Catering FAQ
CAN YOU HELP US BUILD A MENU FOR OUR EVENT?
Absolutely. We work with every client to build a menu that fits the event, group size, service style, and atmosphere they're looking for.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK CATERING?
We recommend reaching out as early as possible for weddings, holiday parties, and large events, especially during busy seasons. We'll always do our best to accommodate last-minute catering requests when availability allows.
WHERE DOES BUSY BEES PROVIDE CATERING?
Busy Bees provides catering throughout Santa Cruz County and parts of the Central Coast, including Capitola, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Scotts Valley, Soquel, Watsonville, and surrounding communities.
DO YOU MAKE FOOD FROM SCRATCH?
Many of our menu items are made in house, including our breads, pastries, cinnamon rolls, challah French toast, sauces, and salad dressings.
DO YOU USE LOCAL INGREDIENTS?
Whenever possible, yes. We work with local farms and seasonal ingredients throughout Santa Cruz County, including eggs from Glaum Ranch.
WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS DOES BUSY BEES CATER?
We cater weddings, office lunches, brunches, celebrations of life, birthday parties, school events, holiday parties, family gatherings, community events, and large group celebrations throughout Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast.
DO YOU OFFER BBQ AND TACO BAR CATERING?
Yes. BBQ catering and taco bars are some of our most popular options for weddings, backyard parties, work events, and casual gatherings throughout the Central Coast.
DO YOU OFFER BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH CATERING?
Yes. Breakfast and brunch catering are a big part of what we do. Popular options include breakfast burritos, challah French toast, pastries, brunch spreads, fresh fruit, coffee service, and family-style breakfast catering.
DO YOU CATER CORPORATE LUNCHES AND OFFICE EVENTS?
Absolutely. We cater office breakfasts, work lunches, trainings, team events, school functions, and company gatherings throughout Santa Cruz County.
Our catering style works especially well for large groups because it's approachable, easy to serve, and designed to keep people happy and well fed.
DO YOU PROVIDE STAFF AND SETUP?
Yes. We offer staffed buffet setup and catering support for events of all sizes. Our team helps keep service organized, smooth, and stress-free throughout the event.
HAS BUSY BEES WON ANY AWARDS?
Yes. Busy Bees has been voted Best Caterer in Santa Cruz County by Good Times three years in a row: 2024, 2025, and 2026. We were also voted Best Caterer in the 2025 Santa Cruz Sentinel Readers' Choice awards, and recognized on the 2025 Lookout List for Favorite Catering for a Work Lunch and Favorite Catering for a Dinner Party.
WHAT MAKES BUSY BEES DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL WEDDING CATERERS?
Busy Bees focuses on relaxed, high-quality catering that feels welcoming and easy for guests to enjoy. Our style is less about formal plated dinners and more about creating gatherings where people eat well, stay awhile, and genuinely enjoy themselves.
We're especially popular for weddings, brunches, backyard celebrations, and events where people want great food without an overly formal atmosphere.
WHAT STYLE OF CATERING DOES BUSY BEES OFFER?
We specialize in fresh buffet and family-style catering for weddings, work lunches, brunches, office events, and large group gatherings throughout Santa Cruz County.
Our approach focuses on fresh food, warm service, generous portions, and making events feel easy and enjoyable for guests.
IS BUFFET CATERING TOO CASUAL FOR A WEDDING?
Not at all. Many couples prefer buffet and family-style catering because it creates a more social and comfortable experience for guests while giving everyone more flexibility and variety.
Busy Bees specializes in fresh, high-quality buffet and family-style wedding catering designed to feel warm, abundant, and memorable.
DOES BUSY BEES CATER WEDDINGS?
Yes. Busy Bees provides wedding catering throughout Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast. Our style is especially popular for couples looking for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with fresh food and generous service rather than a rigid or overly formal dining experience.