Catering isn’t just about how food tastes anymore—it’s also about the experience. While the open kitchen concept has proven itself valuable over the years, today’s guests are seeking more than just a meal; they desire spectacle alongside their culinary journey. By using action stations, chefs and caterers not only put themselves in the spotlight and showcase their culinary prowess, but they can also tap into the rise of social media and guests’ desires for shareable, engaging experiences. Check out these creative action stations for inspiration during your next event. —Amber Kispert
Rainforest Noodles chef action station | Blue Plate Catering | Photo courtesy Lacour Images
Pork Bao station | Occasions Caterers | Photo courtesy Ronald Flores Photography
Crepe station | Culinary Crafts | Photo courtesy Culinary Crafts
Cloud Cluster Bar station | Pinch Food Design | Photo courtesy Pinch Food Design
Hanging Brochette station | Footers Catering | Photo courtesy Footers Catering
Ice Cream station | LUX Catering & Events | Photo courtesy LUX Catering & Events
Mac n Cheese station | Eatertainment Events & Catering | Photo courtesy Eatertainment Events & Catering
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream station | Footers Catering | Photo courtesy Footers Catering
Mad Scientist Nitro Ice Cream station | Meijer Gardens Culinary Arts & Events at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | Photo courtesy Emily DeKoster
Pour Over Tea station | Occasions Caterers | Photo courtesy Ronald Flores Photography
The Wedge Interaction | Pinch Food Design | Photo courtesy Pinch Food Design
Fried Rice station | Culinary Crafts | Photo courtesy Culinary Crafts
Wine Ballon station | Pinch Food Design | Photo courtesy Pinch Food Design
Brazilian Steakhouse station | SEARCH Foundation Signature Annual Event | Photo courtesy Ivan Piedra Photography/AGNYC Productions, Inc.
Spinning Plate station | Pinch Food Design | Photo courtesy Pinch Food Design
“Foiellipop” station | Travail Kitchen and Amusements | Photo courtesy Travail Kitchen and Amusements
S’mores station | Culinary Crafts | Photo courtesy Culinary Crafts
Doughnut station | Culinary Crafts | Photo courtesy Culinary Crafts
Deep Blue Sea seafood station | Chowgirls Catering | Photo courtesy Chowgirls Catering
