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Business & Tech

The Grad Party: Five Local Caterers Can Help Provide the Best Spread

You've already done the hard work by graduating. Let the professionals take care of your catering needs so you enjoy the party!

Now that the diplomas have been handed out, most grads are now looking toward their open houses for family and friends to share in the celebration.

So, what are you serving your guests? You don't know?

No worries. Richfield Patch has a few local ideas that will be tasty and affordable.

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If you're looking to do something tasty and simple, has deli trays available to customize with a variety of different meats and cheeses to give your spread something for everybody. If you're looking to pick up a tasty desert, Rainbow's sheet cakes are a sweet way to feed a lot of people without spending too much. In addition to the cold deli trays, bulk fried chicken and salads are available.

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According to Darwin McQuarter, the store's director, Rainbow's balloon selection is popular, too, making it easy for shoppers to get all the food and decorations in one stop.

Obviously prices depend on customization and amount. If you're looking to place your order, the store recommends doing so three days to a week in advance.

The only thing better than Chinese food is Chinese food in bulk. Make your grad party unique by ordering from . All of the favorites are available in large sizes: Cheese puffs, egg rolls, wings, pot stickers, salads, fried rice and noodles.

The prices vary based on specifics, and local stores don't provide delivery, however, delivery can be an option when ordering directly from the corporate location. Silverware, plates, napkins and fortune cookies are included. Hopefully, your grad's cookie holds good fortune.


Richfield Manager Dana Itman has grad parties on the brain since she is currently making plans for one in her own house. For a homestyle hot buffet with chicken and two sides, Boston Market is the place to order.

According to Itman, the price ends up being about $9.95 per person, and grad partiers receive $25 off of a $100 order and delivery. The price includes silverware, plates, condiments and cornbread. There are also desserts and beverages available.

has been a Twin Cities staple for many years, and everyone loves the vaguely Italian dish. With so many toppings available, it's easy to get a big, crowd-pleasing spread.

Richfield's Broadway Pizza offers a special for bulk orders, whether it's for a grad party or company meeting. Orders of 10 pizzas or more are 10% off, so pick your unique favorites plus classic pepperoni and dish out slices all day.

is delicious in individual servings, so you know it will be amazing in large amounts. Shift Leader Melissa Whitaker said she has seen a trend in hoagies for grad parties.

"Right now, what's been really big has been the party trays and group salads," she said. "[But] ,it depends on your style and what you're looking for."

If you're not feeling the sandwiches, Davanni's also has lasagna and pasta pans for around $50 and the hoagie trays have six full sandwiches, cut into quarters, for $40. One of these food plates and pans will typically feed about 12 people.

Since you can't forget dessert, Davanni's also has bulk brownies; and for a fiscal treat, Davanni's offers 15% off grad party orders. They prefer having at least two days notice to prepare the order. And, if you're looking for a place to host the party, Davanni's in Richfield has two party rooms available for booking.

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