As the Houston summer months start to cool just slightly, the end of the season presents the perfect window to host a memorable company outing before the bustle of Q4. Here’s why late summer is the ideal time for your team to pause, reset, and connect.
Why Late Summer Is the Perfect Time for a Work Event
With vacations wrapping up and major initiatives on the horizon, August and early September present a window of opportunity to give your team a morale boost and start the last quarter on a positive note. A well-organized company outing will jumpstart your team after the summer slowdown, strengthening camaraderie and improving collaboration.
In late summer, Houston offers just the right mix of warm, balmy evenings with gentle breezes, making it ideal for outdoor dining on shaded patios and under canopies. As July’s scorching heat subsides, people want to spend more time in the fresh air, and outdoor office catering events become more enjoyable.
Late summer bestows us with plenty of seasonal produce, such as sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, and watermelons, that are bursting with flavor and perfect for catering menus. When combined with punchy seasonal drinks and Texas flavors, you have the recipe for a company outing that will linger in your team’s memory well into the fall.
Casual Catering Themes That Impress Without the Fuss
A memorable company outing shouldn’t require starched white tablecloths and silver service. Your team will likely appreciate a more relaxed event with casual corporate catering featuring flavorful, familiar fare. These four themes are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, both easy to create and elevated in their approach.
Texas BBQ Picnic: Ribs, Brisket, and All the Fixings
No summer picnic in Texas would be complete without a hearty BBQ spread. We’re talking slow-smoked brisket, juicy ribs, jalapeño sausage, and pulled pork, paired with smoky baked beans, tangy coleslaw, and warm buttered cornbread. These are staples of BBQ catering for company events in Texas and will add a casual yet elevated vibe to your picnic. As a bonus, these are easy to serve buffet-style or from a food truck.
Taco + Fajita Bar: Hands-On, Fun, and Customizable
Tacos and fajitas are a guaranteed hit at any company gathering for a few reasons. They are easily customizable to suit any diet, they’re colorful, and they promote interaction between guests. Most importantly, they are brimming with delicious flavors. Set up a station with grilled meats and veggies, tortillas, tangy salsas, and a variety of toppings to instantly draw a crowd. Fresh guacamole, street corn, and agua frescas will add an authentic twist to this theme, checking all the boxes for those seeking easy catering for work outings.
Southern Comfort Spread: Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Cornbread
You can’t beat a little comfort food if you want that cozy, communal vibe at your company outing. Nostalgic favorites include crispy fried chicken, gooey mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and warm biscuits or cornbread. Add a touch of sweetness with peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert, as a delicious homage to Southern cooking that is both warmly familiar and deliciously indulgent.
Seafood Boil or Gulf-Inspired Menu
Southern cooking is famous for its coastal flavors, and a seafood boil always brings the wow factor to a company event. Fill the table with platters of shrimp, crawfish, potatoes, corn, and sausage, steaming hot and spiced just right. A Gulf-inspired menu can also include grilled fish, southern-style crab cakes, and citrusy slaw. If you’re looking for creative catering for work events, this should be a perfect fit.
Creative Add-Ons to Elevate Your Event
Make your event more memorable by adding a few touches that surprise and delight. These fun, festive additions will take your company picnic catering to the next level.
Seasonal Lemonades or Spiked Iced Tea Bars
Your guests will appreciate a refreshing way to cool down in the late summer. A drink station offering seasonal lemonades and infused waters is the perfect solution. You could even build a spiked iced tea bar serving punchy alcoholic drinks, like those served by Goode Co. Catering & Events’ Wanderlust mobile bar, for extra style and variety.
Branded Desserts or Texas Pecan Pie Jars
It’s never been easier to bring your brand to the dessert table. Think custom sugar cookies, logo-topped cupcakes, or labeled Texas pecan pie jars for eye-catching conversation starters, with plenty of aesthetic appeal for the Instagram enthusiasts in your workforce. This is a simple way to reinforce team identity while balancing your spread with tasty treats.
Live Grilling or Chef-Attended Carving Stations
Having a chef flame-grill steaks, slice brisket, carve turkey, or sauté shrimp to order adds an undeniable touch of class to any buffet. A live grilling or chef-attended carving station transforms a casual gathering into an immersive catering experience, where guests can interact with the talent that created their sumptuous spread.
Coastal-Themed Events
Consider pairing Gulf flavors with nautical decor for a laid-back coastal feel. A blue-and-white color scheme, combined with driftwood accents, netting, ropes, and nautical paraphernalia, will transform any space into a coastal-themed event. No matter how far you are from the coast, a nautical twist will make a refreshing change to any Texas summer catering setup.
Goode Catering’s Approach to Company Outings
At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we specialize in flexible, flavorful event catering in Houston. Whether your event is a full-scale company outing or a relaxed team lunch, we will provide a seamless experience with a turnkey service option that includes setup, staff, serving, and cleanup. You bring the team; we’ll handle the logistics.
Goode Co. Catering & Events offers flexible venues to suit every imaginable requirement, from cozy indoor spaces to large outdoor venues like The Armadillo Palace. We’ll help you match your outing’s group size, style, and energy to your summer corporate retreat. We also offer delivery options for drop-off catering if you have a preferred event destination.
At Goode Co. Catering & Events, we appreciate that every group has different expectations and requirements. This is why we tailor our seasonal catering menus to your preferences, dietary needs, and plans. Whether you need a separate kids’ menu, gluten-free options, or vegetarian choices, our professional team is on hand to help you create a thoughtful and inclusive menu when catering for different diets.
Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Event
A successful team outing is often all about the planning. Here are a few suggestions to help ensure that your late-summer company gathering runs smoothly, from sending invitations to wrapping up.
- Book early: Late summer is a busy time for corporate events, so reserve your date as soon as possible. Venues, caterers, and vendors tend to book up quickly, especially towards the end of the week in late August and early September.
- Choose a Venue That Fits Your Team Size and Energy: Getting the vibe just right can make or break an event, so it’s essential to select an event space that suits your crowd and your company’s personality. Looking for something festive with live music? Consider The Armadillo Palace. Want something low-key and shaded? Go for a private patio or cozy saloon.
- Consider Dietary Restrictions and Customizable Menus: Today’s workplaces are wonderfully diverse, so menus must offer options for everyone. We’re not just talking about vegetarian and gluten-free options; consider dairy-free, nut-free, and other dietary and cultural requests as well. Customizable menus enable better individual control, which guests always appreciate.
Ready to Plan Your Summer Event?
Now is the perfect time to start planning your late summer gathering. Whether you’re envisioning a casual taco bar or a full-blown seafood boil with all the fixings, Goode Co. Catering & Events has the flavor, flexibility, and expertise to deliver.
We still have select dates available for late August and early September, but don’t wait – spots are filling up fast. Let us help you bring your catering ideas for your summer company outing to life with minimal stress and maximum impact.
Get in touch today to reserve your date and start planning your perfect company outing. Let’s make your late summer event Goode to the last bite!