Best McDonald’s Catering Alternatives (Because Your Office Deserves Better)

Let’s be honest: McDonald’s is convenient, cheap, and familiar — and for certain impromptu lunches it can absolutely get the job done. But when you start talking about feeding teams on a regular basis, managing dietary needs, or just serving food people actually look forward to, there are better ways to cater a lunch or event.

Fast Food Catering Isn't Great Long-Term

Ordering 50 Big Macs and Chick McNuggets on a Monday morning will fill stomachs — and that’s fine for one-off situations — but it quickly starts to fall apart when you think about:

• Variety: Not everyone wants the same two sandwiches.
• Dietary needs: Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free? Fast-food menus are limited.
• Consistency: A franchise’s catering ability varies wildly by location.
• Presentation: Sometimes you’re doing a training session with clients, not just feeding your internal team.

And most importantly, feeding people the same thing week after week gets old fast.

CaterCow's Favorite McDonald's Catering Alternatives by Market

We asked our 5-star account management team what they reccomend for a McDonald's alternative and they shared their favorite affordable, filling options for office teams.

McDonald's Catering Alternatives in Atlanta

1. Go Greek with a mezze spread from Sinbad Mediterranean Grill. Affordable price at $8.76 per person (and a lot healthier).
2. For when the Braves are playing, consider hot dog catering from Hudson Grille. At $9.95 per person, you'll stay at the McDonald's level budget.

McDonald's Catering Alternatives in Austin

1. DoubleDave's Handcrafted Pizza Rolls satisfy the need for grab & go catering without hurting the budget at $4.00 per person.
2. Bring out the wet wipes with buffalo wing catering from Happy Chicks. 1 order of 50 wings serves about 10 people and comes in at $6.90 per person.

McDonald's Catering Alternatives in Boston

1. Ditch the french fries and opt for pretzel catering trays from Philly Pretzel Factory. 1 party tray serves 20 people for $3.75 per person.
2. Savory empanada catering from Las Palmas Restaurant are loved by office managers for their grab & go format and price of just $7.50 per person.

McDonald's Catering Alternatives in Chicago

1. Want fast food, but not burgers? Try ordering a Chick-fil-A boxed meal. Entree, chips, cookie for < $15 per person.
2. For a healthy, affordable alternative Palmita's Cal-Mex Bowls are a crowd-pleaser even with meat-forward companies at $12.90 per person