It’s the scenario every office manager dreads.
It’s Tuesday afternoon. You’re catching up on emails, and suddenly your boss drops a bomb: “The team from the Twin Cities is coming down on Thursday for a working lunch. Can we get something catered? Nothing too fancy, but make it nice.”
Panic sets in. You have less than 48 hours. Your first instinct might be to order a stack of pizzas or run to a sub shop, but you know that doesn’t exactly scream “professional.”
Don’t panic. At Truffles Catering, we specialize in making the “last-minute scramble” look like you planned it for months. Here is your guide to hosting an impressive business lunch in Mankato when the clock is ticking.
1. Simplify Your Menu (The “Crowd Pleaser” Rule)
When you are short on time, decision fatigue is your enemy. The key is to choose items that are fast for us to prepare but still taste homemade.
- Go for the “Mankato Favorite”: Our Famous Hot Beef Sandwiches. If you have access to outlets to keep things warm, this is your best bet. Our Hot Beef Sandwiches are legendary in Mankato for a reason—they are hearty, delicious, and travel incredibly well. It’s “comfort food” that feels upscale enough for a client meeting.
- The “Grab-and-Go” Professional Option: Box Lunches. If you need a working lunch where people will be typing or taking notes, avoid the buffet line. Our Box Lunches (featuring Roast Turkey, Ham, or Roast Beef on a fresh Kaiser bun) are neat, organized, and come with a salad or chips and a cookie. It keeps the conference room clean and the meeting moving.
2. Play it Safe with Dietary Needs
In a rush, you often don’t have time to email every attendee to ask about allergies. The safest bet? Build a “Safety Net” into your order.
- If you are ordering for 20 people, order 3-5 meals that are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free friendly (like our salads or specific modified plates).
- Even if no one eats them, it looks incredibly thoughtful to your guests that you prepared for the possibility.
3. Don’t Forget the “Architecture”
The food is important, but the logistics are what make a lunch stressful. When you call in a rush order, we can help you with the essentials so you don’t have to run to the store.
- Drinks: Do you need coffee for an afternoon boost? Bottled water? Soda?
- The Hardware: We provide the disposable plates, napkins, and cutlery. (Pro tip: Always ask for a few extra setups just in case unexpected guests show up).
4. Leverage the “Local Advantage”
Ordering from a national chain delivery app can be a gamble—drivers get lost, and food arrives cold.
When you work with a local Mankato partner like Truffles, you’re working with a team that knows the layout of the City Center, the parking at the Mayo Clinic Event Center, and the quickest routes through North Mankato. We cook right here in town, which means your food spends less time in a van and more time staying fresh.
The Bottom Line
A short timeline doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards. It just means you need a partner who can move as fast as you do.
Call Truffles Catering today at (507) 625-3354 or visit trufflesmankato.com to view our full menu.
