Pizza is one of those magical foods that suits almost any occasion, from a quick lunch at the office to a family movie night or a last-minute dinner when no one feels like cooking. However, at some point, your pizza order stops being a casual meal and begins to cross into catering territory. So, where exactly is that line?
The difference between ordering pizza and ordering catering isn’t just about quantity, though that’s certainly a big part of it. Ordering a couple of pizzas for a small group is simple takeout. But once your order starts looking like a spreadsheet—multiple types of pizza, sides, drinks, delivery coordination, and dietary preferences—you’re officially in catering mode.
Are you just ordering pizza, or are you actually placing a catering order? Here’s how to know where to draw the line.
The Magic Number: When Volume Tips the Scale
Generally speaking, once you’re ordering for ten or more people, it’s time to think like a caterer. Large orders often need extra prep time, and restaurants appreciate advance notice to ensure everything arrives hot and on time. If you’re planning a big gathering, and you want pizza, ask us about catering options at least a day in advance.
Logistics and Presentation
Catering isn’t just about food. You also have to think about setup and serving. If you’re going to need to set up a food table, provide drinks, and get extra plates and napkins, you’ve gone beyond a simple pizza order. When you place your order, let us know how many people you’re feeding, and we’ll help ensure you can serve all your guests easily (even if it’s just by providing extra paper plates and napkins).
Dietary Considerations
When you’re feeding a crowd, someone’s going to be vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or have an allergy. At that point, your order shifts from “a couple of pizzas” to “a coordinated meal plan.” Catering services excel at managing these needs efficiently, ensuring everyone’s included without confusion. Tell us about any dietary restrictions when you place your order, and we’ll ensure there’s something for everyone to eat.
Timing and Planning Ahead
This one is the clincher. If you’re scheduling an order days in advance for a meeting, party, or team lunch, it’s catering. Regular pizza orders are spontaneous; catering is strategic.
Pizza Catering for Any Occasions | Constantly Pizza
In the end, ordering pizza becomes ordering catering when it stops being about convenience and starts being about coordination. If that seems overwhelming, don’t worry! Our team at Constantly Pizza is here to help. Get in touch with our Concord or Penacook locations and ask about our catering services, or fill out the request form on our website.