Planning a gathering in the Twin Cities? Whether it’s a bustling downtown office lunch, a family reunion near Lake Calhoun, or a watch party by Target Center, feeding a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful. At Jimmy John’s, we specialize in freaky fast catering that’s customizable, delicious, and ready to roll—perfect for any size group.
But with options like Party Boxes, Catering Bundles, and Box Lunches, how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks it down step by step. We’ll cover everything from sizing up your crowd to customizing flavors, so your next event is a hit. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Assess Your Group’s Size and Needs
The first rule of catering? Know your audience. Start by estimating how many people you’re feeding—and what kind of vibe you’re going for.
- Small gatherings (6-10 people): Think team huddles, family dinners, or intimate baby showers. Aim for something simple but satisfying.
- Medium crowds (10-15 people): Ideal for office meetings, neighborhood potlucks, or game-day watch parties.
- Larger groups (15+ people): Corporate events, weddings, or big celebrations? Scale up for impact.
Pro tip: Factor in dietary preferences early. Jimmy John’s offers Unwich® (lettuce-wrapped) options for low-carb or gluten-free needs, plus veggie-packed favorites. And don’t forget add-ons like chips, sides, and desserts to round it out.
Step 2: Party Boxes vs. Catering Bundles – Which One Fits?
Jimmy John’s makes it easy with two main crowd-pleasers: Party Boxes (pure sandwich focus) and Catering Bundles (the full feast). Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Feeds | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-Piece Party Box | ~9 people | 18 wrapped thirds of your choice of 8″ sandwiches or Unwich® (variety packs available) | Quick lunches, small meetings |
| 30-Piece Party Box | ~15 people | 30 wrapped thirds of sandwiches or Unwich® | Mid-sized events, easy sharing |
| 12-Pack Party Box | 6-8 people | 12 half sandwiches or wraps (custom or variety) | Casual get-togethers, lighter crowds |
| Small Catering Bundle | Up to 10 people | 18-piece Party Box + 1 premium side (e.g., potato salad) + 6 chips + 6 desserts | Complete meals for small groups |
| Large Catering Bundle | Up to 20 people | 30-piece Party Box + 12-piece wrap box + 2 premium sides + 15 chips + 15 desserts | Big events needing variety and sides |
Party Boxes shine when you want straight-up sandwiches—think shareable thirds that are easy to grab and go. Catering Bundles level it up with sides and sweets, making them ideal for sit-down or all-day events.
All options are fully customizable. Pick specific sandwiches (more on that next) or go variety for a mix that pleases everyone.
Step 3: Customize for Flavor Wins – Popular Sandwiches and Options
The magic of Jimmy John’s catering? Endless ways to make it your spread. Build around crowd favorites from our menu of Originals, Favorites, and more.
Here are some top picks that always fly off the table:
- Turkey Tom: Oven-roasted turkey, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and on French bread. Light, fresh, and a healthy hit.
- Beach Club: Turkey, provolone, avocado spread, cucumber, and mayo. Creamy and satisfying.
- Italian Night Club: Capocollo, salami, ham, provolone, onion, lettuce, tomato, mayo and Italian vinaigrette. Bold and meaty.
- Veggie: Layers of provolone, avocado, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Perfect for vegetarians.
Customization Hacks:
- Unwich® it: Swap bread for lettuce wraps to keep it low-cal and gluten-free.
- Mix it up: Request a variety pack for a little of everything.
- Add flair: Toss in premium sides like Homestyle Potato Salad or Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad. Chips come in flavors like Jalapeño or Salt & Vinegar. Desserts? Fudge brownies, chocolate chip cookies, or oatmeal raisin.
Step 4: Match Catering to Your Event Type
Not all gatherings are created equal. Tailor your choice to the occasion for maximum wow factor:
- Office Lunches in Downtown Minneapolis: Go for the Small Catering Bundle delivered to the Skyway or Mayo Square. It’s quick, mess-free, and fuels the team without breaking the budget.
- Sports Watch Parties Near Target Center: A 30-Piece Party Box with bold flavors like the Italian Night Club. Pair with chips for that game-day energy.
- Family Picnics near Lake Calhoun: Large Catering Bundle with veggie options and sides. Easy for outdoor vibes in Uptown.
- Corporate Events in St. Louis Park: Bundles at Knollwood or West End locations—customizable for dietary needs and big groups.
- Last-Minute Neighborhood Shindigs: Box Lunches for individuals (sandwich + side + pickle + dessert) are a no-brainer for flexibility.
Whatever the event, our freaky fast delivery gets it there fresh and delicious.
Step 5: Ordering Tips for Twin Cities Success
Ready to make it happen? Here’s how to nail the process:
- Order Online or Call: Head to jimmyjohns.com/catering for easy customization. Or call your local Jimmy John’s—same-day is often possible!
- Timing: 24 hours’ notice is ideal, but we’re pros at last-minute catering orders.
- Enhance It: Add a Pickle Bucket, bottled drinks, or extra chips. Mention allergies upfront.
- Local Perks: In Minneapolis and St. Louis Park, we deliver to hotspots like the Northeast arts district, Riverside near the U of M, and East End spots. Check our stores for exact coverage.
Why Choose Jimmy John’s from Miklin Enterprises?
As your go-to Jimmy John’s franchise in the Twin Cities, we’re all about fresh ingredients, speedy service, and local love. From the Skyway’s downtown hustle to Calhoun’s lakeside chill, our 10 locations make catering effortless.
Don’t just take our word for it. Dive into our recent posts like Catering Downtown Minneapolis: Why Jimmy John’s Is Your Go-To Choice for more inspiration.
Time to Gather and Feast!
Choosing the perfect Jimmy John’s Catering Bundle or Party Box is simpler than you think. With these steps, your next gathering will be the talk of the town—freaky fast, freaky delicious, and freaky easy.
Ready to order? Browse our catering menu or find your nearest location:
What’s your go-to catering order? Follow us for more Twin Cities tips, deals, and menu hacks. #JimmyJohnsCatering #TwinCitiesEats
