Most catering decisions come down to a few basic questions. What do we serve? How does it get there? Will people actually enjoy it? If you are planning a breakfast or brunch event in St. Louis, those questions have straightforward answers when you work with a kitchen that has been doing this for nearly 40 years.
Chris’ Pancake and Dining has been catering breakfast and lunch events across St. Louis since 1987. Corporate teams, family celebrations, birthday brunches, baby showers, reunions, and everything in between. This guide walks through exactly how to plan it, what to think about, and what makes a catered breakfast worth showing up for.
Start with the Guest List
The most common mistake in catering planning is choosing the menu before thinking through who is actually eating. Headcount matters for the obvious reasons, but the composition of the group matters just as much. A corporate team of 20 downtown professionals has different expectations than a multigenerational family reunion of 60 people.
Before you look at a single menu option, get clear on three things: how many people, what kind of event, and what format makes the most sense for the space. Once you have those answers, the rest of the planning falls into place.
Choose the Right Catering Format
Not all catering events are the same, and the format you choose affects the experience as much as the food itself.
Buffet Style
The most flexible format for almost any event. Food is set up centrally and guests serve themselves. Works well for corporate breakfasts, team meetings, and family gatherings where people are moving around naturally. Easy to manage and no timing pressure.
Individually Boxed Meals
The right choice for working events, office deliveries, and situations where people are eating at a desk or in a space without a shared table. Clean, practical, and ready to go with no setup required on your end.
Live Omelet Bar
A Chris’ team member comes to your location and makes omelets to order. Guests choose their toppings. Of all the catering formats available, this is the one that gets mentioned afterward. It is not just food. It is an experience built into the event, and it works for celebrations, team events, and any occasion where you want the catering to feel like something more than a meal drop.
Platter and Spread Setup
Platters of pancakes, French toast, casseroles, and sides arranged for a group to share. Great for celebrations, social brunches, and events where the food is part of the gathering. The Best of Both Worlds platter, twelve pancakes and six slices of French toast with topping choices, is one of the most requested formats for weekend events.
Build a Menu That Works for Everyone
The range of the Chris’ catering menu is one of the things that sets it apart from the standard catering options in St. Louis. This is not coffee and bagels from a box. The menu spans traditional breakfast classics, bold originals, globally influenced options, and full lunch formats, all available for the same event.
For traditional crowds, the Classic Breakfast Package covers cage-free eggs, your choice of meat, pancakes, and potato or fresh fruit. For groups that want something different, the Breakfast Fried Rice, the Tower Grove casserole, and the HK Egg Soufflé at The Docket are the dishes that get talked about after the event. For events that run into the afternoon, hot boxed lunches, sandwich trays, and full meal boxes with sides extend the menu well past the morning.
View the full Watson Road catering menu and the Docket catering menu for complete options at both locations.
Think Through the Logistics Early
A few things worth nailing down before you place the order.
Lead Time
Standard catering orders need at least 24 to 48 hours notice. Large events, live omelet bars, and custom requests need more time, typically 72 hours or longer. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on format and menu options.
Delivery vs. Pickup
Delivery is available from both locations with a minimum order requirement and a service fee. Pickup is available if you prefer to handle transport yourself. For events within close range of either location, pickup can simplify the logistics considerably.
Space and Setup
For buffet events, think through where the food will be set up. A conference room table, a folding table near the entrance, or a dedicated catering area all work. For the live omelet bar, you need space for a chef to work and a line for guests to move through. The Chris’ team can help you think through what works best for your specific space.
Headcount
Confirm your final headcount before placing the order. Buffet formats have flexibility for a few extra guests, but individually boxed orders are portioned precisely. Getting the count right avoids both shortage and waste.
Private Events at the Restaurant
If you would rather bring the group to Chris’ than bring Chris’ to the group, both locations have private event options.
The Watson Road location has a private dining room available for hosted events. It works well for smaller celebrations, team events, and any occasion where you want a dedicated space with the full menu and staff. The Docket downtown is available for private events after regular business hours, which makes it a practical option for firms, organizations, and groups in the downtown corridor.
Reserve the Watson Road private dining room or The Docket for a private event downtown.
Watson Road Breakfast and Lunch Catering
Watson Road catering covers the South City and surrounding area. The full breakfast lineup, the full lunch menu, and all catering formats are available from this location. Delivery is available throughout the St. Louis area.
View the Watson Road catering menu, start your catering order, or contact us for a custom event inquiry.
Docket Breakfast and Lunch Catering in Downtown St. Louis
The Docket at 100 N. Tucker Blvd serves the downtown St. Louis corridor directly. The catering menu includes Docket-exclusive items including egg souffles, UFO burritos, and specialty mimosas by the liter alongside the full breakfast and lunch lineup available for catered events.
View the Docket catering menu or contact us to discuss a downtown catering event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breakfast Catering in St. Louis
What types of events does Chris’ cater in St. Louis?
Corporate breakfasts, office meetings, birthday brunches, baby showers, family reunions, graduation parties, and private dining events at both locations. If there is a group that needs feeding, we have done it.
What is the most popular catering format?
The live omelet bar is mentioned more than anything else. Individually boxed meals are the most practical for working office events. The Best of Both Worlds platter is the most requested option for celebrations and weekend gatherings.
How far in advance should I book catering in St. Louis?
At least 48 to 72 hours for standard orders. The live omelet bar and larger custom events need more lead time. Earlier is always better, especially for weekend events when availability fills quickly.
Does Chris’ deliver catering in St. Louis?
Yes. Catering delivery is available throughout the St. Louis area from both the Watson Road and Docket locations. A minimum order and delivery fee apply. Contact us to confirm delivery range for your specific address.
Does Chris’ offer private dining for catered events?
Yes. The Watson Road location has a private dining room for hosted events. The Docket is available for private events after regular business hours. Both locations offer the full catering menu for private event formats.
What lighter options are available for breakfast catering?
Fresh fruit, cage-free egg preparations, and a full range of sides are available alongside the heartier options. The menu works for groups with a mix of preferences. Let us know when you order if your group has specific dietary needs and the team will work through it with you.
