Beyond the Buffet: Turning Corporate Catering into a Full-On Experience

How Food Carts and Trucks Are Stealing the Show at Corporate Events

Once upon a time, corporate event food was... fine. A passable buffet. A cookie on a napkin. Something to keep people from falling asleep in the breakout session that followed. But those days are long gone. Today, food is part of the main event. It’s an experience that brings people together, showcases your brand, and gives guests something to talk (and post) about. The secret sauce? Swapping the tired catering trays for mobile food trucks, interactive carts, and pop-up stations that feel more like entertainment than meal service.

Food That Does More Than Feed You

At modern events, food isn’t just about keeping hunger at bay. It sets the vibe. It gets people talking. It tells a story. Whether your event is all about buttoned-up elegance or laid-back fun, the right culinary concept helps reinforce your brand and elevate the entire experience.

Take Oysters XO, for example. Their “Oyster Girls” don’t just serve seafood—they roam the venue, shucking fresh oysters or serving bumps of caviar, turning fancy snacks into full-on performance art. Luxe, interactive, and surprisingly un-stuffy, it’s the kind of thing that becomes the most talked-about moment of the night.

Chef Rifka Meier is featured in a new video on his Instagram page, serving caviar on skis at a recent event in Aspen. “It’s crazy,” he says. “But shouldn’t we be a little crazy in the event industry? Don’t we have to be a little crazy to be creative enough to always bring our clients something new? “

Rolling in With Personality

Food trucks and carts have come a long way from late-night hot dogs and funnel cake. These days, mobile vendors are imaginative, stylish, and packed with personality. They let your guests mingle, snack, and snap photos—without ever needing to sit through a formal dinner.

Charcuterie Jeanius is one of those standouts. They’ve taken everyone’s favorite party centerpiece—charcuterie—and made it mobile. Their rolling cart serves up curated cheeses, meats, and accompaniments that guests can nibble on while chatting and exploring the space. It’s like a cocktail hour and cheese board rolled into one.

“We’re trying to bring a level of sophistication to adult gatherings,” says owner Kim Burnett.

Conversely, want to create a cozy, communal mood? Oma Margot’s brings the heart of Germany to your event with bratwurst, schnitzel, and warm pretzels - plus a pack of Haribo gummy bears with every entrée. Whether guests are trying German food for the first time, reminiscing about family picnics, or reconnecting with their heritage (“I had an Oma” is something they hear a lot), the catering experience sparks something personal.

“We’re either stirring a memory or creating a new one,” owner, Ryan Matznick says. “That’s what food should do.”

And if you’re going for bold and unforgettable, Engine 53 Pizza delivers both. Operating out of a restored fire truck with a fully functional wood-fired pizza oven, this vendor turns heads and feeds crowds with Neapolitan-style pies. It’s perfect for big events that need a little spectacle and a lot of flavor.

Sweet Moments That Stick

Dessert is more than a treat—it’s a chance to surprise and delight. Maybe it’s a build-your-own cannoli cart with crunchy shells, creamy fillings, and toppings like pistachios or edible glitter. Or maybe it’s The Sprinklenista, serving cotton candy in sophisticated flavors like passionfruit, lavender, and champagne, along with flavored popcorn customized to match your event theme.

For something chilled and indulgent, HipPOPs offers handcrafted gelato bars dipped in Belgian chocolate with toppings guests can choose themselves. These dessert stations aren’t just delicious—they’re interactive, fully customizable, and designed to leave a lasting impression.

Make It Yours: Customization and Branding

One of the best things about these mobile setups? You can totally make them your own. With LiveWire Coffee, for example, it’s not just about the lattes—it’s about how those lattes represent your brand. They can feature your logo in the foam art, wrap the cart in your brand colors, and even create a custom menu that ties into your event theme. It's a coffee break and a branding opportunity all in one.

And this kind of customization isn’t just limited to coffee. Food carts can feature branded signage, themed packaging, or even color-coordinated ingredients. You want your logo printed on ice cream cups? Done. A vegan menu to reflect your sustainability mission? Easy. A pink-only candy bar for your product launch? Totally doable.

More Than a Meal: Curating the Full Catering Experience

The right food vendor does more than fill plates—they help set the tone for the entire event. Today’s attendees want experiences that are interactive, personal, and unlike anything they’ve seen before. A churro stand is fun, sure, but pair it with a neon backdrop, a signature dipping sauce bar, and a playlist that hits just right? Now you’ve got a full-on catering experience.

“It’s not just about the food anymore—it’s the whole vibe. People want interactive, one-of-a-kind experiences that feel personal and fun. There’s a huge demand for something unique. It’s great to have a partner like Simply Food Trucks to give us that variety and creativity,” says Natalie Williams, Director of Business Development at PRA.

The Last Bite

When it comes to corporate events, food is no longer just a line item on a checklist—it’s part of the entire experience. When done right, food at corporate events becomes more than just a meal. It’s a conversation starter, a brand touchpoint, and a little pocket of joy for your guests. So, when you're planning your next event, don’t ask, "What should we serve?" Ask, "What do we want people to remember?" Because with the right vendor, the answer might just come on four wheels, topped with sprinkles, or served with a flourish—and just the right amount of drama.

Need help bringing it all to life? Reach out to Simply Food Trucks and let our team match you with the perfect vendors to turn your next corporate event into an unforgettable catering experience.