They don't always cater extra-large events, but they have. Food For Thought was the caterer for the University of Chicago commencement—with 12,000 guests.
But with 350 employees and nearly 30 years of experience, the Lincolnwood-based company is the perfect choice for events of any size.
And that definitely includes gay weddings.
"We cater all events, from small house parties to large galas, corporate and social events," said David Bunte, the senior sales consultant for Food For Thought. "We offer a boutique style of service for all of our clients, no matter what the size and scope of their event. Our menus are diverse, offering all different cuisines and our style is more reflective of contemporary restaurants in preparation and presentation. We consider ourselves trendsetters in the catering industry and our reputation is highly regarded in our diverse client base. We know that each event's goal and feel is different and work with each client to create customized plans to achieve those visions."
Bunte, 54, who lives in the Gold Coast, has worked at Food For Thought for 19 years. Some of the major annual events catered over the years by Food For Thought include the Celestial Ball at the Adler Planetarium, Lincoln Park Zoo Ball, Brookfield Zoo Ball, Ravinia Gala, Women's Board of the Field Museum Gala, and more.
Bunte said Food For Thought strives for "personalized commitment in planning, menu development, customization [and] flawless execution." He added that the company is driven to "making sure you achieve your vision."
"We pride ourselves on working with each client individually," he said. "It's so much different than walking into a restaurant and ordering off the menu. We need to get to know you and your needs before suggesting a culinary and service direction. We do pride ourselves on being a chameleon for our clients as the food that day or night represents them. Whether a dish with roots in traditional preparations or molecular gastronomy, our specials change daily."
Food For Thought has a sales team of 17 and a culinary team of more than 40.
The Food For Thought "Hospitality Group" offers daily food service solutions for a number of different applications, Bunte said. For instance:
—Subsidized corporate dining programs.
—University dining programs.
—Amenity solutions for dining in a corporate office setting.
—Golf club dining management programs.
—Museum dining and special event programs.
"Food plays an integral role in defining the brand of an entity," Bunte said. "Our commitment to creating higher end programs that define a brand people want differentiates us. Our size allows us both the resources to provide these services and be nimble enough to be both flexible and creative."
Food For Thought also has a delivered catering division.
"As with the other services we offer, we understand that food and the experience it provides is integral to getting results," Bunte said. "Our delivered product line provides a more cost-effective solution [than] fully catered meetings and events. Our menus have just recently been overhauled to reflect a more creative and contemporary approach to these events."
Those new menus will launch April 1.
Bunte said Food For Thought has "always been proud supporters of the gay community and are thrilled with their inclusion [in weddings], something that should have occurred a long time ago."
"We do not see any difference in how the gay community approaches their wedding day from our current clients. Will it impact the volume of weddings we produce? We definitely feel it will, but remain committed to our history of excellence in catering, whether the client is straight or gay."
So why go the Food For Thought route?
"Aside from being a staunch supporter of the community over the years, our customized approach toward special events allow each couple to create and [an] experience that defines them on one of the most special days of their lives, and make it worry free."
