workplace cafeteria

Workplaces are increasingly launching corporate cafeterias to provide employees with convenient and accessible dining options within the premises. These cafeterias offer numerous benefits for both employers and employees alike. 

From an employer’s perspective, corporate cafeterias can be an effective tool for attracting and retaining top talent. By offering a range of healthy and diverse food options, employers can create a positive work environment that fosters employee well-being and satisfaction.

Additionally, these cafeterias can encourage social interactions and foster a sense of community among coworkers, leading to increased collaboration and teamwork. For employees, corporate cafeterias provide a convenient alternative to off-site lunch breaks, saving valuable time and effort.

All in all, they can promote healthier eating habits by offering nutritious and balanced meals, which can contribute to improved productivity and overall employee health and wellbeing. 

employees in cafeteria

Here are the top corporate cafeteria menu ideas to make launching a company cafeteria fast and easy while making employees happy:

Top Corporate Cafeteria Menu Ideas for Lunch

Superfood Salad Bowl

Introducing the “Superfood Salad Bowl”: The Perfect Workplace Cafeteria Menu Idea
In today’s fast-paced working environment, it is essential for employees to have access to nutritious, flavorful, and fast meals. A great solution for workplace cafeterias is the “Superfood Salad Bowl.” This menu item stands out for its simplicity, nutritional value, and quick preparation time.

The Superfood Salad Bowl is designed to nourish employees with a variety of key nutrients, providing them with sustained energy throughout the day. Packed with a colorful assortment of fresh ingredients, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It features a combination of leafy greens, vibrant vegetables, superfood grains, and a zesty dressing, creating a balanced and fulfilling meal.

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients that make the Superfood Salad Bowl a nutritional powerhouse:

  • Leafy greens: The base of the salad includes an assortment of nutrient-dense greens like spinach, kale, or arugula. These greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium.
  • Colorful vegetables: The salad is then topped with an array of colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. These fresh veggies provide a range of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins to support overall health.
  • Superfood grains: To increase satiety and add texture, the salad includes a serving of superfood grains like quinoa or bulgur. These grains are packed with protein, fiber, and various minerals, contributing to a well-balanced diet.
  • Protein-rich toppings: Adding a protein component is crucial for sustained energy and a feeling of fullness. In the Superfood Salad Bowl, protein options like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas are available, catering to different dietary preferences.
  • Zesty dressing: To tie everything together and enhance the flavors, a tangy dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette or lemon tahini, is drizzled over the salad. These dressings provide healthy fats and additional nutritional benefits.

Regarding its ease and speed of preparation, the Superfood Salad Bowl can be swiftly assembled by cafeteria staff, ensuring employees can enjoy their meal promptly. Preparing the ingredients in advance, pre-washing and chopping vegetables, and having dressings readily available can further expedite the process.

Overall, the Superfood Salad Bowl offers a convenient, nutritious, and delicious option for workplace cafeteria menus. Its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and carefully selected nutrients make it a satisfying choice for employees seeking a quick and wholesome lunch. By fueling employees with this power-packed salad, workplaces can boost productivity, energy levels, and overall employee well-being. 

employee cafeteria menu ideas

Wraps Are a Popular Company Cafeteria Option

Workplace cafeterias play a crucial role in providing convenient and quick meals for employees who desire a satisfying and tasty lunch during their busy workdays. Among the vast array of options available, wraps have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity, variety, and speed of preparation. Let’s explore some easy-to-make and fast types of wraps that workplace cafeterias can offer to meet the demands of their customers.

  1. Classic Caesar Wrap: This wrap is an all-time favorite, usually filled with chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. It can be quickly prepared by grilling or roasting the chicken, tossing it with the ingredients, and wrapping it in a tortilla. The simplicity of this wrap ensures speed without compromising flavor.
  2. Mediterranean Veggie Wrap: This vegetarian option appeals to those seeking a healthy and refreshing lunch. Featuring ingredients such as hummus, cucumber, feta cheese, olives, and bell peppers, this wrap bursts with Mediterranean flavors. It can be quickly assembled by spreading the hummus, arranging the veggies, and rolling it all up in a tortilla.
  3. Buffalo Chicken Wrap: Perfect for those who enjoy a slightly spicy kick, this wrap includes grilled or fried chicken pieces tossed in buffalo sauce, coupled with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing. The chicken can be pre-cooked or marinated in advance for faster preparation. This wrap offers a delicious combination of flavors that can be quickly enjoyed.
  4. BLT Wrap: A classic twist on the traditional BLT sandwich, this wrap features bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It takes little time to cook the bacon, slice the tomatoes, and assemble the ingredients, resulting in a quick and satisfying lunch option.
  5. California Turkey Wrap: Packed with avocado, turkey slices, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, this wrap provides a healthy and delicious option for those looking for a fulfilling yet lighter meal. The components can be prepared in advance, allowing for a swift assembly process.
  6. Grilled Veggie Wrap: A fantastic choice for vegetarians and veggie-lovers, this wrap typically includes grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms, along with some feta cheese and a tangy sauce. The vegetables can be grilled ahead of time, and when combined, create a savory and flavorful wrap.

By offering these different types of wraps, workplace cafeterias can accommodate various dietary preferences, from meat lovers to vegetarians, while ensuring a speedy service. Preparing the key ingredients in advance, such as marinating the chicken or grilling the veggies, can significantly reduce prep time and help cater to the fast-paced nature of workplace lunch breaks. With these tasty and easy-to-make wraps, employees can enjoy a fulfilling and delicious meal in no time.

Best Cafeteria Option for Quick Meals: Quesadillas

 Workplace cafeterias play a vital role in providing employees with delicious and convenient meals, which can boost productivity and morale. When it comes to satisfying hunger quickly, quesadillas are an excellent choice. You could even serve them with soup to provide comfort food cuisine. These mouthwatering Mexican dishes are not only versatile but also easy and fast to make. Here are some different types of quesadillas that workplace cafeterias can offer:

1. Cheese Quesadilla: A classic choice loved by all, the cheese quesadilla is a simple yet delicious option. It involves filling a tortilla with a generous amount of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) and grilling it until the cheese melts and the tortilla turns golden brown. This quick and satisfying option can be served plain or with tangy salsa and sour cream on the side.
2. Chicken Quesadilla: For those seeking a protein-packed option, the chicken quesadilla is a fantastic choice. Grilled chicken strips or shredded chicken can be added to the cheese quesadilla for an extra punch of flavor. Some additional ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños can be included for added texture and taste.
3. Veggie Quesadilla: Ideal for vegetarian or health-conscious individuals, the veggie quesadilla allows for diverse flavor combinations. A medley of sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach can be mixed with cheese and stuffed inside a tortilla. This provides a satisfying and nutritious choice for those looking to include more veggies in their diet.
4. Breakfast Quesadilla: Perfect for the morning rush, the breakfast quesadilla is a quick and hearty option for workplace cafeterias. Scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon can be combined to create a filling and flavorful morning meal. Additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, or even a hint of hot sauce could enhance the taste.
5. Dessert Quesadilla: To satisfy the occasional sweet tooth, workplace cafeterias can offer dessert quesadillas. These delectable treats can be created by spreading Nutella, peanut butter, or even cream cheese on a tortilla and folding it in half. The quesadilla is then pan-fried with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, resulting in a warm, gooey, and indulgent dessert.

employee cafeteria

These are just a few examples of the many varieties of quesadillas that workplace cafeterias can offer. By being easy and fast to make, they allow busy employees to enjoy flavorful meals without sacrificing too much time. The versatility of fillings ensures that there is a quesadilla option to suit everyone’s preferences, whether they crave a simple cheesy delight or a more adventurous combination of ingredients. 

Launching dining options in the workplace requires careful planning and consideration. One important tip is to conduct thorough market research to understand the preferences and needs of employees. This can be done through surveys or focus groups, which will help in determining the types of food and beverages to offer. Some employees might prefer other meal options such as a salad bar, chinese food, sushi, pizza, taco options, comfort foods like meatloaf, or other healthy food options. Consider offering breakfast options and other healthy dishes like a waffle, french toast, or omelet, for example, as a healthy choice.

Additionally, it is vital to create a diverse menu that includes options for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences. This can include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-sodium options to cater to the diverse range of employees. Lastly, it is crucial to set competitive prices that align with the target market and location. Providing quality food at affordable prices will encourage employees to eat onsite rather than seeking alternatives outside of the workplace. 

Lavu is the #1 point of sale option for corporate cafeterias, and is a popular and widely used point of sale system across various industries. It offers features like inventory management, employee management, and reporting, which can be beneficial for corporate cafeterias.