Club store party trays vs a caterer: what changes at 50 guests
A club store tray is quick and sized for big groups. At 50 guests, five caterer trays here come to $326 before tax, with counts and choices in writing.
By the Upper Crust Catering kitchen
Club store party trays vs catering comes down to convenience versus choice. A club store tray is quick, sized for crowds and often sold off the shelf with no notice. A caterer takes 3 days, but you pick the dishes, see counts in writing and can ask for a hot item. At 50 guests, an Upper Crust appetizer order of five trays is $326 before tax.
What you get with Upper Crust
- Food cooked from scratch in one licensed, inspected commercial kitchen in Yorkville, with sauces and dressings made in house.
- A choice of hot and cold trays, not just what is on the shelf, with hot appetizers such as Cocktail Meatballs, $64 a tray, 100 pieces.
- Counts you can plan with: each tray lists its pieces or servings.
- No minimum on trays and platters, no small-party surcharge.
- A written quote before you commit, from one planner who is on the phone the morning of your event.
- Three days' notice, pick-up at the kitchen with no service charge, and delivery quoted when you order.
What to check with a club store tray
- Does the tray list a piece count or servings, and how many guests does it really feed at your party?
- Can you choose the items, or is the tray fixed?
- Do you need a membership, and does your pick-up date match the store's ordering window?
- How long does the tray keep out of the fridge, and is there a hot option?
- Can you see the ingredient list for allergies?
- Who do you call if something is wrong with the order after you leave the store?
Where a club store is the better choice
A club store can win on price and speed. If you already have a membership, buying one or two trays along with drinks and paper goods saves a stop. For same-day needs it is hard to beat, since we ask for 3 days. If the party is casual and the group will eat anything, a standard tray is fine. And if you want to look at the food before you buy it, a shelf lets you do that. Compare per-piece cost on the same count and decide.
A real example: 50 guests, two hours
We plan about 2 to 3 appetizer pieces per guest per hour. For 50 guests over two hours that is 200 to 300 pieces.
- Cocktail Meatballs: $64 for 100 pieces
- Assorted Cheese Tray with Crackers, $69 a tray, 60 pieces
- Assorted Finger Sandwiches, $89 a tray, 60 pieces
- Bruschetta with Garlic Toast Points, $45 a tray, 60 pieces
- Fresh Vegetable Crudités, $59 a tray, serves 25 to 30
That is $64 + $69 + $89 + $45 + $59 = $326, with 280 pieces plus vegetables. With 9.25% sales tax, about $356. Add Chafing Dish Set, $17 each, for the meatballs if you want them held hot. Price the same count at the club store and compare.
See the platters menu or request a quote. For other comparisons, read grocery store party platters vs catering and buffet, trays or boxed lunches.
Questions
Is a caterer more expensive than a club store tray?
It can be, per piece. We cannot speak for any store, so price the same piece count in both places and compare the totals.
Do I have to order 50 pieces at a time?
No. Trays have no minimum, so you can order just one.
Can I get something hot?
Yes. Cocktail Meatballs and other hot appetizers are on the menu, and a chafing dish keeps them hot.
How do I pick up?
At the kitchen in Yorkville. Call (630) 553-9533.
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