Mexican catering works best when you order a few days ahead, count on roughly one and a half portions per hungry guest, and let a build-your-own setup do the heavy lifting so everyone gets exactly what they want. At Cafe Mexicali, we cater offices, sports teams, birthday parties, and everything in between, and the process is a lot simpler than most people expect. This guide walks you through how it all comes together, from headcount to lead times to the little details that make a spread feel effortless.
Why a taco or burrito bar beats a plated meal
When you are feeding a crowd, the goal is to keep things simple for you and delicious for everyone. That is why a build-your-own setup is our favorite approach. Instead of guessing who wants what, you lay out our scratch-made meats, beans, tortillas, and sauces, and each person builds their perfect plate.
This matters more than it sounds. Everything we serve is made from scratch daily using the freshest ingredients, and we design every component (every sauce, meat, bean, and tortilla) to be delicious on its own. So whether a guest wants a loaded burrito, a lighter taco plate, or just a bowl piled with our fresh fixings, they are getting something they will actually love. If you want to see how deep that commitment goes, we wrote about it in what "As Fresh As It Gets" means in our kitchen.
A spread like this also solves the eternal office lunch problem: dietary variety. With a range of proteins, beans, and toppings out on the table, vegetarians, big eaters, and picky eaters all find their happy place without you playing short-order cook.
How much food should you order?
The most common catering worry is running out (or drowning in leftovers). Here is a simple way to think about portions.
- Count real appetites, not just heads. Plan for about one and a half servings per adult if it is a main meal. Lighter crowds and afternoon snack situations can lean closer to one per person.
- Add a buffer for surprise guests. Offices always seem to grow by two or three people the day of. A small cushion keeps things stress-free.
- Balance your proteins. When choosing between meat options and a vegetarian choice, a good starting split is to make sure roughly a quarter of your order is meat-free so plant-based guests are not left picking at sides.
- Do not forget the extras. Chips, sauces, and toppings disappear faster than you think at a party. Order generously here since they stretch across every plate.
When you place your order, our team can help you fine-tune quantities based on your headcount and the type of event. That is one of the perks of ordering catering from a restaurant that cares about people as much as food.
Lead times: when to place your order
Timing is everything with catering, especially for larger groups. Because we make everything fresh, we ask for a little runway so we can prep your order at its peak.
- Small gatherings: A couple of days of notice is usually plenty for a team lunch or a small party.
- Larger events: For bigger office functions, sports banquets, or celebrations, reach out earlier in the week (or even the week before) so we can lock in your details.
- Peak dates: Around holidays, graduations, and big local events, catering calendars fill up fast. Booking ahead is your friend.
The earlier you reach out, the more flexibility you have with menu choices and pickup or delivery windows. When in doubt, get your order in and adjust the final headcount as your RSVP list firms up. Head to our catering page to start the conversation.
Office catering ideas that actually work
Office catering is our sweet spot because it needs to be fast, crowd-pleasing, and easy to serve in a break room. A few setups that consistently win:
- The lunch-and-learn burrito bar: Filling, portable, and easy to eat at a desk or in a meeting. Burrito catering is a reliable choice when people need to get back to work quickly.
- The taco spread for team celebrations: A little more interactive and festive, perfect for a project win or a Friday afternoon.
- The morning meeting fuel: Do not overlook breakfast. If your team gathers early, a fresh morning option sets the tone (we are a little obsessed, as you can tell from the breakfast burrito worth waking up for).
The best office catering ideas share one trait: they let people serve themselves quickly so nobody is stuck in a long line. Build-your-own setups keep the momentum going, which matters when lunch breaks are short.
Catering for parties, teams, and fundraisers
Beyond the office, Mexican food is made for gatherings. Birthday parties, graduation celebrations, sports team dinners, and family reunions all thrive on a spread everyone can dig into together. There is something about a table full of fresh tortillas, sauces, and proteins that gets people talking and reaching for seconds.
We are also deeply community-minded, which is why we love fundraising nights. If your school, team, or organization is looking to raise money, our fundraising options pair great food with a good cause. It is a win for everyone: your group raises funds, and your supporters get a fresh meal they actually want.
Getting started
Ready to feed your crowd? Start by locking in your date, estimating your headcount, and thinking through the mix of proteins and vegetarian options you will need. Then reach out to us with the details and we will help you build the right order. You can browse everything we make on the full menu and find the spot nearest you on our locations page. From our first Fort Collins location in 2005 to today, our promise has stayed the same: fresh, scratch-made, and as fresh as it gets.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I order Mexican catering?
For smaller gatherings, a couple of days of notice is usually enough. For larger events or busy times like holidays and graduations, reach out earlier in the week or the week before so we can prepare everything fresh and reserve your spot.
How much food do I need per person?
A good rule of thumb is about one and a half servings per adult for a full meal, with a small buffer for last-minute guests. Order generously on chips, sauces, and toppings since those get shared across every plate.
Can you handle vegetarian and dietary needs?
Yes. Because we make our meats, beans, sauces, and tortillas from scratch, a build-your-own setup lets every guest customize their plate. We recommend making sure a portion of your order is meat-free so vegetarian guests are covered.
Is burrito catering good for offices?
Burrito catering is one of the easiest office catering ideas because it is filling, portable, and quick to serve. It works great for lunch-and-learns and busy team days when people need to grab something and get back to work.
Related reading: Allergen-Friendly Mexican Food: Menu Explained
Related reading: Restaurant Fundraiser Nights: An Easy Win for Groups
