Catering for a Business Premises Opening: Here’s How to Do It
Catering for a business opening is on-site catering for an opening reception where guests arrive at various times and mingle, with food that can be eaten standing up and with one hand.
In short: De Catering Compagnon provides on-site catering for events in Amsterdam, Landsmeer, and Zaandam. We offer appetizers for groups of 15 or more and buffets for groups of 30 or more. We bring our own equipment and tableware.
You’re opening a new location and inviting customers, neighbors, and suppliers. No one stays the whole afternoon; everyone arrives at a different time. That calls for a different setup than a sit-down dinner, just like at a corporate event in Amsterdam.
Catering for a business opening: Guests will be admitted in staggered groups
At an opening, there isn’t a specific starting time when everyone is there. The first guests arrive at 4:00 p.m., and the last ones come in at 7:00 p.m. The number of people in the building fluctuates throughout the afternoon.
That’s why we don’t set everything out all at once. We work in rounds and replenish the displays, so that by the end of the afternoon, there’s just as much left as there was at the beginning.
That also makes a difference in terms of numbers. You don’t have to plan for a hundred people at once if a hundred people are coming in over the course of three hours.
Food that’s perfect for a venue full of guests walking around
At an opening, everyone is on the move. People look around, take a tour, and rarely stay in one place for long. Food that requires a plate and utensils is a hindrance in that situation.
We offer finger foods you can eat with one hand: sandwiches, hot snacks, platters of cheese and meat, and grilled vegetables. See also appetizer catering in Amsterdam.
Will the opening event be followed by a cocktail reception? If so, you might want to serve something a little more substantial. A buffet works well for groups of 30 or more and is a good option if guests stick around.
Catering for the grand opening of a business location in a vacant or newly completed building
A new venue is rarely set up for dining. No kitchen, no tableware, and sometimes even boxes in the corner. We bring our own equipment, refrigeration, and tableware.
What we need is space to set up, power, and a place to charge. In downtown Amsterdam, we also ask about loading and unloading options, because that determines how early we need to arrive.
Afterward, we clean up and take everything with us, including trash. The venue will be ready for use the next morning. You can read more about the areas we serve under “Catering in Amsterdam.”
Information to Include with Your Application
The expected number of guests and the time frames during which they will arrive. The latter is more important than the total, because it determines how we schedule our rounds.
Not sure exactly how many people will be coming? That’s normal for an opening. Just let us know the estimated number, and we’ll set aside space accordingly.
We incorporate dietary preferences directly into the menu. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free: please specify the number of servings for each preference when you place your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food do I need if guests arrive at different times?
Less than at a specific time. Please let us know the time frames during which guests will arrive, and we’ll schedule the rounds accordingly.
What kind of food is appropriate for an opening?
One-handed bites: sandwiches, hot snacks, and platters of cheese, meat, and grilled vegetables.
Can you provide catering services at a venue without a kitchen?
Yes. We bring our own equipment, refrigeration, and tableware. All we need is space, electricity, and a place to unload.
How many guests do you need to host an opening?
Appetizers for groups of 15 or more. If the opening event is followed by a cocktail reception or dinner, a buffet is recommended for groups of 30 or more.
Will you clean up afterward?
Yes. We take everything with us, including dishes and trash, so the premises are ready for use the next morning.
Are you planning to open a new location in Amsterdam or the surrounding area soon? Contact us, and we’ll discuss the options and provide you with a customized quote.
