The role catering plays in creating a world-class employee dining program frequently is underrated. Often, the focus is on managing the day-to-day operations of the employee cafe, when, in reality, premier catering services are essential if owners, managers and developers are to offer true Class A amenities.

When we think of catering, we tend to concentrate on fulfilling routine needs for breakfast meetings or client luncheons. Certainly, it is critical to have a creative and reliable caterer to handle these types of affairs. More importantly, it is crucial to determine how catering fits into the big picture and how capitalizing on the full range of catering services can add value to the operation.

If you’ve partnered with a contracted dining management provider, they should offer on-site catering that is seamlessly integrated into the employee dining program. They should be well-equipped to handle requests large and small, from a warm tray of cookies at an afternoon meeting to an outdoor clambake to an evening gala for 600. An on-site caterer also adds value as a result of the relationships they build with tenants, and their familiarity with each company’s culture. They have a better understanding of tenants’ tastes and styles and can anticipate their needs in advance.

Additionally, on-site catering offers great convenience. There always will be instances when a meeting schedule changes or a lunch order is forgotten. An on-site professional can accommodate last-minute needs that an outside vendor might not be willing or able to handle. They also can be tapped to plan and manage larger off-premise events like golf tournaments or fund-raisers for tenants looking to hire someone they know and trust.

What’s more, there are a variety of office refreshment services that fall under the catering umbrella. Offering coffees and teas, stocking individual tenant pantries with customized snacks and beverages, and providing a range of vending options make the office environment much more comfortable for tenants and visitors alike. A top-tier caterer can boost tenant satisfaction further by regularly hosting special or themed events that add excitement to the entire dining program.

Even if your facility is self-operated, you should consider retaining a full-service caterer who can fulfill tenant needs for all corporate and business occasions whether it is drop-off, on-site or off-premise. Contracting with an off-premise caterer is a practical alternative that allows tenants to reap the benefits of such a valuable amenity when providing on-site service may not be possible.

Either way, partnering with a premier caterer is a cost-effective option for owners and managers of multitenant properties. Catering can help offset your subsidy, showcase your property, increase market value and resale potential and maximize occupancy by enticing prospective lessees with higher-end amenities.

If you’re a multitenant property manager, here’s what you should expect from your caterer:

• Menus that reflect the tastes and styles of tenants. A corporate catering menu should showcase regional preferences and include ethnic cuisine, healthy options and the latest culinary trends. The company you choose should be willing to customize its menus to satisfy any special dietary needs and accommodate a variety of budgets;

• The ability to infuse creativity and style into all events and turn routine business occasions into something special;

• Attentive service and an exceptional and professionally trained culinary staff; and

• For more complex events, seasoned event managers who make sure everything is seamlessly executed and impeccably timed.