Catering Info

Catering for Schools, Teams & Events

Who we serve

  • Schools without cafeterias (daily/weekly rotations or special events)
  • Athletics & clubs (pregame/postgame meals, tournaments)
  • Camps & youth programs
  • Community events & staff appreciation

We’re local to Lake Norman / Charlotte, NC.

What we offer

  • Hot buffet (chafers & labeled pans) or individually boxed bowls
  • Two portion sizes: Sprout (standard) and Big Sprout (hearty athlete portion)
  • Weekly rotating menus inspired by kid-approved flavors 
  • Clear allergen labels and simple sides (fruit, veggies, rolls)

Popular picks: Teriyaki Chicken Bowls, Taco Bowls, BBQ Chicken Sliders, Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake, Stir-Fry Veg & Rice, Breakfast-for-Lunch (by request)

Ordering timeline

  • Request a date: as early as you can—2–7+ days ahead is ideal
  • Headcount due: 48 hours before service
  • Final changes: up to 24 hours before (after that we’ve begun prep)

Need something last-minute? Contact us and we’ll try to help.

Minimums & group sizes

  • Typical minimum: ~30 servings (Sprout or Big Sprout)
  • Large groups welcome—tell us headcount and we’ll scale.

Delivery, setup & pickup

  • Delivery area: Charlotte & Lake Norman (ask about your ZIP)
  • Windows: we target 15–30 minutes before your serve time (e.g., arrive 4:00 PM for a 4:30 PM pregame meal)
  • Setup options:
    • Drop-off: we deliver, label, and provide simple serving notes
    • Buffet setup: we set out chafers, pans, labels, serving utensils
    • Staffed service (optional): servers can portion to keep the line moving (additional fee)

What’s included

  • Labeled pans with allergen call-outs
  • Serving utensils (spoodles/tongs/ladles appropriate to the menu)
  • Basic disposables on request (plates, napkins, forks)
  • Printed “How to Serve” card with portioning guidance (Sprout vs. Big Sprout)

Have warmers on site? Great—we’ll stage pans for you. No kitchen required.

Dietary & allergens

  • We clearly list: WHEAT/GLUTEN, MILK, EGG, SOY, PEANUT, TREE NUT, FISH, SHELLFISH, SESAME.
  • Many items can be made dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-friendly (not a GF-certified kitchen).
  • We are ServSafe Manager–certified and follow strict handling practices; however, we operate in a shared kitchen and cannot guarantee zero cross-contact.
  • For questions, see Allergens & Ingredients or Contact us before ordering.

Pricing & payments

  • Per-person pricing varies by menu and portion (Sprout vs. Big Sprout)
  • Payment methods: card, ACH/invoice, Venmo, or school PO (by arrangement)
  • Sales tax: applied per NC rules for prepared food
  • Gratuity: optional; tip line available at checkout or on invoice

Share your headcount, portion mix, and menu choice, and we’ll send a simple quote.

Cancellations & weather

  • 72+ hours out: no fee
  • 24–72 hours: ingredients may already be purchased—50% fee
  • <24 hours: prep is underway—100% of food subtotal
  • Weather or school closures: we’ll work with you on rescheduling whenever possible.

Sample pregame timeline (football team example)

  • 3–5 days prior: pick menu & estimate headcount
  • 48 hours prior: lock final count; confirm delivery location & contact
  • Day of (4:00 PM): we deliver & set up buffet
  • 4:30 PM: athletes eat (use Big Sprout scoops for players, Sprout for coaches/managers if desired)
  • Post-service: you keep leftovers; we return later for equipment pickup (if applicable)

Add-ons & upgrades (choose any)

  • Fresh fruit (bananas/oranges), side salad, steamed broccoli/carrots
  • Extra sauce cups, gluten-friendly base (rice), vegetarian protein
  • Drinks (water/sports drinks), dessert bites
  • On-site servers to portion and manage the line

Ready to book?

  • Request a quote: Contact us
  • Email: support@thecleversprouts.com