Planning a Memorial Luncheon Catering Menu in Pittsburgh

Keep the Service Simple

A memorial luncheon asks a family to host while they are grieving, so the best catering plan is the one that asks the least of them on the day. Choose a format that guests can serve themselves with little supervision, such as a buffet with clearly marked dishes or boxed lunches that can be handed out. A single entree and two or three sides is usually enough. Many families find that a shorter menu is easier to set up and easier for guests to understand, and it leaves more time for conversation.

Think about the space as well as the food. If the luncheon is held at a church hall, funeral home, or family home, ask whether there is a table for food, a place for coffee, and enough seating for older guests. A simple layout with the buffet at one end and the drinks at the other keeps the line from backing up into the room.

Choose Foods Guests Will Recognize

Memorial luncheons bring together people of many ages and backgrounds, and some guests will have never tried Mediterranean food before. Familiar choices help. Rice bowls over Lebanese rice, pita wraps, and fresh vegetables are approachable and filling. Hummus with pita and house-made baba ganoush give people something to share at the table. Our chicken shawarma is hand-stacked and halal per our menu, and it works well for guests who want a hearty plate.

Offer at least one option that does not rely on a single protein. Our gluten-free vegan falafel and hummus make a good plate for vegetarian guests, and the rice bowls can be built without meat. Pita contains gluten, so label that dish clearly and keep a bowl option nearby for anyone avoiding it.

• Plan one entree, two or three sides, and one dessert if you want one.
• Put small cards in front of each dish that name the ingredients and the dietary status.
• Keep napkins, plates, and cups stacked at the start of the line.
• Ask someone from the family to be the contact for the caterer, so guests are not asking questions to the staff.

Set a Timeline Around the Service

Memorial services often end at a set time, and guests tend to arrive in a rush and then leave in waves. Ask the funeral director or church office when the service ends and how long the reception room is available. For large orders we ask for at least 24 to 48 hours notice, so confirm the headcount early, then update it once the family knows who is traveling. A common starting point is to plan a little extra food for a reception, since some guests come directly from a long drive. Treat that as a rule of thumb, not a promise.

Plan for the food to be ready before the service ends. If we deliver, confirm who will receive the order and where the food should be placed. Pickup is always free, which can help when a family member or friend wants to collect the order and keep the schedule in their own hands.

Make the Day Easier for the Family

The most useful thing a caterer can do is remove decisions from the family. Ask us to bring serving spoons, labeled trays, and enough cups and napkins to cover the whole room, then confirm the final headcount with one person. If the family wants a more formal setup with servers, contact us to discuss full-service options. You can review our catering options and the menu before you decide, and our team can help you choose a simple lineup.

If you are planning a luncheon now, call (412) 251-1279. We understand that these plans often come together quickly, and we will help you keep the menu clear and the setup straightforward.