Summer Corporate Retreat: Catering Ideas for Successful Team Building Events

A summer corporate retreat is the perfect opportunity to strengthen team bonds, celebrate achievements, and recharge for the months ahead. 

To make your event unforgettable, here are some catering ideas that pair perfectly with various team-building activities.

Interactive Sports or Games Matched with Game-Day Style Foods

Engage your team with interactive sports or games like softball, soccer, bingo or a relay race. Pair these activities with classic game-day foods for a fun and energetic vibe:

• Ballpark Hot Dogs: Offer a variety of toppings such as chilli, cheese, onions, and sauerkraut so everyone can customize their own.
• Nachos with Beer Cheese: Serve crispy tortilla chips with a rich, creamy beer cheese sauce, jalapeños, and salsa.
• Jumbo Pretzels: Warm, soft pretzels sprinkled with salt, served with mustard and cheese dips.

Pro Tip: Set up food stations near the activity area so participants can grab a bite without missing any action.

Cooking Classes with a Kiss the Cook Chef or Management Helping to Serve Employees

Turn your retreat into a culinary adventure with cooking classes led by a KTC chef. Alternatively, have management don aprons and serve the staff as a unique show of appreciation. 

• Pasta-Making Class: Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch and enjoy a variety of sauces.
• Sushi Rolling: Discover the art of sushi making with fresh ingredients and expert guidance.
• BBQ Masterclass: Perfect the art of grilling with tips on marinating, seasoning, and cooking different types of meat.

Pro Tip: Provide recipe cards so participants can recreate their favourite dishes at home.

Wine Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie for Mixing and Mingling

Encourage mingling and networking with a sophisticated wine tasting paired with a delightful cheese and charcuterie spread:

• Cheese Selection: Offer a variety of cheeses, including soft, hard, blue, and aged options.
• Charcuterie: Include an assortment of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo.
• Accoutrements: Add olives, nuts, dried fruits, and artisan bread to complete the spread.

Pro Tip: Hire a sommelier to guide the tasting and provide insights into the wine and cheese pairings.

Themed Party Food

Make your retreat memorable with themed party food that celebrates culture and tradition:

• Canadiana: Delight your team with Canadian classics like poutine, butter tarts, and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches.
• Mediterranean Feast: Serve hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, and shawarma’s.
• Tropical Luau: Offer Hawaiian favourites such as poke bowls, grilled pineapple, and coconut shrimp.

Pro Tip: Decorate the venue to match the theme, creating a fully immersive experience.

High Tea: Perfect for a Morning Event

Kick off your morning retreat with a high tea spread that’s both elegant and delicious:

• Party Sandwiches: Cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad sandwiches on crustless bread.
• Scones: Freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
• Canapés: Bite-sized treats like mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, and puff pastry bites.

Pro Tip: Serve a selection of fine teas and coffee to complement the food.

Additional Ideas

1. Interactive Food Stations: Set up a build-your-own taco or salad bars where team members can create their meals.
2. Dessert Buffet: Offer a variety of desserts such as cupcakes, macarons, and mini cheesecakes for a sweet finish.
3. Smoothie Station: Provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein options for a health-focused refreshment.
4. Farm-to-Table Lunch: Feature locally sourced produce and meats, highlighting the best seasonal ingredients.
5. Ice Cream Social: Cool down with an ice cream station offering a range of flavours and toppings.

Incorporating these catering ideas into your summer corporate retreat will create a fun, engaging, and delicious experience that your team will remember long after the event. 

Need catering in Toronto? Drop us a line today to start planning.