Staking its claim as one of the South’s next great food cities, Charlotte has a growing roster of good eats, as Food & Wine points out. That means it might be tough to narrow down your list of caterers in the city. But rest assured, here are the top eight caterers in Charlotte right now to help you in your search.
1. Corporate Caterers: Matthews
Sometimes the name says it all. And Corporate Caterers lives up to its reputation as one of the best in the business. They cater breakfast, lunch, and dinner to companies of all sizes. While the menu offers an eclectic variety, the consistency in food and service is what sets them apart. The hot menu includes everything from a southwestern chicken bake to Swedish meatballs with noodles. Don’t forget Corporate Caterer’s signature handmade tropic chips. The tossed salad with artichokes is a must. And no order is complete without a dessert platter with cookies and brownies.
2. Homesteads Grill and Taphouse: Lincolnton
If you get a hankering for home-style southern comfort food, look no further than Homesteads Grill and Taphouse. As one of Charlotte’s most loved caterers, they are best known for the barbeque baby back pork ribs. But there are plenty of other can’t-miss dishes on the catering menu. Try the platter of sauteed chicken with peppers and onions served alongside classics like buttery mashed potatoes and crunchy green beans for a meal that no one will forget.
3. Jersey Mike’s Subs: Charlotte
When are you not in the mood for giant, fully-loaded subs? Jersey Mike’s delivers catering in Charlotte with its signature sandwiches. They take the lettuce, tomato, and onion combo up a notch with a dressing of sea salt, oregano, olive oil, and vinegar. Favorites include the Famous Philly with grilled onions, peppers, and melted American cheese and the American classic with ham and provolone. Subs can serve 24 people when sliced into individual pieces. But if you don’t like to share, Jersey Mike’s also delivers individual lunch boxes that include a 7-inch sandwich of choice, cookies, and a side.
4. Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe: 3rd Street, Charlotte
Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe on 3rd Street in Charlotte is a family-operated business and a fresh alternative to fast food. Its approachable menu includes healthy wraps, flatbread pizzas, soups, salads, and smoothies. And the sandwiches are playfully named. The Executive, the President, and the CEO are sure to win some favors. Yet its most popular Charlotte catering item is the power lunch buffet, which includes a choice of wraps and sandwiches served with a salad bowl, fresh fruit tray, and dessert goodies.
5. Newk’s Eatery: Charlotte
Newk’s has built its reputation in the Charlotte catering scene on new, inventive recipes and fresh takes on old favorites. Newk’s offers a well-rounded menu of healthy and wholesome soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with pizzas and slightly more indulgent noodle dishes. The red, white and blueberry salad made with baby spinach, grilled chicken, and fresh-cut watermelon is a summery favorite not to miss. Round out your meal with the pimento mac and cheese.
6. Just Fresh: Charlotte
You know a good breakfast gets your day off to a good start. So Just Fresh is your go-to. While its sandwiches trays are popular for lunch — think chicken caprese stuffed with fresh mozzarella and a homemade pesto — Just Fresh’s breakfast has a variety of options that never include stale pastries. The original, chocolate and strawberry croissants are a particularly nice combo. And the Hot Breakfast Bar brings a complete meal with meats, eggs, and toast to start any day off right.
7. Firehouse Subs: Charlotte
Firehouse Subs sticks to the classics, with fully loaded subs that include popular combinations like provolone with ham, and roast beef with Genoa salami. Unlike other sandwich purveyors, Firehouse Subs steams its meats and cheeses. They also use a special bread you can’t get anywhere else. Choosing between Firehouse’s two most popular catering options — the Standard or Deluxe Sub Platter — proves to be difficult, so you’re better off just ordering both.
8. Step N Style Special Events: Charlotte
Caribbean-style party platters straight from Grenada are Step N Style’s specialty. Its selection of catering packages will transport you, even just for a moment, to a place with palm trees and a warm sea breeze. Try menu items like sweet and spicy jerk chicken, fried plantains and pineapple juice. The steak sandwich, marinated in Caribbean spices, is the perfect island lunch no matter where you are.
8. The Secret Chocolatier: Charlotte
Who needs lunch when you can go straight for dessert? If you’re looking for something totally unique in Charlotte catering, The Secret Chocolatier offers a sweet assortment of corporate chocolate gift boxes and baskets. You really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose, but the two toffees with honey white chocolate and dark chocolate sea salt are always a hit.
Are you in the Charlotte area and looking to order for your next company lunch or big event?