2022 Best On-Premise Catering: A University Presidential Inauguration

For this large University Presidential Inauguration event Chartwells faced obstacles with designing a floor plan, menus and service styles. They decided on a large outdoor tent, and then the floor was divided into four quadrants/sections. The menu was designed to be replicated in each quadrant, to eliminate the need to move across the tent. Following the client’s menu request of serving cheese, fruit and crackers, rather than having sliced cheeses and fruit displayed on a platter with crackers, Chartwells procured some "dual" cups that had a divider.  Chartwells sliced the cheese into "sticks" and added in some thin breadsticks as the crackers on one side of the cup, and then on the other side they added in the fruit/berries with a mini fork. They were also able to use this same concept for charcuterie. Since the school’s colors were green and gold, Chartwells decided to use gold shelves for displaying the appetizers, with accents of green used within the menu. The event also featured custom-made green macaroon walls. 

Chartwells' efforts paid off as they walked away with the ACE Award for Best On-Premise Catering during the 2022 awards ceremony (held in Anaheim, Calif. during Catersource + The Special Event.)

"Our teams have been on the forefront of how we adapt to change," according to Chartwells' entry. "Keeping our associates and guests safe is most important to us. We creatively look at how we design our events, menus, serving vessels and our presentation style and floor plans to allow for modifications from our traditional services." 

You can follow in Chartwells' footsteps by submitting your own event to be considered for this year's ACE Awards. Submissions are now being accepted for the Catersource 2023 Achievement in Catered Events awards (ACE)!  We invite you to submit your best work from the past year. Join in the excitement and the spirit of our industry as we celebrate the hard work and exceptional accomplishments of our peers.

Bao Bun. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton

Short rib, micro carrot and mash. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton

Dual cup, allowed Chartwells to serve cheese & crackers and charcuterie style of appetizers. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton

Six-foot treat wall featuring school colored macaroons. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton

The new President's favorite dessert is Key-Lime pie. Photo courttesy Chef Melodie Thornton

Chartwells served snacks & sandwiches for the President's family in between events. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton

Family snack & sandwich room. Photo courtesy Valerie Vo

Sparkling Nnon-alcoholic Punch. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton

Chocolate Shooter Dessert. Photo courtesy Chef Melodie Thornton