At Parkhurst Dining, food is our love language. Our roots in the hospitality industry date back more than 75 years — so if we know one thing, it’s food.
While we set out to provide nourishing, delicious meals to our guests every day, we also want to create memorable experiences when it comes to special events. Catering can be a helpful tool in welcoming new guests to campus or to the office through orientation events that foster connection through food.
Here are some examples of how our catering makes new guests feel comfortable:
An Opportunity to Connect and Create a Sense of Home
Once orientation arrives at our higher education locations, the Parkhurst Dining team hits the ground running.
“Orientation is a huge chance for us to connect with students and families,” said Otterbein University General Manager, Bill Cochrane. “For these students, it’s a whole new world, and food creates a sense of home and belonging during this transitional time. Food is universal, comforts us in times of uncertainty, and creates smiles. That is the most important thing we do.”
At Otterbein, the Parkhurst Dining team prepared charcuterie skewers for parents and students as a fun, delicious, and easy treat during what can be an overwhelming day for families.
“These handy on-the-go snacks prove to be a huge hit with incoming students, parents, and our friends in Admissions,” said Cochrane.
A Menu Based Around the Region You’d Be Working In
Similar to orientation, Parkhurst Dining hosted more than 400 interns at one of our Pittsburgh corporate locations, helping these new employees feel welcome in a new environment. Just as food provides a sense of home to college students, it can also represent a sense of connection and belonging in office environments.
“We had the fun idea to base the menu around the region you’d be working in,” says Cassie Shontz, Director of Catering. “For example, the Pittsburgh area would offer pierogies and a cookie table for dinner. East Coast would be cheesecakes and cannoli, and then for the Midwest, we offered a barbecue menu from Slo Smok.”
Each intern received a welcome bag with the company logo on a cookie in addition to a hot lunch with their departments.
Fostering Connection Through Catering
Whether it’s a college campus or a corporate site, every Parkhurst Dining location strives to make new guests feel comfortable through special catered events.
Check out how some of our catering excellence in action below!
