Can You Cater Starbucks? (And Why a Local Specialist is Better)
If you’ve ever organized a corporate meeting, office party, or community event, you’ve likely asked yourself: Can you cater Starbucks? After all, Starbucks is a global coffee giant known for its consistency, flavor, and brand recognition. It’s tempting to think that simply ordering a large traveler box or bulk coffee order from Starbucks will check the box for your event’s caffeine needs.
However, before you type “coffee catering near me” into Google and hit order, it’s worth exploring what Starbucks catering actually offers, and why a local coffee specialist can provide a fresher, more personalized, and more memorable experience.
Can You Actually Cater Starbucks?
The short answer: Yes, sort of — but with limitations.
Starbucks does not offer a formal catering program on a national scale. Some individual locations, especially those near office parks or universities, may offer “coffee travelers,” 96-ounce boxes of brewed coffee intended to serve approximately 12 people. These are convenient for small gatherings but not truly catering in the full-service sense.
If you’re hosting a large event or need multiple beverage options (like cold brew, espresso drinks, or dairy alternatives), Starbucks’ model quickly becomes restrictive. You’ll often need to:
Place multiple individual orders, sometimes from multiple stores
Handle pickup yourself (delivery isn’t always available)
Manage setup, cups, condiments, and cleanup independently
In other words, Starbucks offers bulk coffee, not event coffee catering.
What Starbucks Catering Typically Includes
For small groups, you can expect the following from Starbucks:
Coffee Travelers: Hot, brewed coffee that stays warm for a few hours
Tea Travelers: Boxes of hot tea options
Pastry Boxes: A selection of muffins, croissants, and breakfast items
Bottled Drinks: Frappuccinos, juices, and other ready-to-drink options
While these items work for last-minute meetings or quick office treats, they’re not designed for larger, curated events like conferences, weddings, or brand activations. There’s no onsite barista, espresso machine, or customization — and that’s where a local coffee catering specialist shines.
Why a Local Coffee Catering Specialist Is Better
When you partner with a local coffee catering company like Astro Coffee, you’re not just getting coffee — you’re getting an experience. Here’s why that matters.
1. Customization and Craft
Local coffee caterers specialize in creating bespoke coffee experiences that match your event’s style and audience. Whether it’s latte art bars, iced espresso flights, or branded cups and sleeves, local roasters bring creativity and flexibility that Starbucks simply can’t match.
You can choose:
Freshly roasted beans from local farms or ethically sourced partners
Full espresso bar setups with trained baristas
Alternative milk options (oat, almond, soy)
Signature drinks tailored to your theme (caramel mochas or white chocolate macadamia breves)
That level of customization elevates your event from “coffee available” to “coffee memorable.”
2. Freshness and Quality You Can Taste
While Starbucks’ coffee is consistent, it’s also mass-produced and pre-ground for convenience. Local coffee caterers typically roast their beans in small batches and brew on-site, ensuring peak freshness and flavor.
That means guests enjoy:
Beans roasted days (not months) before your event
Proper brewing temperatures and ratios
Espresso extracted on professional machines, not pre-brewed boxes
Milk steamed to order for the perfect texture
It’s a tangible difference that coffee lovers notice immediately.
3. Full-Service Setup and Presentation
Unlike a quick pickup order from Starbucks, local specialists handle everything from setup to teardown. You don’t have to worry about logistics — they bring the equipment, the baristas, and the ambiance.
At Astro Coffee, for example, we provide:
Professional-grade espresso bars and cold brew taps
Eco-friendly cups, lids, napkins, and condiments
Custom signage and menu displays
Friendly, trained baristas to serve and engage with guests
This level of service transforms your coffee station into an interactive experience rather than a self-serve table.
4. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses
Choosing a local coffee caterer supports your community and promotes more sustainable sourcing. Local roasters often have direct relationships with farmers, prioritize ethical practices, and invest back into the local economy.
Astro Coffee partners with independent roasters who share our values of sustainability and craftsmanship. When you choose local, your event’s coffee doesn’t just taste better — it does better.
5. Cost-Effective and Scalable Options
Surprisingly, local catering is often more affordable than trying to scale a Starbucks order. Because Starbucks doesn’t have a true catering infrastructure, costs can pile up quickly — multiple travelers, delivery apps, and add-ons all add overhead.
Local providers like Astro Coffee offer scalable packages for small offices to large conferences. Whether you’re serving 20 people or 2,000, pricing is transparent, and setup is handled for you.
Event Types That Benefit from Local Coffee Catering
A local coffee specialist can adapt to virtually any event type. Some of the most popular include:
Corporate Events: Conferences, product launches, client meetings
Weddings and Receptions: Espresso martini bars, signature lattes, or cold brew on tap
Festivals and Community Gatherings: Mobile coffee carts or branded activations
Pop-Up Retail and Marketing Events: Brand-aligned menus and custom-branded cups
Office Treat Days: Employee appreciation or wellness initiatives
Instead of a one-size-fits-all box of drip coffee, you get an immersive coffee experience that enhances your brand and delights your guests.
What to Ask Before Booking Coffee Catering
Before choosing any coffee caterer (local or national), ask a few key questions:
What’s included? Make sure the provider offers baristas, setup, and cleanup.
What drinks can you serve? Look for espresso-based options, cold brew, and dairy alternatives.
Can you customize the menu? Ask if they can tailor drinks or branding to your event.
Do you provide tastings or references? Reputable caterers will gladly showcase their quality.
Are you insured and experienced with events? Especially important for corporate or venue settings.
Astro Coffee checks all these boxes — and goes a step further by helping you plan logistics, portion estimates, and menu design for a seamless experience.
Starbucks vs. Local Coffee Catering: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Starbucks | Local Specialist (Astro Coffee) |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Variety | Limited (basic brewed coffee & pastries) | Full espresso, cold brew, custom drinks |
| Customization | None | Themed menus, branding, flavor options |
| Setup & Service | Self-serve | Full-service baristas & equipment |
| Freshness | Pre-brewed | Brewed fresh on-site |
| Scalability | Difficult for large events | Designed for events of any size |
| Sustainability | Corporate chain sourcing | Local, ethical partnerships |
| Experience | Functional | Interactive and memorable |
Ready to Serve Up The Ultimate Coffee Catering Experience?
While Starbucks is a great option for a quick caffeine fix, it’s not built for true coffee catering. If you’re aiming to impress your guests, delight your team, or create a branded experience, a local coffee catering specialist like Astro Coffee is the smarter, tastier choice.
We bring the café to you — complete with skilled baristas, locally roasted beans, and beautifully crafted beverages that elevate your event.
Book an unforgettable coffee catering experience from Astro Coffee today and give your guests a cup of coffee they’ll remember long after the last sip.