Planning a party, corporate event, or family gathering can be stressful. Food is often a central concern, and finding affordable and delicious catering options is a top priority for many. Costco, known for its bulk savings and high-quality products, naturally comes to mind. But the big question remains: Does Costco still cater? Let’s dive deep into what Costco offers for parties and events.
Costco’s Evolving Party Solutions
While Costco doesn’t offer traditional “catering” in the sense of a full-service catering company with servers and on-site food preparation, they provide numerous options that can significantly simplify event planning and save you money. The landscape of what Costco provides has shifted, so it’s essential to understand the current offerings.
Understanding the Costco Approach
Costco’s strength lies in providing high-volume, pre-prepared, and ready-to-serve food items. They excel at supplying party essentials that you can easily pick up and assemble yourself. This DIY approach allows for significant cost savings compared to traditional catering services. Instead of a custom menu with service, Costco focuses on delivering convenience and value through its readily available selections.
The Reality of “No Catering”
It’s crucial to acknowledge upfront that Costco no longer offers a dedicated catering service in the traditional sense. You won’t find a catering menu with dedicated event planners or service staff. Some misinformation online might suggest otherwise, but direct confirmation from Costco and current practices clearly indicate this change.
Deconstructing Costco’s Party Offerings
Even without formal catering, Costco offers a range of products perfectly suited for events and gatherings. Understanding these options is key to leveraging Costco for your party needs.
Deli Trays: A Party Staple
Costco’s deli trays are a popular and convenient option for parties. They typically include a variety of meats, cheeses, and sometimes crackers or bread. These trays are prepared in-store and offer a relatively affordable way to feed a crowd.
Variations in Deli Trays: The specific types of deli trays available can vary by location and season. Common options include:
- Meat and Cheese Trays: Featuring a selection of sliced meats like ham, turkey, roast beef, and salami, paired with cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone.
- Shrimp Cocktail Trays: A classic party favorite, these trays feature cooked shrimp served with cocktail sauce.
- Sandwich Trays: Pre-made sandwiches, often cut into smaller portions, perfect for easy snacking.
- Vegetable Trays: A healthier option, featuring a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, and tomatoes, served with dips.
Ordering Deli Trays: It’s generally advisable to order deli trays in advance, especially for larger orders or during peak seasons. Contacting your local Costco deli department directly is the best way to confirm availability, pricing, and ordering procedures.
Bakery Goods: Sweetening the Deal
Costco’s bakery is another excellent resource for party supplies. Cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries are available in bulk and offer a delicious and affordable way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth.
Cake Options: Costco cakes are particularly popular for birthdays and other celebrations. They offer large sheet cakes with customizable decorations and flavors. Ordering cakes in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability and customization.
Cookie and Pastry Platters: For a more casual gathering, consider Costco’s cookie and pastry platters. These assortments offer a variety of treats to suit different tastes.
Prepared Foods: Ready-to-Serve Solutions
Costco’s prepared foods section features a range of ready-to-eat dishes that can simplify party planning. From rotisserie chickens to salads and side dishes, these options offer convenience and value.
Rotisserie Chicken: A Costco staple, the rotisserie chicken is a popular and affordable option for feeding a crowd. It can be served as is or used as an ingredient in other dishes like salads or sandwiches.
Salads and Sides: Costco offers a variety of pre-made salads, such as Caesar salad, pasta salad, and potato salad, as well as side dishes like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. These options can complement your main course and save you time and effort.
Beverages: Quenching Thirst
No party is complete without beverages. Costco offers a wide selection of drinks in bulk, including soda, juice, water, and alcoholic beverages (where permitted by law). Buying beverages in bulk from Costco can significantly reduce your costs.
Bulk Beverage Options: Take advantage of Costco’s bulk pricing on sodas, bottled water, juices, and other non-alcoholic drinks. Consider offering a variety to cater to different preferences.
Alcoholic Beverages: In areas where Costco sells alcohol, you can find a selection of beer, wine, and spirits at competitive prices. Remember to check your local laws and regulations regarding alcohol purchases.
Snacks: Filling the Gaps
Costco is a haven for snacks. From chips and dips to nuts and dried fruit, you can find a wide variety of options to keep your guests happy. Buying snacks in bulk from Costco is a great way to save money.
Variety of Snack Options: Explore Costco’s selection of chips, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, and other snacks. Consider offering a variety to cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Dips and Spreads: Pair your snacks with Costco’s selection of dips and spreads, such as guacamole, salsa, hummus, and cheese dips.
Planning Your Party with Costco: A Step-by-Step Guide
While Costco doesn’t offer full-service catering, you can still leverage its offerings to create a successful and affordable event. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your party with Costco.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Start by determining the number of guests you’ll be hosting, the type of event you’re planning, and your budget. This will help you determine the amount of food and beverages you’ll need and the types of items you should purchase.
Guest Count: Accurately estimating your guest count is crucial for determining the quantity of food and beverages you’ll need.
Event Type: The type of event will influence your food choices. A casual backyard barbecue will require different items than a formal dinner party.
Budget: Setting a budget will help you prioritize your purchases and avoid overspending.
Step 2: Create a Menu
Based on your needs, create a menu that includes appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and beverages. Consider your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences when planning your menu.
Appetizers: Choose a selection of appetizers that are easy to eat and don’t require much preparation. Deli trays, vegetable trays, and snack platters are all great options.
Main Courses: Consider Costco’s rotisserie chicken, prepared salads, or sandwich platters for your main courses.
Side Dishes: Complement your main courses with Costco’s selection of pre-made salads and side dishes.
Desserts: Choose a cake, cookie platter, or pastry assortment from Costco’s bakery for dessert.
Beverages: Offer a variety of beverages, including soda, juice, water, and alcoholic beverages (where permitted).
Step 3: Check Costco’s Inventory and Pricing
Visit your local Costco or check their website to see what items are available and their current prices. This will help you refine your menu and budget.
In-Store Visit: Visiting your local Costco allows you to see the products in person and check their freshness and quality.
Website Check: Costco’s website provides information on product availability and pricing, but not all items are available online.
Step 4: Order in Advance
For certain items, such as deli trays and cakes, it’s essential to order in advance, especially during peak seasons. Contact your local Costco deli and bakery departments to place your orders.
Deli Trays: Order deli trays several days in advance to ensure availability and customization.
Cakes: Order cakes at least a week in advance to allow for customization and avoid disappointment.
Step 5: Shop Strategically
When shopping at Costco, stick to your list and avoid impulse purchases. Pay attention to expiration dates and purchase only what you need.
Stick to Your List: It’s easy to get sidetracked at Costco, so stick to your list to avoid overspending.
Check Expiration Dates: Pay attention to expiration dates, especially on perishable items.
Buy Only What You Need: While Costco offers bulk discounts, avoid buying more than you can reasonably consume.
Step 6: Prepare and Assemble
On the day of your event, pick up your orders from Costco and prepare and assemble your food. Set up your buffet table and arrange your food attractively.
Pick Up Orders: Pick up your orders from Costco as close to the event as possible to ensure freshness.
Prepare and Assemble: Allow yourself enough time to prepare and assemble your food before your guests arrive.
Buffet Table Setup: Set up your buffet table in an organized and attractive manner.
The Value Proposition: Cost Savings and Convenience
Choosing Costco for your party needs offers two primary benefits: significant cost savings and increased convenience.
Cost Savings: A Budget-Friendly Approach
Costco’s bulk pricing allows you to save money on food and beverages compared to traditional catering services or individual purchases. This is particularly beneficial for large events with many guests.
Bulk Discounts: Costco’s bulk pricing offers significant savings compared to buying individual items.
Reduced Catering Costs: By leveraging Costco’s offerings, you can avoid the high costs associated with traditional catering services.
Convenience: Simplified Party Planning
Costco’s prepared foods and ready-to-serve items simplify party planning and reduce the amount of time and effort you need to spend on food preparation.
Reduced Preparation Time: Costco’s prepared foods save you time and effort in the kitchen.
One-Stop Shopping: You can find everything you need for your party at Costco, from food and beverages to paper plates and utensils.
Alternatives to Costco Catering
While Costco provides a viable option for DIY party solutions, it’s important to consider alternatives.
Traditional Catering Services
Traditional catering services offer full-service event planning, including menu creation, food preparation, and service staff. This is a more expensive option but offers greater convenience and customization.
Restaurant Catering
Many restaurants offer catering services, providing a convenient way to serve your favorite dishes at your event. This option is often more affordable than traditional catering services but may offer less customization.
DIY Catering with Other Stores
You can also create your own catering menu by purchasing food and beverages from other grocery stores and preparing them yourself. This option requires more time and effort but allows for greater control over your menu and budget.
Final Thoughts: Costco as a Party Solution
While Costco doesn’t offer traditional catering, it remains a valuable resource for party planners looking to save money and simplify their event preparation. By leveraging Costco’s deli trays, bakery goods, prepared foods, and bulk beverages, you can create a successful and affordable party without breaking the bank. Remember to plan ahead, order in advance, and shop strategically to maximize your savings and convenience. Costco is a fantastic option for the budget-conscious host willing to embrace a DIY approach.
Does Costco offer formal catering services with dedicated event planning?
Costco does not offer dedicated catering services with event planning like you might find at a full-service catering company. They don’t provide customized menus, on-site setup, serving staff, or event coordination. Their focus is on providing bulk food options that customers can purchase and use for their events.
While Costco doesn’t offer comprehensive catering, they do provide a range of party-friendly items and pre-made dishes available for purchase in-store or online. This includes things like platters, deli meats, cheeses, desserts, and even whole cakes. Customers can utilize these items to create their own DIY catering solution for smaller gatherings or larger events where they handle the setup and service themselves.
What pre-made party platters are typically available at Costco?
Costco offers a variety of pre-made party platters, though availability can vary by location and time of year. Common options include deli meat and cheese platters, shrimp cocktail platters, sandwich platters, and fruit and vegetable platters. These platters are generally prepared fresh daily and are a convenient option for gatherings.
In addition to the standard platters, Costco also often has seasonal or special occasion platters available, particularly around holidays. These might include themed dessert platters or appetizer assortments. Checking with your local Costco’s deli or bakery department directly is always the best way to confirm current platter offerings and pricing.
Can you order a custom cake from Costco for a party or event?
Yes, you can order custom cakes from Costco’s bakery. They typically have a selection of cake flavors and designs to choose from, and you can customize the message written on the cake. The cakes are generally sheet cakes, which are ideal for serving a large group.
The ordering process usually involves filling out an order form at the bakery counter at least 24-48 hours in advance of when you need the cake. You’ll need to specify the cake flavor, filling (if applicable), frosting color, and the message you want written on the cake. Be sure to confirm the pickup time and any other specific instructions with the bakery staff.
What other bulk food items are suitable for parties that Costco carries?
Beyond platters and cakes, Costco carries a wide range of bulk food items that are perfect for parties and events. This includes things like hot dogs, hamburger patties, buns, condiments, chips, dips, and a variety of beverages. They also often have large bags of frozen appetizers like mozzarella sticks or chicken wings.
Consider also purchasing bulk snacks like popcorn, pretzels, and nuts, as well as large quantities of beverages like soda, water, and juice. For dessert options beyond cake, they also have cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats available in bulk. Planning ahead and making a list based on your event size and guest preferences will ensure you purchase everything you need.
How far in advance should I plan when getting food for a party from Costco?
Planning ahead is crucial when getting food for a party from Costco, especially for larger events or during peak seasons. For custom cake orders, aim to place your order at least 48 hours in advance, but check with your local bakery as lead times may vary. For pre-made platters, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you need a large quantity.
For general bulk food items, it’s advisable to shop at least a week in advance, particularly for non-perishable goods. This allows you to check for any sales or discounts and ensures you have enough time to transport and store everything properly. For perishable items, aim to shop 1-2 days before the event to ensure freshness.
Are there any advantages to getting party food from Costco compared to a dedicated caterer?
One major advantage of getting party food from Costco is the cost savings. Buying in bulk generally results in significantly lower prices per serving compared to hiring a dedicated caterer who includes service fees, labor costs, and potentially higher food markups. If you’re on a tight budget, Costco can be a very economical option.
Another advantage is the flexibility and control you have over the menu and presentation. You can choose exactly what you want to serve and customize the setup and service to your preferences. This allows you to tailor the event to your specific needs and create a more personalized experience for your guests, although it requires more effort on your part.
Does Costco offer online ordering for party supplies or food items?
Yes, Costco does offer online ordering through their website for a variety of party supplies and food items. You can find many of their pre-made platters, bulk snacks, beverages, and other party essentials available for delivery. This can be a convenient option if you don’t have time to shop in-store or if you need items delivered directly to your location.
However, not all items are available online, and availability can vary by region. Also, some perishable items may only be available for in-store purchase. It’s always best to check the Costco website or app to confirm which items are available for online ordering in your area and to review delivery options and fees.