Themed Catering and Action Stations

Themed Catering & Interactive Action Stations

Transform Your NYC Event Into an Unforgettable Experience

In New York City, a memorable event starts with an extraordinary food experience. Gone are the days of static buffet tables—today’s clients want excitement, engagement, and cuisine that becomes part of the entertainment. Themed catering and interactive action stations bring energy and personalization to any gathering, allowing guests to enjoy fresh, chef-prepared dishes made right before their eyes.

Festive & Fun Interactive Stations

20–guest minimum
Each station features abundant displays inspired by some of the world’s most exciting cuisines, offering guests freshly prepared selections made by our talented culinary team.
Gluten-free options available upon request
Chef Attendant/Carver: $160 for 2 hours

Carnival Station

$36 per guest
Bring the fun and nostalgia of a classic carnival to your event.

• Cotton Candy on Cones
• Fresh Popcorn in Bags
• Candy Apples
• Mini Corn Dogs with Mustard & Ketchup
• Pretzels with Mustard & Cheese Sauce
• Toys
• Ice-Cold Canned Sodas
• Paper Goods & Tablecloth

Optional Carnival Machine Rentals:

• Popcorn Machine: $200/day + attendant ($90/hr)
• Cotton Candy Machine: $200/day + attendant ($90/hr)

Hot Dog Cart

$23.95 per guest
A tabletop hot dog cart with umbrella—perfect for any indoor or outdoor event.

• All-Beef Hot Dogs & Buns
• Sauerkraut
• Red Onions
• Relish
• Deli Mustard
• Ketchup
• Hot Dog Holders & Napkins

Hot Dog Cart Rentals:

• Indoor Cart: $400/day + attendant ($90/hr)
• Outdoor carts available—ask for details!

Popcorn Machine Station

$18.95 per guest
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly popped corn!

• Popcorn Cart
• Fresh Popcorn
• Popcorn Boxes
• Napkins

Machine Rental: $200/day + attendant ($90/hr)

Carving Stations

$44 per guest
Choose any two items to be carved to order by our staff:

• Grilled Salmon with Green Herb Sauce
• Whole Roasted Sea Bass with Ginger Miso Sauce
• Seared Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna with Ponzu, Sweet Soy & Chili Dips
• Pepper-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Ragout & Sauce Béarnaise
• Leg of Lamb with Mint Vinegar Chutney
• Honey-Cured Picnic Ham with Spiced Apple Compote
• Free-Range Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce

Carving Board & Lamb Rental: $200/day + attendant ($100/hr)

Fondue Station

$28.95 per guest
A delicious selection of cheese fondues, attended by our staff for easy self-service.

Cheese Varieties:

• Sweet Red Pepper & Monterey Jack
• Gouda
• Traditional Gruyère
• New York State Cheddar

Accompaniments:

• Assorted Crudités
• Roasted Vegetables
• Seasonal Fruit
• Crusty French Bread

Fondue machine included.

Mexican Fajita Station

$32.95 per guest
A lively Tex-Mex experience with fresh fajitas made to order.

Proteins:

• Sautéed Chicken
• Beef
• Grilled Vegetables

Includes: Warm Tortillas, Fresh Tomatoes, Homemade Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Chopped Black Olives, Jalapeños, Spanish Rice, Fresh Cilantro, and Cheddar Cheese.

Fajita Grill Rental: $250/day + Chef Attendant ($100/hr)

Stir-Fry Station

$TBD per guest
A sizzling station featuring:

• Ginger-Marinated Pork
• Poached Chicken
• Lemongrass Shrimp
• Spicy Beef
• Snow Peas
• Mushrooms
• Scallions
• Baby Corn
• Water Chestnuts

Served with Asian Noodles & Rice and cooked to order in large woks.

Asian Wok Station

$TBD per guest
Served in Chinese takeout boxes with chopsticks.

Includes: Stir-fry selections of Chicken, Beef, Oriental Vegetables, Fried Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Dim Sum with Sesame Ginger Soy, and Fortune Cookies.

Pasta Station

$TBD per guest
Made-to-order pasta with a selection of sauces:

• Pesto
• Veal Ragù
• Tomato Leek with Pancetta
• Four-Cheese with Wild Mushrooms

Served with crusty Italian bread, fresh Parmesan, and handmade bread sticks.

Sushi Station

$TBD per guest
Our professional sushi chefs roll sushi to order with:

• Tuna
• Yellowtail
• Shrimp
• Eel
• Scallops
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Vegetable Tempura

Served with Soy Sauce, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi & Chopsticks.

Mini Sliders Station

$TBD per guest
Bite-size hamburgers, cheeseburgers & turkey burgers on warm brioche buns with all the fixings.

Crêpe Station

$TBD per guest
Sweet or savory French crêpes made to order with choices of beef, vegetables, tropical fruit, or chocolate, plus assorted toppings & sauces.

Sweet & Savory S’mores Bar

$17.95 per guest
A rustic S’mores experience featuring:

Sweet Elements:

• Cinnamon Sugar & Chocolate Graham Crackers
• Marshmallows
• Peanut Butter
• Raspberry Jam
• Salted Caramel
• Fresh Fruit

Savory Elements:

• Crackers
• Fresh Mozzarella
• Goat Cheese
• Prosciutto
• Bacon
• Arugula
• Fresh Herbs

Chocolate Fountain Experience

$32 per guest (25-guest minimum)
A flowing tower of white and semi-sweet chocolate served with:

• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Marshmallows
• Dried Fruit
• Pound Cake
• Brownies
• Rice Crispy Wedges
• Pretzel Sticks

Limited availability—reserve early.

Martini Potato Bar

$27.95 per guest
Creamy mashed potatoes elegantly served in martini glasses with toppings:

• Shredded Cheddar
• Bacon Crumbles
• Broccoli
• Sour Cream
• Chives
• Home style Gravy

Raw Bar

$TBD per guest
A chilled, beautifully decorated raw bar featuring:

• Freshly Shucked Clams & Oysters with Mignonette
• Steamed Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
• Steamed Mussels on the Half Shell with Roasted Peppers & Aioli
• Cocktail Crab Claws
• Cucumber Salad with Dill Vinaigrette

Presented on an ice display with seaweed décor.

Themed Catering & Interactive Action Stations

Transform Your NYC Event Into an Unforgettable Experience

In New York City, a memorable event starts with an extraordinary food experience. Gone are the days of static buffet tables—today's clients want excitement, engagement, and cuisine that becomes part of the entertainment. Themed catering and interactive action stations bring energy and personalization to any gathering, allowing guests to enjoy fresh, chef-prepared dishes made right before their eyes. At Susan's Kitchen Catering and Events, we know that modern events demand more than exceptional food—they demand connection, creativity, and memorable moments that guests will discuss long after your celebration ends.

Our festive and engaging action stations transform corporate events, cocktail receptions, and celebrations into immersive culinary journeys that delight, impress, and create Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you're seeking interactive entertainment, dietary accommodation, or simply a way to elevate your event beyond traditional catering, themed catering and action stations deliver unforgettable experiences.

Why Choose Themed Catering and Action Stations?

Interactive action stations offer distinct advantages beyond traditional plated service or buffet presentations. Guests enjoy fresh food prepared in real-time, watching skilled chefs create their selections. This transparency builds trust and excitement—your guests know exactly what they're eating and witness quality preparation. Action stations encourage mingling as guests gather around displays, creating natural conversation opportunities. They provide interactive entertainment that engages attendees and creates memorable moments. They accommodate diverse dietary preferences seamlessly—guests request modifications made to order rather than navigating pre-determined menu constraints.

Themed stations align food experiences with your event's character and purpose. A corporate wellness event features healthy grain bowls and vegetable-forward stations. A creative industry celebration includes bold, adventurous options. A holiday party incorporates festive elements and seasonal preparations. This alignment between food and event creates cohesive, intentional experiences that reflect your event's brand and values.

From a practical standpoint, action stations keep food fresh throughout your event. Rather than food sitting on buffet lines for hours, items are prepared continuously as guests request them. They reduce the need for extensive pre-plating and complex logistics. They allow flexibility for events where guest count fluctuates. They create natural pacing for events where you want guests to enjoy multiple courses or extended grazing periods.

Carving Stations: Premium Proteins Made to Order

Carving stations showcase premium proteins prepared with culinary excellence, served fresh by our skilled chefs. Guests watch as our team expertly slices their selections, creating beautiful presentations and ensuring perfect portions. Choose from two options per station, allowing guests to compare flavors and preferences.

Options include pepper-crusted beef tenderloin with wild mushroom ragout and sauce béarnaise—a sophisticated choice that appeals to meat lovers. Grilled salmon with green herb sauce offers lighter, health-conscious appeal. Whole roasted sea bass with ginger miso sauce brings Asian sophistication. Seared sesame-crusted ahi tuna with ponzu, sweet soy, and chili dips showcases adventurous seafood preparations. Leg of lamb with mint vinegar chutney delivers elegant, herbaceous depth. Honey-cured picnic ham with spiced apple compote provides accessible, slightly sweet appeal. Free-range turkey breast with cranberry sauce offers familiar comfort.

Carving stations work beautifully for corporate events, upscale receptions, and celebrations where you want guests to feel particularly honored. Chef attendants provide hospitality and can share ingredient sourcing and preparation details, adding educational value to the dining experience. Carving boards and necessary equipment are included with service.

Interactive Cuisine Stations: Made-to-Order Magic

Sushi Station

Professional sushi chefs roll sushi to order, allowing guests to customize ingredients and rolls. Options include tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, eel, scallops, cucumber, avocado, and vegetable tempura. Guests can request specific combinations or let chefs suggest pairings. This interactive preparation creates excitement and allows dietary customization—vegetarian guests enjoy cucumber and vegetable rolls, while seafood lovers explore premium options. Served with soy sauce, pickled ginger, wasabi, and chopsticks for authentic presentation.

Fajita Station

A lively Tex-Mex experience where guests watch sautéed chicken, beef, and grilled vegetables sizzle on griddles. Guests customize their fajitas with warm tortillas, fresh tomatoes, homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, chopped black olives, jalapeños, Spanish rice, fresh cilantro, and cheddar cheese. This interactive preparation creates a festive atmosphere while accommodating diverse preferences—vegetarians skip meat, spice enthusiasts load up on jalapeños, those seeking lighter meals focus on vegetables.

Stir-Fry Station

A sizzling experience featuring ginger-marinated pork, poached chicken, lemongrass shrimp, spicy beef, snow peas, mushrooms, scallions, baby corn, and water chestnuts. Guests select proteins and vegetables, which are prepared to order in large woks and served over Asian noodles or rice. The theatrical sizzling and aromatic preparation create sensory excitement while allowing complete customization.

Pasta Station

Made-to-order pasta with guests selecting from sauces including pesto, veal ragù, tomato leek with pancetta, and four-cheese with wild mushrooms. Chefs can incorporate guest preferences for additional proteins or vegetables. Served with crusty Italian bread, fresh Parmesan, and handmade breadsticks. This station appeals to broad audiences while accommodating dietary restrictions—vegetarians skip meat-based sauces, gluten-free guests can request alternative pastas.

Crêpe Station

Sweet or savory French crêpes made to order with choices including beef, vegetables, tropical fruit, or chocolate, plus assorted toppings and sauces. This versatile station works for appetizers or dessert, accommodating both savory and sweet preferences simultaneously. Chefs create customized combinations based on guest requests.

Mini Sliders Station

Bite-size hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and turkey burgers on warm brioche buns with all the fixings. Guests can customize toppings, creating personalized combinations. This approachable station appeals to diverse palates while maintaining quality and presentation.

Raw Bar

A chilled, beautifully decorated raw bar featuring freshly shucked clams and oysters with mignonette, steamed shrimp with cocktail sauce, steamed mussels on the half shell with roasted peppers and aioli, cocktail crab claws, and cucumber salad with dill vinaigrette. Presented on an ice display with seaweed décor, this luxurious station creates impressive visual impact. Our expert staff handles all shucking and preparation, ensuring food safety and guest comfort.

Festive Food Experiences: Carnival and Fun Stations

Carnival Station

Bring nostalgia and fun to your event with cotton candy on cones, fresh popcorn in bags, candy apples, mini corn dogs with mustard and ketchup, pretzels with mustard and cheese sauce, plus ice-cold canned sodas and carnival toys. This playful station works beautifully for company celebrations, creative industry events, or any occasion where you want to surprise guests with unexpected fun. Optional carnival machine rentals—popcorn and cotton candy machines operated by our attendants—add theatrical excitement.

Hot Dog Cart

A tabletop hot dog cart with umbrella—perfect for any indoor or outdoor event. All-beef hot dogs and buns come with sauerkraut, red onions, relish, deli mustard, ketchup, and hot dog holders. This accessible, familiar option appeals to broad audiences while maintaining quality and presentation.

Popcorn Machine Station

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly popped corn. Fresh popcorn served in popcorn boxes with napkins, this simple yet satisfying station pairs beautifully with other appetizers or works as standalone snacking throughout events. Machine rental and attendant included.

Indulgent Dessert Stations: Sweet Experiences

Chocolate Fountain Experience

A flowing tower of white and semi-sweet chocolate served with strawberries, apples, bananas, marshmallows, dried fruit, pound cake, brownies, rice crispy wedges, and pretzel sticks. Guests dip selections into cascading chocolate for luxurious, interactive dessert experiences. Limited availability—reserve early for optimal booking.

Sweet & Savory S'mores Bar

A rustic experience featuring sweet elements (cinnamon sugar and chocolate graham crackers, marshmallows, peanut butter, raspberry jam, salted caramel, fresh fruit) alongside savory options (crackers, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, prosciutto, bacon, arugula, fresh herbs). This versatile station allows guests to create sweet comfort food or sophisticated savory combinations. Perfect for outdoor events or casual celebrations.

Fondue Station

Creamy, interactive cheese fondues attended by our staff for easy self-service. Cheese varieties include sweet red pepper and Monterey Jack, Gouda, traditional Gruyère, and New York State cheddar. Accompaniments include assorted crudités, roasted vegetables, seasonal fruit, and crusty French bread. Fondue machines included with service. This interactive, warm station creates intimate gathering points and encourages mingling.

Creative Comfort Food Stations

Martini Potato Bar

Creamy mashed potatoes elegantly served in martini glasses with toppings including shredded cheddar, bacon crumbles, broccoli, sour cream, chives, and homestyle gravy. This unexpected presentation combines familiar comfort with surprising elegance, creating memorable dining moments.

Supporting Your Themed Catering Experience

Exceptional action stations are enhanced by complementary catering services. Event staff catering ensures professional service, station management, and hospitality throughout your event. Hors d'oeuvres baskets catering and stationary platters provide additional appetizer options before stations fully activate. Passed hors d'oeuvres create elegant welcome experiences during cocktail hours.

Beverages deserve thoughtful coordination with themed stations. Cocktail tastings pair beautifully with upscale carving or sushi stations. Party snacks catering menus complement sweet stations or provide alternatives for guests seeking savory options. Dessert coordination ensures desserts catering choices align with your action station selections, preventing redundancy while maintaining exciting variety.

Customizing Your Action Station Experience

Susan's Kitchen Catering customizes themed catering experiences to match your event's unique character, guest preferences, and budget. Work with our team to select stations that excite your audience and align with your event's tone. Corporate events might feature professional carving stations or sophisticated sushi bars. Creative industry celebrations could showcase bold fajita stations or interactive crêpe bars. Family celebrations might emphasize fun carnival or s'mores experiences. Holiday parties incorporate festive seasonal elements.

Dietary customization is seamless. Vegetarian guests enjoy pasta stations, fondue, and vegetable-focused preparations. Vegan options feature plant-based innovations across multiple stations. Gluten-free selections are available—specify needs so we prepare appropriate alternatives. Seafood allergies are accommodated by emphasizing meat and vegetable stations. Clear communication about dietary needs ensures every guest finds delicious, safe options.

Planning Your Themed Catering and Action Stations

Creating memorable themed catering and action station experiences begins with understanding your event type, guest count, date, venue, and vision. Schedule a consultation with Susan's Kitchen Catering to discuss options, explore events menus, and customize selections matching your celebration. Consider your event's tone—professional, creative, casual, formal, celebratory—so we design stations reflecting your character and values.

Discuss guest count and dietary needs. Do you want interactive entertainment or focused dining? Should stations emphasize particular cuisines or ingredients? What's your budget per guest? Are there items you'd like included or excluded? Clear communication ensures Susan's Kitchen Catering designs action stations exceeding your expectations.

Why Susan's Kitchen Catering for Themed Experiences?

Susan's Kitchen Catering combines culinary excellence with genuine hospitality in every themed catering and action station experience. We source quality ingredients, design stations with artistic attention, and execute every detail professionally. Whether your event requires elegant carving stations for corporate sophistication, interactive sushi bars for culinary excitement, or festive carnival stations for joyful celebration, Susan's Kitchen Catering delivers exceptional results that transform standard events into unforgettable experiences.

Our commitment extends beyond food preparation to thoughtful experience design, professional service coordination, and hospitality that makes every guest feel celebrated. We understand that action stations create dining as entertainment—they generate excitement, facilitate connection, and create lasting memories.

Ready to transform your event with exceptional themed catering and interactive action stations? Contact Susan's Kitchen Catering and Events today to discuss your vision, explore station options, and begin planning a catering experience that becomes your celebration's highlight. Let us create an unforgettable food experience that your guests will remember and rave about.