Team Building, Edmonton & Calgary, Alberta

Team Building Catering

Catering is often the item most underestimated in team building budgets. A half-day program with a working lunch and coffee service adds $40–$80 per person to the all-in cost — before the program activity itself.


The right catering format for a team building event depends on the program duration and the goal. For half-day programs (3–4 hours): coffee and light snacks on arrival, a working lunch at the midpoint or conclusion. For full-day programs: breakfast on arrival, working lunch, afternoon snacks and beverages — sometimes a dinner or reception at the end. Each catering point is a budget line item and a logistics task.

For cooking competition formats specifically — where the team building activity is making food — catering works differently. The food produced in the competition often serves as the meal, supplemented by pre-prepared sides and beverages. This is a popular format because it reduces catering cost while increasing program engagement.

Cost breakdown

Coffee and light arrival snacks$18 – $28 / person

Pastries, fruit, hot beverages

Working lunch — sandwich or box format$28 – $45 / person

Includes one non-alcoholic beverage

Buffet lunch — warm options$38 – $65 / person

Hot and cold buffet, beverages

Afternoon snack service$12 – $22 / person

Light snacks and refreshments

Post-event reception — appetizers and bar$45 – $80 / person

2-hour reception format

Full-day catering package$85 – $140 / person

All meals and refreshment breaks included

Common questions

For programs during business hours: generally no. For post-program receptions or year-end team events: yes, with a structure (2-hour hosted bar, then cash bar, or beer and wine only). Programs that include alcohol during the activity itself typically see reduced engagement and more difficult group management. Save it for the social period after the program concludes.

Plan your team building catering

Tell us the date, the headcount, and what you are trying to accomplish. We will come back with an honest assessment.