Catering was part of Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria’s business in Bloomington, and pizza is still one of the easiest ways to feed a group well. Here is how to plan it so the food arrives hot, everyone has something to eat, and there are not 12 untouched boxes left at the end.
Step 1: Headcount and quantities
Start with 3 slices per adult (2 at a lunch meeting) and adjust using our how much pizza to order table. Get a firm headcount 48 hours ahead.
Step 2: Cover dietary needs
| Need | What to order |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | At least 20% veggie or cheese pizzas |
| Vegan | Dairy-free cheese pizza or calzone; see the vegan pizza guide |
| Gluten-free | Gluten-free crust, labeled and boxed separately |
| No pork | Chicken, beef or vegetable options |
Ask the pizzeria to label boxes by type, and keep special-diet boxes on a separate table.
Step 3: Round it out with sides
- A large garden, Caesar or Greek salad (budget about 1 cup per person)
- Breadsticks or garlic knots
- A tray of sandwiches or a stromboli for variety; see calzone vs. stromboli
- Cookies or brownies
- Drinks: roughly 1.5 cans or bottles per person per hour of the event
Step 4: Timing
- Place large orders at least 24 hours ahead, and more for 20+ pizzas.
- Schedule delivery or pickup 15–20 minutes before serving, not an hour early.
- In a Minnesota winter, pickup in an insulated bag often beats a long delivery route; see pickup vs. delivery.
Step 5: Keeping it hot
- Keep boxes closed and stacked until serving.
- Hold them in an oven at 170–200°F if needed (remove boxes from the oven for safety and put the pizza on sheet pans).
- Serve in waves: open a few boxes at a time.
- Food safety: don’t leave pizza out for more than 2 hours.
Catering checklist
- Confirm the headcount and any dietary needs
- Choose the pizza mix and sides
- Order 24–48 hours ahead and confirm the delivery window
- Plates, napkins, serving spatulas, labels
- A plan for leftovers: containers, and our reheating guide
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I order catering pizza?
At least 24 hours ahead for large orders, and 48 hours or more for 20+ pizzas or busy weekends.
How do I keep catered pizza warm?
Keep boxes closed and stacked, or transfer the pizza to sheet pans in a 170–200°F oven until serving.
How much salad do I need for a pizza party?
Plan about one cup of salad per guest as a side.
This guide is published by the team preserving the Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria at 521 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN has permanently closed; this page offers general food information and is not an offer to order.
