We’ve all been there before. The halls are decked and company is on its way, and everyone is ready to dig in to a big holiday dinner—except for you. When the to-do list is a mile long, there is hardly enough time to stock your shelves with cereal, let alone plan a feast. For those who expect a crowd, catering a meal can lessen the stress that seems permanently attached to entertaining.
You can always turn to the solid, stand-by choices—The Lookout, Byerly’s and Lynde—for a traditional holiday roast turkey and stuffing, or you can change it up this year and offer a non-traditional feast. This holiday season, let someone else tackle the menu planning. Whether you’re looking for a fully catered and served meal or want to supplement the entrée, add sides or keep guests busy with appetizers, Maple Grove’s bounty of catering options will make the holidays a little simpler.
Panera Bread
The only thing better than cozying up by the fire at Panera with a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, is relaxing by the fire at home while Panera brings the soup to your door.
Most Popular: Boxed Lunches
Try This: Sleep in and let Panera make breakfast for the gang. French Toast Bagel with egg, Vermont white cheddar, and sausage; Holiday Bread; strawberry granola parfait to feed a small group; coffee cambro for up to 90 people. Or try the Morning Continental and taste a little of everything.
Did you know? Although most customers prefer to set up for a casual meal themselves, Panera is happy to step in and let you relax.
7778 Main St. N.; 763.416.0436
Sawatdee
As the first Thai restaurant in the five-state area, Sawatdee knows how to serve up tasty Thai dishes, from Red Curry and Pad Thai to Cream Cheese Wontons and Coconut Shrimp.
Most Popular: Pad Thai (the national dish of Thailand), Fresh Spring Rolls
Try This: Thai Roast Duck for a twist on a holiday meal
Did you know? You can order as much or as little as you like. They offer per-person pricing as well as a la carte (i.e.: 25 pieces of chicken satay).
7885 Main St. N.; 763.494.5708
Famous Dave’s
Bring that famous barbeque taste to your table by ordering Famous Dave’s for pickup, delivery, or full-service.
Most Popular: St. Louis Ribs, Georgia Chopped Pork, Texas Beef Brisket
Try This: Hot side dishes, such as Garlic Red-Skin Mashed Potatoes and Dave’s Cheesy Mac N Cheese. Try the Drunkin’ Apples as a side dish or for dessert.
Did you know? While the catering menu shows the most popular meals, every menu item can be ordered a la carte as well.
7825 Vinewood Ln.; 952.593.5050 (catering), 763.416.4600 (to-go)
Potbelly Sandwich Works
For a casual lunch during all the family fun, order a bunch of sandwiches from Potbelly—and don’t forget the shakes.
Most Popular: Box O’ Sandwiches (coupled with the Bowl O’ Salad)
Try This: Box of Cheer, a holiday special that includes an assortment of oatmeal chocolate chip, sugar, and chocolate brownie cookies. It’s perfect for gift giving, or to accompany a delivery of hand-dipped shakes, smoothies and malts.
Did you know? All cookies are baked fresh daily in the shop and can be delivered with a gallon of milk.
12409 Elm Creek Blvd N.; 763.424.3193
Maple Tavern
For that extra large holiday party, bring your guests to Maple Tavern and let the pros take care of everything. Or keep it casual with some boxed lunches or some simple appetizers to supplement your own food at home.
Most Popular: Meatballs, Bruschetta and Boxed Lunches
Try This: Cold Platters (fruit, veggie, and meat & cheese trays) make great finger food and leave minimal mess; perfect for informal gatherings.
Did you know? Maple Tavern will cater to your specific needs and work outside their menu if needed. On-site events always include a server, and off-site events depend on the nature of your order.
9375 Deerwood Ln. N.; 763.425.2700
Z’s Smokin Bonez
When Carol Goetsch hosted a graduation party with a roasted hog from Z’s, “the food was so good [the guests] wouldn’t leave,” she recalls. Not only was Goetsch impressed by the food, she was thankful she got to relax and socialize at the party. Z’s Smokin Bonez is known for their smoked meats, homemade side dishes, and dedication—the owner showed up at 2 a.m. to start smoking the hog. This winter Goetsch plans on turning to Z’s again for her granddaughter’s first birthday party.
Most Popular: Ribs, Whole Hogs (during the summer), Potato Salad, Baked Beans
Try This: If you bring your whole ham or turkey to Z’s this winter, they’ll cure and smoke it for you, then provide all the fixings for your holiday feast: sweet potatoes, stuffing, cornbread, dessert and more.
Did you know? Dave Zapf, owner and master smoker, will come to your house for a tutorial on smoking your own meat. As he says, “smoking [meat] is a fun hobby with a lot of different elements, but when combined can take an ordinary, tough piece of meat and turn it into an extraordinary, flavorful experience.”
16362 County Rd. 30; 763.400.7979
Qdoba Mexican Grill
For a creative approach to catering, try a buffet-style meal from Qdoba. Since they provide everything you need, including chafing racks, water pans, sternos and matches, Qdoba is perfect for the busy holiday season.
Most Popular: Hot Taco Bar
Try This: Add the popular 3-Cheese Queso to the Taco or Naked Burrito Bar, as the perfect entrée supplement.
Did you know? For every chafing rack that is returned, the customer receives a coupon for a free entrée.
12107 Elm Creek Blvd.; 1.888.Qdoba2Go (catering)
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Catering Tips from the Pros
Panera: Plan to have food delivered within 15 minutes of mealtime, no earlier, to ensure food stays warm.
Famous Dave’s: Keep food hot with crock pots, roasters, or chafing dishes; some caterers rent these items out. Back-up pans of hot food can go in an oven at 160 degrees, just to keep them warm until serving.
Maple Tavern: Listen to what the caterer suggests for quantities of food. Keep in mind that fewer choices but larger quantities are better. If you are on a tight budget, try ordering appetizers instead of an entrée as they can be just as filling.
