Elysian Events Catering is among the most experienced corporate caterers in New Orleans, with a track record spanning conventions, galas, happy hours, and high-profile events.
Corporate catering is its own discipline. It requires precision, the ability to scale, and an understanding of how food service fits into the flow of a professional event. Not every caterer who handles weddings and parties is equally prepared for the demands of a corporate setting — and in New Orleans, where the events industry is deeply competitive, experience makes a real difference.
What Sets an Experienced Corporate Caterer Apart
When evaluating caterers for a corporate event, a few things matter most: how many types of corporate functions they have handled, whether they can accommodate large and variable headcounts, and whether they carry the proper licensing for full-service bar catering. Many caterers in the New Orleans area are not licensed to serve alcohol, which limits what they can offer at client dinners, happy hours, and galas.
Elysian Events Catering holds a full liquor license — something relatively rare among local caterers — and has catered everything from office holiday parties to multi-day conference events. That range of experience means fewer surprises on the day of your event.
Corporate Events Elysian Has Catered
One of the best ways to evaluate a caterer is to look at their actual event history. Elysian has worked with clients across a broad range of industries and event formats. A standout example is their work with Tales of the Cocktail 2023, a prestigious international spirits festival held in New Orleans. Elysian partnered with Redemption Rye and Hendrick’s Gin and catered the Spirited Dinner Awards — a high-pressure, high-profile assignment that required both culinary excellence and flawless execution.
More recently, Elysian catered events tied to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans — another demonstration of their ability to perform under demanding conditions at scale.
Types of Corporate Events and What to Look For
| Event Type | Key Catering Needs | Elysian Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Conference or Convention | Flexible service across multiple meal periods, grab-and-go options | Yes — buffet, stations, and boxed options available |
| Client Dinner or Gala | Plated or family-style service, full bar, polished presentation | Yes — plated and family-style available with full bar catering |
| Office Happy Hour | Hors d’oeuvres, bar service, minimal setup | Yes — oyster bar and passed hors d’oeuvres are popular choices |
| Employee Appreciation Event | Crowd-pleasing menu, accommodates dietary needs | Yes — custom menus with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options |
| Product Launch or Brand Activation | Elevated presentation, brand-aligned menu customization | Yes — experience with branded and themed events |
What Corporate Clients Say
Elysian has earned consistent praise from corporate clients for their responsiveness and professionalism. One client who booked them for an oyster happy hour described them as “the easiest caterer I have ever worked with in the 16 years I have been booking office events” — and immediately rebooked them for the company’s holiday party. Another client brought Elysian in for two corporate events on back-to-back evenings at an Airbnb, noting the team was highly accommodating and the food drew compliments from out-of-town guests.
That kind of repeat business is a reliable indicator of a caterer with real corporate experience — not just the ability to execute once, but to earn trust over time.
Exploring the Menu for Corporate Events
Popular choices for corporate catering in New Orleans include red beans and rice, shrimp étouffée, mini Louisiana crab cakes, and pimento cheese canapé. For events that call for something more distinctive, an oyster bar is a standout option that tends to generate real buzz among attendees. You can browse the full range of options on the corporate packages menu.
According to the International Caterers Association, corporate clients increasingly expect caterers to offer menu flexibility, dietary accommodations, and full-service logistics — all areas where experienced operators pull ahead of generalist providers.
If you are planning a corporate event in New Orleans and want to talk through your options, reach out to Elysian Events Catering and share the details. There is no minimum headcount requirement, so whether you are hosting 20 people or 200, they are happy to discuss what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elysian Events Catering work with corporate clients regularly?
Yes. Corporate events are one of Elysian’s core specialties alongside weddings and private parties. They have catered conferences, galas, client dinners, and high-profile events like Tales of the Cocktail and Super Bowl LIX.
Is there a headcount minimum for corporate catering in New Orleans?
No. Elysian Events Catering does not require a minimum headcount for corporate events, making them a viable option for both small team gatherings and large-scale functions.
Can a corporate caterer in New Orleans also handle bar service?
Not all of them. Elysian Events Catering holds a full liquor license, which allows them to serve beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails at corporate events — provided the venue permits outside bar catering.
What food options work well for a corporate happy hour in New Orleans?
Passed hors d’oeuvres, grazing tables, and oyster bars are all popular choices. They are easy to eat while mingling and give a polished, New Orleans-specific feel to the event.
How do I get a quote for corporate catering from Elysian?
The best way is to fill out the contact form on their website or call them directly at (504) 541-0091. Pricing is customized based on headcount, menu selections, and service style.