Durham, North Carolina

Catering pickup & delivery in Durham

Compare 15 top-rated caterers for team lunches, office meals, and group orders in Durham, North Carolina.

15 verified caterers
Pickup & delivery

Durham's catering scene has evolved dramatically alongside the city's transformation from tobacco town to tech and research hub — the Bull City now boasts one of the most celebrated food scenes in the Southeast. James Beard Award-winning restaurants, a deep Southern BBQ tradition, and a farm-to-table movement powered by Piedmont farms have put Durham on the national culinary map. The city's caterers serve a market shaped by Duke University, Research Triangle Park, and a creative community that values local sourcing and culinary innovation.

Catering prices in Durham offer excellent value — expect $13–$26 per person for drop-off lunch packages and $28–$60+ for full-service events. Durham's prices are slightly above Raleigh but well below DC and Atlanta for comparable quality. BBQ and Southern menus are the most affordable, while the growing Downtown and Brightleaf Square fine dining scene provides premium options that have earned national recognition.

Durham's catering demand is driven by Duke University and Duke Health (the city's largest employers), Research Triangle Park (the largest research park in the country), and a booming tech and biotech corridor. Downtown, RTP, and the Duke campus generate steady corporate lunch volume, while a packed calendar of Durham Bulls games, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, and the city's vibrant arts scene keeps caterers booked year-round.

1

Nosh Durham

American

Durham staple near Duke University since 1999 offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees. Known for catering to Duke campus events and local businesses with quick, reliable delivery.

Daily office lunchBudget-friendlyLast-minute orders
2

Piper's in the Park

American

RTP-area cafe serving fresh handmade sandwiches, salads, and daily specials with catering for groups of 10 to 300. Sister concept to Nosh, operating since 1999 with reliable breakfast and lunch delivery.

Daily office lunchBreakfast & brunchBudget-friendly
3

The Original Q Shack

BBQ

Durham BBQ institution since 2003 serving slow-smoked pork, brisket, turkey, and scratch-made sides. Offers affordable catering packages for groups of 20 or more with delivery across the Triangle.

Large groupsBudget-friendlyTeam celebrations
4

Backyard BBQ Pit

BBQ

Award-winning Durham pit-cooked barbecue spot featured in Southern Living and by Bobby Flay. Specializes in pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and classic Southern sides for catering events of all sizes.

Large groupsTeam celebrationsBudget-friendly
5

Hope Valley Diner & Catering Co.

Southern

Full-service Durham caterer offering Southern comfort cuisine from cast-iron breakfasts to elegant plated dinners. Provides boxed lunches, buffets, and complete bar service for corporate and private events.

Executive meetingsLarge groupsBreakfast & brunch
6

Sage & Swift Gourmet Catering

American

Locally owned Durham caterer with over 20 years of experience specializing in weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Known for gourmet seasonal menus and professional full-service catering.

Executive meetingsLarge groupsTeam celebrations
7

Cannon Catering

American

Family-owned, award-winning caterer serving the Raleigh-Durham area since 1999. Offers fresh corporate lunch menus, breakfast spreads, banquet service, and seasonal specials for events of all sizes.

Daily office lunchBreakfast & brunchLarge groups
8

Catering By Design

American

Upscale full-service caterer established in 2000 serving the Research Triangle with over 20 years of experience. Offers boxed lunches, buffets, plated meals, and bartending for corporate and social events.

Executive meetingsLarge groupsDietary accommodations
9

Goorsha

Ethiopian

Modern Ethiopian restaurant in Durham's Brightleaf Square offering traditional dishes like tibs and doro wot made with local organic ingredients. Provides catering with communal platters and vegan options.

Dietary accommodationsHealth-consciousTeam celebrations
10

Apple Spice Catering

American

National boxed lunch delivery specialist with a local Raleigh-Durham location. Serves individually packaged meals with fresh-baked bread, premium meats, soups, and salads for corporate meetings and events.

Daily office lunchLast-minute ordersBudget-friendly
11

Rocky Top Catering

American

Premier full-service caterer founded in 1998 serving the Triangle area with award-winning food for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Offers everything from delivery catering to formal plated service.

Executive meetingsLarge groupsTeam celebrations
12

Byrd's BBQ

BBQ

Family-owned Durham barbecue landmark established in 1959 serving Southern-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for classic BBQ plates, homemade sides, and catering for events of all sizes.

Budget-friendlyLarge groupsBreakfast & brunch
13

Empire Eats Catering

Multi-concept

Raleigh-Durham hospitality group combining menus from The Pit, Gravy, Sitti, and Raleigh Times restaurants. Offers BBQ, Italian, and Mediterranean catering with buffet packages, food truck, and full-service options.

Large groupsTeam celebrationsDietary accommodations
14

Wilkerson Catering & Co.

Southern

Durham-based caterer specializing in refined Southern cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Offers custom menus from backyard BBQ to elegant plated dinners for weddings and private events.

Team celebrationsLarge groupsExecutive meetings
15

Chophouse BBQ & Catering

BBQ

Chef-driven Durham BBQ caterer specializing in slow-cooked Eastern NC barbecue and soul food. Operates a fully mobile kitchen bringing award-winning smoked meats to corporate events, weddings, and parties.

Team celebrationsLarge groupsLast-minute orders

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