not automatically a serving count. A listing of 25 wings tells you how many wings are included, not how many complete lunches it supplies. Use the menu's stated group-serving labels where available, and ask about items that do not state a serving count. Do not fill in missing pack contents or assume drinks, plates or utensils are included.
Give budget and dietary needs their own space
A per-person budget can help narrow the options, but it should not replace the food plan. Use the optional budget field to share your target and ask for a quote that explains the selected food and any applicable charges.
Tell us about dietary restrictions and ask the restaurant to confirm allergy-related ingredients and preparation. Then send your date, headcount, preferred store and pickup or delivery details through the catering form. You can email your order to catering@618cater.com and we'll enter it for you. If your lunch uses two stores, the requests become separate store orders. Confirm quantities and arrangements during follow-up before treating your request as a final order.