An Overview of Catering Services in High Point
Catering is big business in High Point. Twice each year, the High Point Market brings tens of thousands of buyers, designers, and exhibitors to town, and showrooms compete to host memorable receptions and buyer lunches. Beyond Market week, the city's universities, hospitals, churches, and growing number of wedding venues keep caterers busy all year long.
Great catering does more than feed guests. It sets the tone for an event, reflects the host's brand, and can turn an ordinary gathering into something memorable. This guide covers ten catering services and brands that High Point planners trust for quality and reliability.
How to Choose a Caterer
Begin with your event type, guest count, and budget. Some caterers specialize in plated weddings, while others excel at boxed lunches or casual barbecue spreads. Ask about tastings, minimum orders, staffing, rentals, and how far in advance bookings are required, especially during Market weeks when demand peaks.
Food safety, dietary accommodations, and clear communication are equally important. A professional caterer will help you plan quantities, label allergens, and coordinate setup and cleanup so you can focus on your guests.
How We Selected This List
To build this guide, we considered reputation, range of services, accessibility for High Point residents and businesses, customer and patient experience, and long-term track record. The ranking is not paid or sponsored, and the order reflects a balance of overall value rather than a strict score. Because offerings, locations, and policies change over time, we recommend confirming current details directly with any provider before making a decision.
The Top 10 Catering Services Serving High Point
1. Kepley's Bar-B-Q
Kepley's Bar-B-Q has been a High Point institution for decades, serving classic Lexington-style chopped barbecue, hushpuppies, and slaw. Its take-out and bulk orders bring authentic North Carolina flavor to family reunions, church gatherings, and casual office lunches.
2. Chick-fil-A Catering
Chick-fil-A's catering trays of nuggets, sandwiches, salads, and sides are a popular choice for meetings and youth events. Consistent quality, friendly service, and easy ordering make it one of the most dependable options in the area.
3. Jason's Deli Catering
Jason's Deli offers boxed lunches, sandwich trays, salad bars, and its famous mini muffins. It is a frequent pick for corporate trainings and Market week buyer lunches thanks to its variety and options for different dietary needs.
4. Panera Catering
Panera Catering provides breakfast pastry spreads, bagel trays, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Its balanced menu suits morning meetings and professional events where guests appreciate lighter choices.
5. Mission BBQ Catering
Mission BBQ caters slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and classic sides. Its patriotic culture and generous portions make it a popular choice for community events and large group gatherings.
6. Moe's Southwest Grill Catering
Moe's offers build-your-own fajita and burrito bars that let guests customize their meals. This interactive format works well for casual office parties and events with varied tastes and dietary preferences.
7. Harris Teeter Catering
Harris Teeter's catering department provides party platters, deli trays, fruit and vegetable displays, and custom cakes. It is a convenient one-stop option for home parties, graduations, and small office celebrations.
8. Publix Catering
Publix is known for its party subs, fried chicken platters, and deli trays. Easy online ordering and reliable pickup make it a go-to for game days, birthdays, and casual gatherings.
9. Jersey Mike's Subs Catering
Jersey Mike's offers sub trays, boxed lunches, and party platters with sandwiches sliced and prepared fresh. Its flexible portions scale well for corporate meetings, sports team meals, and outdoor celebrations.
10. Firehouse Subs Catering
Firehouse Subs offers sub platters, boxed lunches, and party sides that travel well. Its hearty sandwiches and commitment to supporting first responders make it a feel-good choice for team meals.
Planning Catering for the High Point Market
Market weeks in April and October are the busiest time of year for local caterers, so book several months in advance if you are hosting a showroom reception or buyer lunch. Confirm delivery windows carefully, since downtown traffic and loading restrictions can affect timing, and designate a contact person at your showroom to receive orders.
Consider a mix of hearty options and lighter fare, because buyers often spend long days walking between showrooms. Easy-to-eat finger foods, boxed lunches, and refreshing beverages such as sweet tea and infused water keep guests energized without slowing down business conversations. Clearly labeled vegetarian and gluten-free choices show thoughtfulness to an international audience.
Catering Trends in High Point
Interactive food stations, such as build-your-own taco bars, carving stations, and dessert displays, continue to grow in popularity. They encourage mingling and allow guests to tailor meals to their preferences.
Showroom hosts during the High Point Market increasingly request locally inspired menus that showcase North Carolina barbecue, pimento cheese, sweet tea, and seasonal produce. Sustainable packaging and reduced food waste are also becoming priorities for event planners.
Final Thoughts
From traditional barbecue to polished boxed lunches, High Point offers catering options for every occasion and budget. Book early, especially around Market weeks, confirm dietary needs, and request a tasting when possible. Availability and menus change, so always confirm current offerings directly with the caterer before finalizing your plans.