If you're holding a special event in a venue that doesn't offer an onsite caterer, consider hiring an off-site one to handle all of your food needs. Whether you plan on serving brunch, lunch, dinner, or late-night snacks, a professional catering service will handle all of your needs. 

An off-site caterer will come in handy for a wide range of both indoor and outdoor venues, and for both fancy and casual affairs. If you need a special type of dessert, such as a wedding or birthday cake, you may have to hire an off-site bakery as well. 

There are many different types of catering companies from which to choose, so start by deciding the cuisine you'd like to serve, such as Italian, Mexican, or Japanese. Then you'll be able to find a local caterer that specializes in that type of food. Consider any of your guests' allergies or dietary concerns, and make sure the catering company can accommodate them as well. For instance, you may need a few gluten-free options, or vegan or vegetarian snacks and entrees for the non-meat eaters in the group.

Here are some types of venues that may require the use of an off-site caterer:

1. Country Barns

If you want your event, such as a birthday party, wedding reception, bridal, or baby shower, to have a rustic country chic feel, a barn venue may be right up your alley. Country barns may provide both indoor and outdoor access, so there is a range of foods you can serve.

As one idea, hire a catering company to prepare a selection of grilled food, including steaks, hamburgers, sausages, portobello mushrooms, and shrimp skewers, over an open fire for an authentic, open-air meal. Traditional sides include macaroni and potato salads, gourmet potato chips, and coleslaw. 

2. Ballrooms 

For events held in elegant ballrooms, go with a caterer known for cooking up a more sophisticated fare, such as fancy finger foods, steaks, and fresh seafood. Since ballrooms generally offer a lot of space, you can have the catering company serve the meal buffet-style on long tables, so guests can pick and choose their favorite items. 

3. Backyard BBQs

If you're just holding a smaller gathering for a backyard BBQ, you can still hire a caterer to handle the meal prep so that you have more time to mix and mingle with the party-goers. They'll provide everything from the burgers and the brats, to the buns and traditional BBQ side dishes.  

For more info, contact a local company like Rogue Kitchens.