Our BBQ Station Catering Theme
The Rise of BBQ Station Catering in NYC
Barbecue catering has always had a place in casual events, but lately, it’s taken on a whole new meaning. At Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events, we’ve watched the simple backyard BBQ evolve into something far more interactive, elegant, and event-worthy. BBQ station catering offers the perfect balance between comfort food and upscale presentation—allowing guests to enjoy smoky, grilled flavors while watching it all come together live.
In a city like New York, where food isn’t just sustenance but entertainment, BBQ stations provide a memorable culinary experience. Whether you're planning a corporate rooftop lunch, a wedding in Central Park, or a private backyard soirée, a well-executed BBQ station creates both flavor and flow. Themed catering in NYC has become all about personalization, and BBQ is no exception. That’s why we created our BBQ Station Catering Theme—to give hosts the flexibility to wow their guests with live-grilled meals, vibrant presentation, and a tailored menu that reflects their taste.
Why BBQ Stations Work So Well for Events
Unlike traditional buffets or plated meals, BBQ stations are fully immersive. Guests love watching chefs grill meats, toast buns, or char vegetables right before their eyes. The aroma of fresh grilling fills the venue, drawing people in. The setup naturally creates energy and movement while reducing bottlenecks. Most importantly, it turns food into a feature—not just a requirement.
Susan’s Kitchen designs every BBQ station for the specific event. We take into account venue size, guest count, and dietary preferences to make sure each setup is both seamless and satisfying. Whether it’s a family-style gathering or a formal affair, stations can be adjusted for pacing, aesthetics, and service needs. We’ve seen BBQ stations work beautifully at everything from team-building events to milestone birthdays.
Signature BBQ Station Themes We Offer
Not all BBQs are built the same. At Susan’s Kitchen, our stations are curated with intention—each one telling a story through its ingredients, setup, and decor. Here are a few of our signature styles that clients love:
Classic American BBQ
Think smoked brisket, pulled pork sliders, grilled corn on the cob, and honey-buttered biscuits. Served with a range of house-made sauces and slaws, this is the kind of spread that brings comfort to any crowd.
Beach BBQ Catering Setup
Inspired by long summer days, this theme features seafood kebabs, citrus-marinated chicken, tropical fruit skewers, and grilled pineapple. It’s a light, festive station ideal for waterfront venues or rooftop decks.
Southwest BBQ Station
Bold flavors meet smoky execution in this Tex-Mex inspired station. Think chipotle-marinated steak, grilled street corn, and fire-roasted salsa with handmade tortillas. Guests can build their own tacos or bowls.
Hawaiian Luau BBQ Experience
This setup combines tropical flavors and vibrant presentation—grilled mahi mahi, kalua pork, coconut rice, and sweet-and-sour glazed vegetables served with leis and palm leaf decor.
Greek BBQ Fusion Setup
Fresh and herbaceous, this Mediterranean-inspired station features lamb souvlaki, lemon-oregano chicken skewers, grilled halloumi, and classic sides like cucumber yogurt sauce and pita triangles.
Rustic Italian Grilling Station
Think garlic-rubbed grilled sausages, rosemary chicken, charred vegetables, and warm focaccia with roasted red pepper aioli. This setup brings rustic Italian charm to any event.
Curated BBQ Station Menus
We believe a menu should reflect the tone and purpose of your event. Below is a sample of how we build our BBQ stations:
| Theme | Main Dishes | Sides | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic American | • Smoked Brisket • BBQ Chicken |
• Mac & Cheese • Cornbread |
• Pickles • House Sauces |
| Southwest | • Carne Asada • Chipotle Chicken |
• Street Corn • Black Bean Salad |
• Guacamole Bar • Tortilla Chips |
| Hawaiian Luau | • Kalua Pork • Grilled Mahi Mahi |
• Coconut Rice • Pineapple Slaw |
• Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cakes |
Customization is always available. From vegan grilled skewers to gluten-free cornbread, we ensure your station meets the dietary needs of every guest while maintaining full flavor.
Full-Service BBQ Setup with Staffing
Every BBQ station we build includes full setup, chef-led grilling, and a dedicated team for breakdown. You won’t need to lift a finger. Our chefs arrive early to prep and position the station, bringing with them commercial-grade grills, serving decor, and all necessary equipment.
We also offer add-ons like custom beverage bars, salad stations, or themed snack tables. Want to create a carnival-style experience? Consider including our add-on snack stations to keep guests engaged throughout the event.
Events Perfect for a BBQ Station Experience
BBQ station catering works well in a wide range of event formats. What makes it so versatile is how easily it can be scaled up or down and tailored to the tone of the gathering. Over the years, Susan’s Kitchen has brought BBQ stations to occasions as diverse as team off-sites, family reunions, and upscale private dinners.
- Corporate events and networking mixers
- Backyard weddings and rehearsal dinners
- Rooftop cocktail parties and summer socials
- Brand activations and product launches
- Inclusive event catering for Pride and cultural celebrations
- Carnival BBQ-style catering for festivals and school events
Our BBQ stations can be rustic or refined, casual or themed. Whether you're looking for an elevated ambiance or a relaxed vibe, we can design around your vision, space, and guest experience.
Adding a New York Twist to BBQ
Being based in the heart of Manhattan means we understand how to cater BBQ stations that feel local, seasonal, and stylish. From high-rise rooftop parties to backyard brownstone courtyards, we’ve served New Yorkers in almost every setting.
Our New York BBQ station concept takes classic barbecue and reinvents it with multicultural influences—think pastrami brisket, kimchi slaw, jerk-glazed wings, or even vegan jackfruit pulled pork. This approach reflects the diversity of the city and offers guests a menu they won’t find anywhere else.
Book Your BBQ Station with Susan’s Kitchen
If you’re planning an event and want food that engages your guests while tasting amazing, a BBQ station might be the perfect fit. Our team will walk you through every step—from menu design and decor planning to day-of coordination and service.
You can customize every element, or leave it to us. Either way, your guests will enjoy a curated, hands-on food experience that feels personal and well-executed. We serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and surrounding boroughs, and can also travel to parts of New Jersey and Westchester for larger events.
Contact us today to begin planning your BBQ station. We’ll provide menu options, pricing, and a timeline to make the process simple and stress-free.
How far in advance should I book a BBQ station?
We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays. That said, we do accommodate last-minute events when possible.
Can the BBQ station be set up indoors?
While most grilling is done outdoors due to ventilation needs, we offer electric griddles and pre-grilled hot holding options that work beautifully indoors for venues with restrictions.
What happens if it rains during my outdoor BBQ event?
We come prepared with tenting options and backup plans. If weather is a concern, we’ll review contingency strategies with you during the planning stage.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan BBQ options?
Yes, we can create a full plant-based BBQ station featuring grilled tofu, jackfruit sliders, veggie skewers, and dairy-free sides.
Tell us about your wedding, social gathering, or corporate event! A Susan’s Kitchen Catering and Events Planners will be in touch to answer all of your questions and provide information about our catering and events services. We can’t wait to meet you!
Call Us Today at 212-767-0218
