The Local Advantage: Why Your Choice of Caterer Matters!

We’ve all been there: you’ve meticulously planned an event, sent out the invites, and checked the RSVP list twice. Then, the unexpected happens—your guest list doubles at the last minute.

For many hosts, this is a full-blown nightmare. But for our customers at ANI Cafe, it’s just another opportunity for us to show why choosing a local caterer makes all the difference.

A Real-Life Rescue: From 10 Guests to 20

Just today, we received a call from a client in a bit of a pinch. They had originally planned a small gathering for 10 people, but as the event kicked off, they realized they were closer to 20 guests.

In the world of big corporate catering brands, a last-minute change like this is often met with a "sorry, our system doesn't allow for same-day adjustments." But at ANI Cafe, we operate differently.

Because we are a local Belmont business, we were able to:

• Pivot instantly: We skipped the corporate red tape and went straight to the kitchen.

• Scale the order: We prepared, cooked, and wrapped extra portions of our fresh Mediterranean favorites.

• Meet the deadline: The extra food was ready and waiting before the client even arrived for pickup!

Why "Local" Means Better Service

When you choose a local caterer over a national chain, you aren't just supporting your community—you’re buying agility.

• Flexibility: While big brands have rigid systems, we are able to pivot on a dime.

• Communication: You talk to real people who know your name, not call centers.

• Quality Control: Our food is hand-prepared with local care, not mass-produced.

• Community Impact: Your support stays right here in the Belmont economy.

"Agility is a key differentiator for local businesses. Being able to respond to a client's last-minute needs is how we build lasting partnerships in the Belmont community."

Don't Let Your Guests Go Hungry

Whether you’re hosting an office lunch, a family reunion, or a last-minute get-together, you deserve a catering partner that works as hard as you do. Don’t get stuck in a "system" when you can work with a team that values your event’s success as much as you do.

Plan Your Next Event with ANI Cafe

Ready to experience the Mediterranean flavors and local reliability that Belmont loves? Let’s make your next gathering stress-free!

• Visit Us: 687 Belmont St, Belmont, MA

• Order Online: https://orderfromani.com/

• Contact Us: Reach out today to discuss your custom event needs.

How Much Food Do I Need for Catering? (The 2026 Boston Guide)

One of the biggest anxieties of hosting an event—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate lunch, or a family milestone—is the fear of running out of food. We’ve all been to that one party where the last few people in line are left with nothing but a scoop of rice and a garnish.

At ANI Cafe, we call this the ultimate catering "red flag." To help you host a seamless, stress-free event, we’re breaking down the math of the main course.

The Magic Number: 6–8 oz of Cooked Protein

If you want to ensure your guests are truly satisfied, the industry gold standard is 6–8 oz of cooked protein per person.

It sounds simple, but hitting this mark consistently is what separates a "good" meal from a "great" experience. Here is why we swear by this range:

1. Guaranteed Guest Satisfaction

A hearty 6–8 oz serving is the "sweet spot" for satiety. It’s enough to ensure your guests feel full and energized, but not so much that they feel sluggish. Whether it’s our flame-grilled kebabs or slow-roasted shawarma, this portion size provides a premium experience for every plate.

2. Visible Value for Your Budget

When you invest in catering, you are investing in your guests' experience. You want to see that budget reflected on the plate. Skimping on protein often makes a catering spread look "thin." By prioritizing generous portions, we ensure that every dollar you spend is visible and delicious.

3. The "Buffet Line" Peace of Mind

Nothing kills the energy of an event faster than the "buffet panic"—that moment the host realizes the trays are almost empty and there are still ten people left to serve. By planning for 8 oz per person, you build in a natural buffer that accounts for those with larger appetites or second helpings.

Pro Tips for a Balanced Plate

While the protein is the star of the show, a truly meaningful meal is about the balance. To complement your ANI Cafe favorites, we recommend:

• Two Sides: A mix of a starch (like our signature rice) and a fresh vegetable/salad.

• The "Half-Plate" Rule: Encourage guests to fill half their plate with greens and the other half with protein and grains for the perfect nutritional balance.

Plan Your Next Event with ANI Cafe

Don't let your guests leave hungry. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a massive celebration, we’re here to help you get the math right every time.

Ready to impress your guests? [Browse our Catering Menu here] or text us today to discuss a custom package tailored to your guest list.

We CRUSH Last Minute Family Dinner Catering

It’s 5 PM. Everyone’s hungry. You’re exhausted. You definitely don’t want to cook.
That’s where we come in.

At ANI Catering & Cafe, we save Boston families from dinner disasters every single day. Fresh, flavorful, Middle Eastern meals delivered fast… even when you need it right now.

The “We Forgot About Dinner” Rescue Story 🏆

A family calls us in full panic.

“We have 15 people coming over… PLEASE HELP!”

Kebabs hit the grill. Rice gets fluffy. Fresh salad chopped. Hummus scooped. In under one hour, we have a beautiful family-style feast at their door. Everyone smiles. The hosts look like legends.

Middle Eastern Food Is the Ultimate Family Meal

✅ Travels perfectly

Grilled kebabs, rice, shawarma, dips… everything arrives hot and delicious.

✅ Zero work required

No chopping. No plating. No dishes.
Just grab a plate and enjoy.

✅ Everybody loves it

Kids devour chicken and rice.
Adults crave hummus and salads.
Vegetarians, gluten-free, dairy-free… all covered.

Dinner crisis? Solved.

Our Most Popular Family Style Meals ❤️

• Family Style Feast
  Kebabs + Rice + Salad + Hummus + Pita
• Shawarma Dinner Spread
  Chicken or Beef, pickled veggies, garlic sauce
• Falafel Feast (Vegan)
  Crispy falafel + fresh salads + tahini
• Mix & Match Platters
  Build the perfect spread for picky eaters

Why Boston Families Count On Us

• We cook everything fresh daily
• We deliver fast during busy dinner hours
• Our portions fill everyone up
• You get family-owned hospitality with every bite

Perfect For:

• Last-minute family gatherings
• Guests dropping by unexpectedly
• Weekend dinners without cooking
• Celebrating good report cards 🍎
• When you simply need a break (you deserve it)

Serving Boston Families For 30 Years

My father still hand-skewers the kebabs every morning.
A family restaurant feeding other families.
It’s who we are.

Ready For Stress-Free Dinner?

📞 Call ANI Catering & Cafe: (617)484-6161
📍 Belmont, Watertown, Boston, Cambridge, Watertown 🧆 Delicious food. Zero prep. Everyone’s happy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How fast can you deliver?

Most family meals can be delivered within 60–90 minutes depending on size and distance.

Are your meals kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Parents tell us kebabs and rice are picky-eater approved.

Can you handle dietary needs?

Yes. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal options.

Do you include plates and utensils?

Yes. We make hosting effortless.

What’s the minimum order?

Most dinners for 6+ people qualify for delivery.

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We CRUSH Last Minute Office Caterings

If you’re in Boston and suddenly realize your meeting starts in an hour and the team is expecting lunch… breathe. You’re in the right place. At ANI Catering & Cafe, last-minute office catering is not just something we can do. It’s something we love doing.

The Office Manager Panic Button Story 🔥

This happens all the time. An office manager calls, voice shaking, whisper-yelling:

“We forgot lunch… we have 20 people… can you help us?!”

My father and I share a quick look. The “we got this” look.

Chicken kebabs hit the grill. Rice gets fluffed. Fresh salad chopped, hummus scooped—perfectly creamy and ready to impress. In under 60 minutes, we have a full Middle Eastern feast headed your way. The office hero gets their cape back, and no one knows how close lunchtime came to disaster.

Why Middle Eastern Food Saves the Day

✅ It travels flawlessly

Grilled kebabs, saffron rice, warm pita, hummus, garlic sauces… our food was born to travel. Flavors stay bold. Texture stays perfect.

✅ Minimal prep, massive flavor

We prep throughout the day. That means no long waits, no complicated finishing steps. You call. We assemble. You feast.

✅ Everyone LOVES it

Vegetarians? Covered. Gluten-free? Easy. Dairy-free? No problem.
Middle Eastern cuisine is one of the most diet-friendly catering options in Boston.

Perfect For Every Boston Office

We support:

• Pharmaceutical lunch-and-learns
• Tech company “please don’t quit us” meals
• University department celebrations
• Client presentations where food needs to impress
• Last-minute lunches when someone 🫣 forgot to order

(We won’t tell anyone.)

We Know Boston. We Feed Boston.

We’ve been a family-run Middle Eastern restaurant for nearly 30 years. My father still hand-skewers kebabs every morning. We take pride in showing up for this city, especially when timing gets tight.

Short Notice? Challenge Accepted.

Call us with one hour, two hours, same morning—we will move mountains (and lots of shawarma) to take care of you.

⭐ Popular Last-Minute Catering Packages

• Chicken & Beef Kebab Platters
• Falafel Trays (Vegan ❤️)
• Family Style Feast: Rice, hummus, salad & sauces
• Shawarma Platters that spark joy
• Fresh-baked pita and dips for days

Office Managers Choose Us Because:

• We answer the phone
• We deliver exactly when we say we will
• We make them look like superheroes
• We handle everything so they can get back to work

Book Your Last-Minute Catering Now

Even if your meeting is in an hour.
Even if your team doubled overnight.
Even if your CEO just texted you “food?” and sent a thumbs-up emoji.

📞 Call ANI Catering & Cafe: (617)484-6161 📍 Serving Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and surrounding areas
🧆 Middle Eastern catering that never disappoints

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How fast can you deliver last-minute catering in Boston?

We can typically prepare and deliver office catering within 60–90 minutes depending on distance and order size.

What dietary restrictions can you accommodate?

We offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal Middle Eastern food that works for most diets.

What areas do you deliver to?

We deliver throughout Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, and surrounding areas. Call to confirm your location.

Do you provide serving utensils and plates?

Yes. We include plates, napkins, utensils, and serving tongs for all orders at no extra charge.

Is there a minimum order?

Minimums can vary based on distance, but most office orders for 10+ people qualify easily.

𝟱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗥𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝘅 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺)

I’ve been catering for offices in Boston for 15 years. 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝟯𝟬.

Here’s what I WISH office managers would do differently when they order food for the company.

It’s not so much that the food they’re ordering isn’t good quality or it’s not being delivered on time. It’s that they could be getting so much more from their orders just by implementing these 5 tweaks.

Now will these tweaks make bad tasting food magically taste better? No. But it may open up a line of communication between you and the caterer that will lead to EVEN BETTER food for your office.

What are these 5 mistakes, and the tweaks I recommend to squeeze more out of your next order?

Well, let’s start with the mistakes...

1️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

If you're going online and trying to click and scroll your way to a tasty meal, it will only work when trying to SEARCH for the place. Once a place catches your attention, that's when you should stop scrolling...

2️⃣ 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 "𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲"

If you're trying to save time by multitasking the order, navigating the menu on ezCater then doing something else, forgetting you didn't get guac, and by accident ordered pork instead of carne asada, trust me, there's a much easier way. 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘.

3️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Grubhub and ezCater will tell you what everyone else is ordering for sure. At our place its usually Chicken Shawarma and Falafel. Great options. Very, VERY popular. What if I told you that our Chicken Kabob is what I would recommend more for caterings? 🤫 If you had talked to the owner they would've gave you their recommendation based on how far you are and which option serves more efficiently.

4️⃣ 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗛𝗣 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲"

Don't be tricked by all the carbs. Carbs are OUT. Protein is in. If you're ordering catering and the package contains all carbs, you're asking for a disaster. The people want PROTEIN, and at least 6 oz of it if not more during lunch. We follow the "Half Pound Rule". We ALWAYS factor about half a pound of uncooked meat per person. Ask your caterer how much protein they usually account for per person.

5️⃣ 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁

Have them send you a 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘. What you may not realize is that most caterers, at least our company, will send you a sampling for at least a few people so that you can try them out, especially if they know it's for a large group.

We will actually do this. Don't believe me?

Send me a message using the form below and say send me a sample and where/when to send it 😊