People attending corporate events always look forward to meal or snack breaks. Delicious food is an opportunity to recharge and return to meetings with renewed focus. Event planning teams can make that happen by working with the best corporate catering services in North Carolina. Any upcoming professional gathering will be a bigger success with a catering team that prepares and delivers crowd-pleasing food.
What to Look for in a Catering Company
Finding expert catering teams requires careful consideration. Corporate event planners should research each potential company for positive customer reviews, extensive menu options and meals that match the event’s professional tone. Some businesses may only serve one meal, while others can handle breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Straightforward pricing is another crucial aspect of any good catering company. The restaurant representative should provide exact prices for every menu within a quote. Interested parties should also consider the services included within the quote’s estimated cost, including delivery, setup and cleanup. When those details align with the meeting’s budget, corporate planners will know they have found the best catering team for their event.
Best Corporate Catering Services in Raleigh
North Carolina has numerous catering companies that satisfy hungry customers, especially in the capital city of Raleigh. Compare the top-rated options to find the best business for any corporate gathering.
1. Catering by Design
Catering by Design has extensive experience in serving corporate lunches. The business works with event planners to design full-service menus specific to each event’s attendees. After clients approve their menu selections, the Catering by Design kitchen team prepares each selection with Raleigh’s freshest ingredients. Afterward, staff members deliver and present the food before cleaning everything up. Corporate attendees never have to worry about tidying up their dining area while staying on track with their schedule.
Consistency is one of the most well-known aspects of Catering by Design events. The owners have low turnover rates, so corporate teams can book recurring catering services and get the same high-quality food every time. Given the business’s fast booking and competitive pricing, event planners should consider Catering by Design for professional gatherings of 20 people or more.
Catering by Design
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Breakfast buffets Boxed lunches Specialty salad boxes Italian Southern South of the border All-American International
$10.45–$16.95 per person (20-person minimum)
Raleigh Cary Chapel Hill Durham Apex Morrisville Nearby areas
2. Cannon Catering
Raleigh-based professionals often contact Cannon Catering for meals during meetings. The business has won numerous customer satisfaction awards because the expertly trained staff members know how to provide top-tier service from start to finish.
Cannon Catering’s team will work with event planners to accommodate any dietary needs before arranging setup, breakdown and cleanup on the reserved dates. The numerous menu options make morning, afternoon and evening meetings possible without extensive breaks for off-site meals.
Personalized service is a specialty of the HL Catering Co. team. Customers get to know chef Houston Loper while arranging their custom event menus after reaching out about available dates. The business owner and chef prides himself on fresh, seasonal food that merges tradition and meaningful menu additions. Depending on attendees’ preferences, corporate events could have an elevated dining experience or a laid-back meal.
Professional event planners also appreciate the high-end food presentation options with HL Catering Co. If they need a fancier setup for a board member meeting, the catering team can arrange any menu selection like a five-star restaurant. The expert plating designs and food arrangements uplift professional events, which executive teams may prefer for special gatherings.
HL Catering Co.
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Full service Drop-off Breakfast Lunch Dinner Grazing table
$13–$31 per person (minimums change with each menu)
Raleigh Nearby areas
4. Catering Works
Catering Works is among the best corporate catering services in North Carolina. The Raleigh-based business owners have helped event planners for years, so they can handle the smallest details within the biggest professional events.
Catering Works team members serve and clean up meals for corporate meetings, galas and holiday parties. The award-winning service and locally sourced food will impress any attendees, even those with specific dietary preferences.
Catering Works
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Tabled hors d’oeuvres Passed hors d’oeuvres Food bars Action stations Salad courses Main courses Libations menu
Contact for pricing
Raleigh Nearby areas
5. Manhattan Cafe
If corporate event planners want to support family-owned businesses, consider Manhattan Cafe. The team has extensive experience in serving professional gatherings. Although customers can order catering service online through the user-friendly website, they can also contact the owners for specialty menu options.
Manhattan Cafe serves numerous lunch options, including sides and drinks, plus gluten-free meals—all featuring Raleigh’s freshest ingredients. The culinary variety and person-first service make the affordable catering company one of the state’s most popular businesses. Corporate event planners cannot go wrong with the crowd-pleasing food available anywhere within the Triangle.
Manhattan Cafe
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Sandwich trays Boxed lunches Salad bar
$7–$12 per person (no minimum)
Raleigh Morrisville Nearby areas
6. Posh Nosh Catering
With over 20 years in Raleigh’s restaurant scene, Posh Nosh Catering has some of the best options for corporate events. The venue’s kitchen staff coordinates international cuisine options, so professional gatherings can serve various foods. French, American and fusion menu additions are available with vegetarian substitutions.
The team uses sustainable supplies and local ingredients, so Posh Nosh Catering also aligns with the eco-friendly values that many corporate teams prioritize.
Posh Nosh Catering
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Hors d’oeuvres Family-style dinner Seated dinner Kitchen pickup Bar service
Contact for pricing
Raleigh Nearby areas
7. City of Oaks Catering
City of Oaks Catering is known for its high-quality corporate catering services in Raleigh. The owners try to help anyone they can, so limited same-day orders are available. Otherwise, corporate event planners can contact the company for refined catering. The City of Oaks Catering team provides fine china for upscale dining or disposable dishware for quick meals.
Every meal comes with the freshest seasoning and most flavorful ingredients. Delivery team members create beautiful presentations so event leaders can focus on their attendees. Businesses that need catering experts with an eye for detail, timely delivery and personable service should place an order at least 24 hours before the event.
City of Oaks Catering
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Meat and seafood entrees Vegetable sides
$25+ per person (15-person minimum)
Raleigh Nearby areas
8. Rocky Top Catering
Rocky Top Catering provides seasonal, local and homemade meals. The highly reviewed service team offers everything from fine dining to boxed meals for breakfast and lunch. It also arranges catering deliveries on any weekday before 3pm, so Rocky Top Catering is an excellent choice for morning meetings. Reach out to work on a specialty menu or display options like a popcorn station.
Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern serves high-end comfort food that is perfect for corporate events. Attendees might enjoy the fresh burgers, homemade pizzas and refined salads after a long day of meetings. Anyone ordering catering from the restaurant will get tasty and healthy dishes, and organic ingredients are the base of every recipe.
Custom menus are available with advanced notice. Event planners should contact a Lynnwood representative to discuss food delivery times, meals and optional add-ons. Evening events, like professional galas or holiday parties, can also add the brewery’s award-winning craft beer to their order.
Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern
Catering Options
Price Range
Service Areas
Pasta Pizza Salads Appetizers Craft beer
Contact for pricing
Raleigh Nearby areas
10. Mitchell Casteel
Professional event planners seeking upscale catering often contact Mitchell Casteel for their events. The business owners transform lunch meetings, cocktail parties and executive dinners into unforgettable meals. No dietary preferences are off limits. The chef has extensive skills in preparing vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and kosher food.
Even the boxed lunches from Mitchell Casteel provide a fine-dining experience. The deluxe sandwiches and salads make lunch refreshing, while the gourmet boxed meals arrive wrapped in bows. Coffee services are also available for early-morning gatherings. Guests can enjoy North Carolina coffee brands while working together during board meetings.
Raleigh Durham Apex Chapel Hill Cary Garner Nearby areas
Contact the Leading Corporate Catering Services in North Carolina
Requesting quotes for an upcoming professional event will clarify which corporate catering team can best suit any event. Selecting from provided menus, customizing food options and making the catering work within an existing budget are only a few of the top-rated services from Raleigh-based businesses. Corporate event planners should compare quotes to narrow their options among the best food preparation teams in the state.
Don’t call it a comeback. … Once upon a time, fast-food behemoth McD’s dished that now-billions-served burger at a walk-up window—a concept popular in the halcyon days of the ’40s and ’50s. But now, it’s not so nostalgic. The resurgence of the old-school walk-up window is once again a thing (some incited by pivots, natch)—and one we see playing out around town. Here are 8 worth stepping up to.
Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar
In uplifting news, helping us stay grounded is Dose Yoga’s fruitfulin-house smoothie bar—and walk-up window in the uber-hip Smoky Hollow and North Hills Innovation District developments. So whether you ~namaste’d~ a Dose class or you’re just passing through with your pup or pals, you can grab your daily “dose” of adaptogenic and plant-based protein ops to elevate mood or stay balanced. Positive side effects, guaranteed. doseyogaraleigh.com
Our rec: Pick your potion from smoothies, smoothie bowls and wellness lattes.
Videri
Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast?! The beloved bean-to-bar chocolate factory’s walk-up window fits right in with the brick exterior, vintage appearance and goodies. Treat yo’self to a cuppa joe, some handcrafted chocolate, a creamy hot cocoa or a scoop of soft-serve ice cream during your DTR stroll—or as a midafternoon pick-me-up. Now that’s pretty sweet. viderichocolatefactory.com
Our rec: BYO wine and cozy up on the charming light-strung patio.
Lawrence Barbecue
If you like *pig* butts and you cannot lie, head to Boxyard for Lawrence Barbecue’s bangin’ brisket, ribs, pulled pork, oysters and chicken—all smoked on-site—plus an array of side fixins’ that are just as mandatory. Snag all those smoky and savory flavors via the walk-up window; then chow down at a picnic table or back at home (dealer’s choice!). But you’ll want to get the whole crew in on this one—after all, BBQ is best enjoyed family-style. lawrencefoodco.com
Our rec: The brisket sando with a side of the three-cheese mac
Get a slice of the action at local fave Oakwood Pizza Box, a casual pizzeria known for its creative toppings and convenient walk-up window (regulars know to grab a pie—in traditional or square size—before heading next door to neighbor Willco for some potables-and-pizza action). Or swing by for a weekend lunch slice when you hit that midday slump—because ’za always makes everything better. oakwoodpizzabox.com
Our rec: Keep it simple with a slice of pepperoni pizza and a Mexican coke.
Bittersweet
A bittersweet symphony indeed, this chic one-stop-shop for coffee, cocktails and desserts also houses its own convenient walk-up window. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream sundae, or perk up with an afternoon espresso (we won’t tell if you add some liquor to it…). Seasonal specialties keep things interesting, while specials like Thursday Bubbles + Cake and Sunday Pie make a night out a piece of cake—literally. bittersweetraleigh.com
Our rec: A slice of the derby pie pairs perfectly with a boozy latte.
Ooh la la! Trade le rooftop for le walk-up window and settle in to a sidewalk seat like a true Parisian for primo “happy hour” selects like herb and truffle frites, spritzes, sparkling rosé, and wine by the glass offered Tuesday–Thursday from 5 to 10pm. restaurantjolie.com
Tacos at any time of day? Say less. Hit up this popular taco the town at Raleigh Iron Works for the perfect on-the-go snack—plus chips and queso, natch. And a meal here wouldn’t be complete with a marg, naturally. Look out for their monthly rotating featured taco in partnership with a local chef, with proceeds benefiting a different org each month. littlerey.com
Our rec: Brekkie dreams are made of breakfast tacos—and don’t sleep on the quesadillas.
“Take meat home tonight” via the Smoky Hollow ’cue spot’s to-go window dishing up smoky barbecue plates (think Carolina pork, brisket, smoked chicken and burnt ends)—plus fan-fave sandwiches, salads, and apps like nachos and wings. It’s great go-to for your next family BBQ sans the grill. midwoodsmokehouse.com
Our rec: Load up on the burnt ends with a side of cheesy broccoli casserole.
Wine, dine and float on cloud nine at these popular Raleigh rooftop bars and restos.
Alexa, play “Rooftops” by Wiz Khalifa. … Come for the views and stay for the vibes (and the food and bev options, natch) at these high-in-the-sky spots around Raleigh as the summer begins. We’re seeing lots of alfresco meals in your future!
La Terazza Post up (literally) on The Dillon rooftop for approachable spins on Mediterranean-meets-Southern Italian at this Warehouse District masterpiece showcasing elevated urban dining ops (think: tuna tartare, burrata, cheesy cauliflower to pizzas and homemade pastas)—and a bev program worth heading up for. laterrazzaraleigh.com
Taverna Agora An alfresco outing on Taverna Agora’s rooftop could easily be mistaken for a night out in Greece—what with its lush greenery, string lights and live Greek music on select nights, NTM those delish authentic Mediterranean dishes. Opah! tavernaagora.com
Courtesy of Taverna Agora
10th & Terrace The perf Instagram backdrop doesn’t exis-… Don a fancy fit and venture to the rooftop of DTR’s Residence Inn for drinks and dinner—and that perf ’Gram-worthy photo op of course. 10thandterrace.com
Courtesy of 10th & Terrace
Level7 Hop on the stairway to seven… or settle for the elevator that takes you to the rooftop lounge of the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills (a 2021, 2022 and 2023 RMBest Rooftop Bar winner!). This swanky and sophisticated space offers sips and samplings ideal for your next date night, GNO or any occasion in between. level7roofbar.com
Courtesy of Level7
Raleigh Beer Garden With three floors, there’s plenty of alfresco seating ops on which to cop a squat and sip one of RBG’s 350+ beers on tap—but, obv, the rooftop provides the best perch for panoramic views of Glenwood South. We’d tap that! theraleighbeergarden.com
Raleigh Times Bar Here’s one hot off the presses!Raleigh Times Bar’s rooftop is a DTR hidden gem—the ultimate spot for an alfresco outing with the crew, co-workers or your SO—whether for lunch, dinner or drinks. Essentially, it’s always time for those famous Times Nachos (!). raleightimesbar.com
The Willard Take your next night out to new heights at The Willard, a can’t-miss sip and sup spot located atop DTR’s AC Hotel—and don’t miss the bar’s regularly occurring events and pop-ups. thewillardraleigh.com
Courtesy of The Willard
Highgarden Rooftop Lounge Ride the high at one of our 2021–2024 Best Rooftop Bar winners, Highgarden. This Glenwood South addition offers a 100% open-air setting—aka views for days! And if you’re going with a group, you’re gonna wanna order the G&T tree (aka five G&Ts mixed to perfection) that’s as ’Grammable as it is sippable. highgardenraleigh.com
Highgarden photo by RDP3 Photography
High Rail Sip, snack and soak in the city skyline with a handcrafted cocktail at this Seaboard Station mainstay paying homage to Raleigh’s industrial heritage. highrailraleigh.com
Hibernian Pub Get the paddy started with a Guinness and some pub grub at Glenwood South’s staple Irish bar and restaurant. How grand! hibernianpub.com
Courtesy of Hibernian Pub
Jolie Transport yourself a la Paris via this Person Street rooftop where the elevation serves as the perf match for elevated French dining at the hands of five-time Beard-nominated chef Scott Crawford. restaurantjolie.com
Tin Roof It’s all in the name. … Head to this lively Glenwood South live music bar every weekend to jam out to tunes from local DJs—or work your own vocal muscles during karaoke every Wednesday night. tinroofraleigh.com
Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern For impeccable views that aren’t tall buildings, head to Lynnwood Grill’s super-popular rooftop boasting a casual atmosphere and even better bites (Pizza! Wings!)—plus beer, natch. lynnwoodgrill.com
Urban Oak An elevated experience awaits atop Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar. Done your proper attire (smart casual recommended!) for craft cocktails and curated bites on the chic patio amid lush greenery and starry skies. urbanoakraleigh.com
Raleigh’s top 30-somethings showed up and showed out! Our Millennial Mavericks Awards, honoring the 30-somethings shaping the future, lit up Maeve Raleigh on May 1—and we’re still buzzing. Peruse the recap album to get a glimpse of our cast of Mavericks—those Raleigh rooftop pics promise to live in your head rent-free—and share your faves on social. Just be sure to tag us @raleighmagazine and credit the photog @jesuscabrera16. Cheers to Raleigh’s Millennial Mavericks!
Click the photo below to visit the full Flickr album:
We chat with Umbrella Dry Bar owner to get the lowdown on the industry.
No booze, no problem. The nonalcoholic beverage scene in Raleigh is only continuing to flourish, with pop-ups from brands like Umbrella Dry Bar and Dry Garden taking place across the city—NTM local alt options like THC/CBD drinks becoming more mainstream. Whether you’re straight sober or just not in the mood to imbibe in alcohol, it seems like there are more options than ever for those wanting to stay dry.
And “these aren’t just substitutes,” says Umbrella Dry Bar founder Meg Paradise; “they represent conscious lifestyle choices that often lead to a cascade of other positive benefits, and we’re meeting so many people in an exploratory phase, many of whom still enjoy alcohol but are cultivating a more mindful and balanced relationship with it.”
As the industry continues to evolve, we chatted with Paradise on what you need to know about NA beverages right now.
Beyond the Replica: Two Main Spirit Categories When exploring nonalcoholic spirits, there are generally two approaches. The first is the “1:1 analog,” or replica-style spirit, crafted to mimic the flavor profile of traditional spirits like bourbon or gin. These were very popular when the NA movement was gaining traction, offering a familiar substitute for classic cocktails. However, the second category is where things get really interesting—these are original, innovative spirits doing their own thing, often with unique flavor combinations and profiles that aren’t trying to be a direct replacement.
Functionality Beyond the Lack of Hangover One of the most compelling aspects of many newer NA beverages, particularly within that second, original category, is their functional benefits. Beyond the obvious perk of no hangover, these drinks often incorporate adaptogens, nootropics and other botanicals that aim to provide specific health benefits. We see products marketed for everything from a “party starter” or “mood uplifter” to supporting social ease, focus, clarity, creativity, and even relaxation and better sleep. It’s a whole new dimension of mindful drinking.
The RTD Revolution: Variety & Convenience The ready-to-drink (RTD) nonalcoholic cocktail market has exploded! We offer a “mix and match” selection at our shop [within The Self Care Marketplace], and the sheer variety available now compared to just a year ago is astounding. It’s a fantastic way for people to experiment with different flavors and brands without committing to a full bottle. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient for enjoying a sophisticated drink on the go. We also consciously curate our RTD selection to be sugar-conscious, with most options ranging between 2–8 grams of sugar per can, and nothing exceeding 12 grams.
Building Your NA Bar Cart Think of building your nonalcoholic bar cart just like you would a traditional one. We stock a diverse range of NA spirits, alongside essential cocktail components like high-quality syrups, aromatic bitters and a variety of garnishes. This allows people to get creative and craft complex and delicious nonalcoholic cocktails at home, mirroring the ritual and enjoyment of traditional mixology.
