OUR BLOG
How Catering Companies Compare to Restaurant Catering
The food at any event is more than just a meal—it’s a key element that brings people together and defines the atmosphere. In Toronto, event hosts can select from a variety of options, including dedicated catering companies and restaurant catering. While both have their strengths, catering companies often go above and beyond with tailored menus and additional services. Choosing the right provider ensures your event will be remembered for all the right reasons. At Smokin’ Bones, we offer leading event catering services, from special holiday menus for commercial catering to seasonal turkey dinner delivery in Toronto and more.
If you’re choosing between restaurant catering or coordinating with a professional catering company, here are some factors you should consider.
Customization and Tailored Menus
Typically, restaurants have set menus they offer year-round based on their culinary specialties, whereas catering companies in Toronto can offer tailored seasonal menus based on the event, season, or meal. At Smokin’ Bones, our leading caterers in Greater Toronto offer breakfast catering, dessert catering, and even turkey dinner delivery in Toronto. You can choose the right menu that aligns with the theme of your event and dietary requirements.
While both restaurants and catering companies can provide high-quality food, restaurants may lack the flexibility to accommodate custom requests or entirely personalized menus. If your event requires special attention to detail, professional event catering companies often work with you to craft tailored menus, incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients and unique dishes designed specifically for the occasion.
Range of Services
While food is at the center of everything we do, catering companies provide far more than just a delicious meal. Most professional catering services in Toronto offer a comprehensive package that adds up to an experience which can include:
- Staff for serving and cleanup.
- Tableware, linens, and decor.
- Live in-personal BBQing
- Event coordination to ensure everything runs smoothly.
These added services allow you to focus on enjoying the event while leaving the logistics to the professionals. Restaurant catering, on the other hand, is often limited to food delivery or pickup, leaving you to handle setup, serving, and cleanup on your own. Restaurants still need to focus on running an establishment with guests. While this might work for smaller, more casual events, larger gatherings often benefit from the full-service approach offered by catering companies.
Scalability and Flexibility
Catering companies like Smokin’ Bones are built to handle events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions. Our team can adapt resources and staff to meet the demands of the occasion. This scalability makes our team ideal for weddings, galas, or corporate holiday parties.
Restaurant catering, while excellent for smaller events, scaling production up for larger groups can be more challenging as restaurants typically cater to smaller groups and individuals. If your event has specific timing requirements or a large guest list, event catering companies are usually better equipped to deliver seamless service.
Expertise in Seasonal and Festive Meals
When events call for a special holiday feast, such as a turkey dinner delivery in Toronto for Thanksgiving, catering companies often shine. At Smokin’ Bones, our caterers have experience preparing elaborate, festive meals with attention to detail, ensuring every dish complements the occasion. We also specialize in creating seasonal menus that enable a more festive atmosphere.
Cost Considerations
Cost is an important factor for any event planner. Catering companies may appear more expensive upfront due to the range of services they offer, but the value they provide often outweighs the price difference. From setup and cleanup to serving staff and tailored menus, these extras can save time, stress, and the cost of working with multiple vendors.
Make Catering Easier in 2025 with Smokin’ Bones
When comparing catering companies and restaurant catering, the choice is yours. But for high-quality food, dedicated service, a customer-centric experience, and seasonal menus, trust the experts at Smokin’ Bones. To explore your menu options and get the ball rolling on your next event in the Greater Toronto Area, contact Smokin’ Bones.
Talk to Our Team.
