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Best Catering Companies in Memphis

2023

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Website
Memphis, TN 38122

Why choose this provider?

Serving slow smoked Memphis-style BBQ since 2002, Central BBQ caters to the midtown, downtown, and East areas of Memphis. The company provides full-service catering services for weddings, business luncheons, private parties, and more. Their menu includes pulled pork or chicken, beans, slaw, sauces, appetizers, sides, BBQ entrees, beverages, desserts, buns, paper plates, plastic utensils, napkins, and serving utensils. They are certified by Project Green Fork and featured by The Food Network’s On The Road TV show.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.4 / 5 (4256)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (1890)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (1144)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38133

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1988, Sanders Catering specializes in catering for corporate and special events for the Mid-South and Memphis areas. The company provides formal and casual catering services for home dinners, formal dinners, weddings, trade shows, conventions, executive lunches, company picnics, wedding receptions, church banquets, family reunions, class reunions, butler style service, breakfast meetings, corporate luncheons, box lunch events, and more. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and named Business of the Year by the Memphis Business Journal.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (53)
Google
4.4 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38138

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2007, One & Only BBQ serves the Memphis and surrounding areas with daily hickory smoked meats. The company’s catering menu includes smoked whole briskets, smoked whole cut hams, smoked whole turkeys, family packs, party packs, desserts, sides, hamburgers, hot dogs and specialty dogs, BBQ nachos, smoked or fried chicken drummies and whole wings, sliced beef brisket, Memphis-style smoked beef back ribs, pulled pork shoulder, Memphis hickory smoked BBQ baby back ribs, and special orders on request. They offer delivery and curbside pickup services in two locations in the Memphis area. They hold a Certificate of Excellence in 2014 by TripAdvisor.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (388)
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (82)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38134

Why choose this provider?

Serving the Memphis area since 1989, Draper’s Catering of Memphis is a family business that originally started out as a deli and has transformed into an off-site catering company. They provide full-service bar and catering services for company parties, corporate events, galas and large events, holiday parties, corporate drop off catering, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and more. The company holds WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Award in 2014, are voted “Favorite” by Memphis Most, is a preferred vendor by the Charity Wedding Gown Sale and Bridal Show, and is a member of the Memphis Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (107)
Google
4.5 / 5 (37)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38115

Why choose this provider?

Originally opened as a fast food take-out restaurant in 1983, A&R Bar-B-Que grew into a dine-in and catering business based in Memphis. The company’s catering menu includes rib tips, homemade hot links, chicken, pork shoulder, beef brisket, turkey brisket, sweet potato pie, butter cookies, fried peach pie, apple pie, whole pecan pie, whole strawberry or lemon cake, whole chocolate cake, whole peach cobbler, whole German chocolate cake, whole red velvet or caramel cake, and more.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.1
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (42)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38122

Why choose this provider?

Serving the Memphis and surrounding areas, Elwood’s Shack specializes in creating their food from scratch since being founded in 2013. The company’s catering menu includes beverages, bread pudding, banana pudding, blue cheese coleslaw, smoked sausage and cheese, pecan pie, smoked turkey, potato salad, side salad, nachos, pork dry ribs, Texas beef brisket, authentic jerk wings, pulled pork, and Elwood’s Slather Sauce.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (690)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Memphis, TN 38018

Why choose this provider?

A banquet and conference center, Esplanade caters to in-facility events, homes, offices, or other special venues in the Memphis and surrounding areas. The company’s catering menu includes carving stations, desserts, pasta, plated dinners, buffets, three-course dinners, appetizers with a full bar, boxed lunches, sandwiches and trays, plated lunch, heavy buffet, appetizer buffet, waffle stations, omelet station, hot breakfast buffet, continental breakfasts, and more.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38104

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1943, The Cupboard Restaurant serves the Memphis area with “down-home cooking” and daily specials. The company’s catering menu includes special entrees, daily specials, entrees, sides, desserts, beverages, breakfast platters, a la carte items, breakfast specials, omelets, rib eye steak and eggs breakfast, and other breakfast food. They hold first place for Best Down-Home by Memphis Magazine and first place for Best Don-Home/Soul Food by The Memphis Flyer.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (139)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38122

Why choose this provider?

Based in Memphis, Cheffie’s Café offers made-to-order cuisine since being founded in 2011. The company’s catering menu includes sandwiches, sandwich trays, pinwheel trays, boxed lunches, salad bowls, salads, appetizers, beverages, and desserts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (142)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38118

Why choose this provider?

Based in Memphis since 1982, Panini Catering specializes in custom menus and action catering, where everything is prepared on-site. The company provides catering services for holiday parties, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, holiday meals, corporate events, employee appreciation, picnics, craft services for the movie industry, and more. Their corporate services include event specialists that will plan entertainment, games, and fun for any event. Their menu includes a cappuccino bar, smoothies, milkshakes, hors d’oeuvres, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, ice cream sundae bars, fajita bars, box lunches, flatbread and sandwich bars, pasta and Panini bars, omelet bars, waffle bars, and more.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38177

Why choose this provider?

Serving the Memphis, Franklin, Germantown, Southaven, and surrounding areas with four locations, Swanky’s Taco Shop focuses on upscale and quick service since being founded in 2004. The company’s catering menu includes a taco bar, fajita bar, starters, burritos, chips and dip, and a build-to-taste bar.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.2 / 5 (681)
Facebook
4.2 / 5 (233)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (161)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38103

Why choose this provider?

A specialty caterer with a multi-cultural background, Simply Fabulous serves the Memphis and surrounding areas since 1995. The owner, Fabiola Francis, was born in Lebanon, raised in Guatemala, and is a second generation chef and caterer that combines Guatemalan and Southern culinary influences. The company’s catering menu includes hot hors d’oeuvres, cold hors d’oevres, boxed lunches, breakfast, vegetables and salads, lunch, dinner, breakfast trays, fruit and cheese trays, sandwich trays, cheese trays, meat trays, fruit tray, veggie tray, cookie trays, fish entrees, chicken entrees, pasta, lamb entrees, beef entrees, pork entrees, vegan and gluten free options, and desserts.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.8 / 5 (16)
Facebook
3.5 / 5 (2)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38103

Why choose this provider?

An upscale restaurant based in Memphis, Automatic Slim’s serves the surrounding areas with over 20 years of experience specializing in American cuisine that has a Southern flare. The company provides private and party catering services on- and off-site at Café Ole, Ubee’s Dyer’s On Beale, Automatic Slim’s, Alfred’s On Beale, or an offsite location.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (378)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Memphis, TN 38112

Why choose this provider?

A premier boutique baked goods and catering business, Sweet Potato Baby serves the Memphis and surrounding areas since 2014. The company provides bar service, catering, and drop-off catering services for a range of events that include weddings, small backyard get-togethers, picnics, corporate events, office lunches, wedding receptions, birthday parties, graduation celebrations, rehearsal dinners, business meetings, company barbeques, employee appreciation parties, and other special events and occasions. They also provide event planning services and professionals to help plan any event. They hold the Best of 2015 and 2016 award by Thumbtack.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Catering is a convenient service that brings restaurant-quality food and beverages to a variety of social gatherings. It's beneficial to weddings, workplace celebrations, and other events because it invites guests to relax and enjoy a festive meal. While there are many dedicated catering businesses that transport food and equipment to their clients, many restaurants also offer catering as part of their dining services.

    For those interested in a career in catering, the flexibility to take your business anywhere is one factor that may make the industry attractive. Like traditional restaurants, caterers often specialize in one type of cuisine, and they can vary widely in price and capacity. Whether you're looking to hire catering services for your next event or you want to learn more about the profession, take a look at these frequently asked questions below.

  • Can a catering company serve alcohol?

    Just like brick-and-mortar restaurants, catering companies need a liquor license to serve alcohol to patrons. If a caterer is serving alcoholic beverages, guests under the age of 21 are allowed on the premises, but they may not buy or consume alcohol.

  • Are catering tastings free?

    If you're having a large event catered and expecting to spend a lot of money, having a tasting beforehand is often a good idea. Tastings are handled differently by catering companies; some may charge while others won't. In general, most caterers charge a fee, usually around the cost of a meal at a restaurant.

  • When catering for a party, how do you calculate how much food is needed?

    Caterers usually help their clients calculate food by offering a recommended portion size per guest. Taking this into consideration, all you need to do is multiply this portion by the number of expected guests to determine the total amount of food needed.

  • When should you reserve catering services before an event?

    The amount of time in advance needed to schedule catering services depends on the number of people and type of event. For weddings with 50 people or more, six to 12 months in advance is recommended. For smaller gatherings, a month or two should suffice.

  • Do you tip the caterer?

    Some catering services include tips in the bill, so you don't have to worry about handling this aspect on the day of your event. If the tip is not included, a minimum of 15% of the total bill is recommended, while tipping 20% is not uncommon.

  • What is included with catering services?

    In addition to the food you order, catering services can include delivery, linens, silverware or plasticware, plates and cups, a small heat source to keep hot dishes warm, and staff. When planning your event, it's always a good idea to confirm which of these items are included and necessary.