BBQ Catering for Corporate Lunch: Where to Order for 10–200 People

You’ve got a team to feed. Here’s how to do it without the stress.

Corporate catering has a reputation problem. Either it’s sad sandwiches that nobody’s excited about, or it’s an overcomplicated order that takes three phone calls, a deposit, and a week of planning. BBQ catering doesn’t have to be either of those things, and when it’s done right, it’s the kind of lunch people are still talking about at 4pm.

If you’re planning a corporate lunch in St. Louis, whether it’s a team of 10 in a conference room or 200 people at an all-hands, here’s exactly what to order, how to think about quantities, and what to expect.

Why BBQ Works for Corporate Catering

Before we get into logistics, let’s talk about why BBQ is genuinely one of the best corporate catering formats:

• It feeds a crowd without drama: Meat by the pound and sides by the pan scale cleanly from 15 to 200 people. There’s no individual plating, no per-head complexity, and no dish that runs out while half the table is still in line.
• It handles dietary variety naturally: A well-assembled BBQ spread has something for nearly everyone. Multiple proteins, vegetarian-friendly sides, gluten-free options, and so much more.
• It’s fast to serve: Set it up buffet-style and a room of 50 people can plate themselves in under 10 minutes. That matters when your team has a one-hour lunch window.
• People are actually happy about it: This sounds obvious, but it isn’t. An excited team eats together, lingers a little longer, and the lunch actually serves its purpose.

Salt + Smoke Corporate Catering: How It Works

Salt + Smoke offers catering across all six St. Louis locations: Delmar Loop, Kirkwood, South County, St. Charles, Ballpark Village, and Edwardsville, IL. For groups of 20 or more, catering is the right call. Under 20, online ordering works great.

48 hours’ notice is recommended for most orders. For larger groups (100+) or orders requiring staffing or delivery logistics, reach out earlier to give the team time to set it up right.

Pricing: What Does Corporate BBQ Catering Actually Cost?

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of Salt + Smoke’s catering packages:

For most corporate lunches, the 2 Meat + 2 Side package at $20.99/person is the sweet spot. It’s enough variety that people feel like they have real choices, without over-ordering.

What does that look like at scale?

• 10 people: ~$210
• 25 people: ~$525
• 50 people: ~$1,050
• 100 people: ~$2,099
• 200 people: ~$4,199

Add beverages ($2.99/soda, $15.95/gallon of tea), appetizers ($60–$120/tray), and desserts if the occasion calls for it.

What to Order: A Group-Size Guide

10–25 People (Small Team Lunch)

This is the easiest format. Order by the package, keep it to two proteins and two sides, and set it up buffet-style on a conference table or break room counter.

Recommended order:

• Proteins: Brisket + Pulled Pork (crowd-pleasers, cover most preferences)
• Sides: Mac & Cheese + Pit Beans (the classics)
• Add: Burnt End T-Ravs as an appetizer — one tray handles 20–30 people and they disappear immediately

Why this works: Brisket handles the “this is a real lunch” expectation. Pulled pork is lighter and works well in sandwiches if anyone brought bread. Mac and beans are universally loved and reheat fine if the meeting runs long.

25–75 People (Department Lunch or Team Event)

Now you’re in catering territory where variety matters. Add a third protein so people aren’t doubling up on the same thing, and bump sides to three.

Recommended order:

• Proteins: Brisket + Pulled Pork + Chicken
• Sides: Mac & Cheese + Pit Beans + Coleslaw
• Appetizer trays: 2–3 trays of burnt end t-ravs or wings to keep people happy while the line moves
• Beverages: Gallon jugs of tea + lemonade is the easiest format for this size

Quantity tip: Plan for ½ lb of meat per person as a baseline. Bigger appetites (afternoon football watch parties, physical jobs), bump to ¾ lb. Lighter eaters or working lunches with a lot of sides, ½ lb holds.

75–200 People (All-Hands, Company Event, Conference)

At this scale, you want a conversation with the Salt + Smoke catering team rather than a pure online order — not because it’s complicated, but because the logistics (delivery timing, setup, staffing needs) are worth a five-minute call to get right.

What changes at this scale:

• Go four proteins. Add ribs or salmon to the mix. At 100+ people, variety is the point.
• Order sides by the half pan. Half pans ($54.99 each) are the most cost-efficient format and easy to keep warm.
• Consider staffed service. For formal events or when you want someone managing the line, Salt + Smoke can provide staffing. Submit a catering inquiry to discuss.
• Stagger setup time. For 100+ people, request setup 30–45 minutes before your event start so everything is hot and ready when the first person plates.

The Side Dish Decision

Sides make or break a catering spread. Here’s the quick guide to Salt + Smoke’s options for corporate settings:

• Always order: White Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese, pit beans — these are universally eaten and expected at a BBQ spread.
• Great adds: Creamed corn, Caesar salad or mixed greens (for the lighter eaters and a visual break from the heavier sides), potato salad (classic, works hot or cold).
• Order by the quart ($17.99) for groups under 30. Half pans ($54.99) for 30+ — they hold temperature better and are easier to serve from.

How to Order

• Under 20 people: Order online and select your location, pick your items, choose pickup or delivery.
• 20–100 people: Use the catering menu to build your order. 48-hour notice recommended.
• 100+ people or events needing staffing/delivery: Submit a catering inquiry or call 314-727-0200 to talk through the specifics. The more lead time, the better.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Corporate Catering Order

• Tell them your room setup. Buffet line in a hallway is different from a conference table is different from an outdoor patio. The team can help you think through how to set up.
• Order 10% extra for big groups. At 100+ people, someone always goes back for seconds and you don’t want to run out of brisket at person 87.
• Lock in dietary needs ahead of time. If you have vegans or serious allergies on your team, check the full menu and flag it when you order. Salt + Smoke has options. We just need to know.
• Use the Bestie Loyalty Program. If you’re ordering corporate catering regularly, sign up for the Bestie program. Points stack up fast on large orders.

Ready to Order?

Whether you’re feeding a team of 12 for a working lunch or 150 people at a company event, Salt + Smoke makes it simple. Six locations across St. Louis mean there’s almost always a spot close to your office.

Get a catering quote, browse the catering menu, or call us: 314-727-0200