Catering Out the Box

I was planning a fundraiser for a not-​for-​profit and we needed a caterer. I called about 10 different catering companies for quotes. I choose Catering Out the Box because of my first interaction with Anthony over the phone. He was the most personable and helpful. I didn’t feel rushed either. I had a lot of questions and concerns and he was able to address them all.
Catering Out the Box arrived early at our fundraiser and set up everything beautifully. The food was delicious and the staff they provided were great. Anthony stayed for the entire event to ensure that everything ran smoothly and he even bid on some of the items in our silent auction.
I highly recommend this company! They offer more than just food, they are a company that cares about you and your event.
Huge THANK YOU to Anthony!

Catering Out The Box delivered big for us! I work for a small non-​profit affiliated with the University of Chicago. We do events for and to support college-​bound youth from high schools across the city. This week, we had a major College Fair event on campus inviting College Admissions Representatives from all across the country to meet with our students. As a part of the day we served them lunch.
Anthony, from Catering Out of the Box, helped us pick out the right package for our group that was within our budget. He delivered samples to the office so we could truly know what we were getting, and as the event drew closer, we had to increase the order size by quite a lot. Anthony was extremely accommodating to our change of order, and he took on the extra work load with just over a week’s notice. When the day of the event came, Anthony arrived early and set up the boxes for us. He brought signage and labeled the boxes so everyone was clear what they were getting, and to reduce traffic mishaps during lunch.
The College Admissions reps and students were very pleased with their meals, and mentioned it in the post-​event feedback. I have had a couple of his sandwiches and they were delicious! Each sandwich tastes like it was freshly made a few minutes prior – which is clearly impossible given the amount he had to make for us. The ingredients were crisp, and just the right amount, and seem to be of very high quality. He also makes the perfect chocolate chip cookies! I highly, highly recommend using this company. They are professional, courteous and so very easy to work with, highly recommended!

I’m hard to impress… so five stars is truly saying something.
My husband and I were in the midst of pulling together the memorial services for his mother last month. Dealing with our grief, amongst all of the details we had to worry about, finding a caterer for the repast was at the bottom of our list. We knew we wanted something nicer than KFC or Popeye’s, but didn’t want to spend a lot. We were sold on Mariano’s catering, but after tasting from their deli we were left underwhelmed and with time running out.
After turning to Unilocal,I read the previous reviews on COTB’s page and decided to give them a call. I spoke with Anthony who presented me with a complete 3-​course menu that worked with our budget and sounded very appetizing. What’s more — with 2 days until the memorial — he was able accommodate our tight turn-​around time.
I now understand why people need a repast… guests need a chance to regroup emotionally and are probably famished. When we arrived at the repast room I was so taken aback by how lovely everything was presented. And there was SO MUCH food. But the most pleasant surprise was just how GOOD everything tasted. Every item prepared was fresh, hot, and very well prepared. Our guests couldn’t believe that the food was prepared by a caterer. It helped to turn a somber occasion into one of joyful remembrance.
That day on my way home I called Anthony to express my appreciation and offer how impressed I was with such professional services. My expectations were clearly surpassed. But the most impressive thing of all is that a few days later we received a condolence card in the mail from Anthony; how many caterers would be thoughtful enough to do that?
Would I recommend COTB? Most definitely. Would I use COTB again in the future? I certainly would.

COTB is absolutely fantastic! Anthony has been very helpful and accommodating as I was inquiring and organizing my request. As we (the company) had our open house, we needed a catering service of quality, preparation and of course of quality taste. And for even finalizing our order in just a weeks notice, all of my expectations from COTB was fulfilled. Even though I didn’t request for servers to be there, the preparation of the food, arrangement of the trays (with notes), availability of utensils etc were excellent! He was also quick in sharing with me options on how I can store the extra trays of food I had before serving. Spanakopita, meatballs, beef wellington, antipasto skewers… all full of flavor and they obviously didn’t scrimped on ingredients. I definitely recommend COTB for any business or family event/​s, and I commend Anthony for being patient and professional. Two thumbs up!

Catering out the box really understands what it means to provide great food with amazing presentation. I ordered boxed lunches for a meeting I planned in Chicago and the clarity of the different orders, the high quality of the taste of the food and the courteous service was amazing. The surprise of having inspirational quotes in each box was a nice touch.
I look forward to working with them again in the future.

This review has been a long time in the making. You know how sometimes we take things for granted until we try something new and realize just how good we had it. That’s the case with Catering Out the Box. I have known of the company for 5 years. My first experience was at a luncheon for work. I absolutely loved the boxed lunch, which is more than a lunch… I always look forward to the inspirational card that can be found in every box. At breakfast for work, I got to experience the freshest fruit platter. The pineapple is to die for and the addition of the yogurt dip is a nice treat.
I had been to other events with different caterers, but either the service or the food was lacking. Because of this, I have in trusted Catering Out the Box and owner, Anthony Waller to all of my catering needs. My birthday party was a hit with dessert platters, fruit and veggies, finger sandwiches and a wonderful chocolate fountain.
My baby shower was also catered, and again, the food was wonderful. I can always depend on a beautiful set up with extras whether it be additional silverware, an extra side dish or something to make the event go more smoothly.
I have told all of my friends about the company, and will continue to spread the word.
My only regret is that I didn’t speak up sooner!