We have received a lot of messages over the last few years of people wanting to know if we still do our Mini Market that we introduced in 2020 due to the pandemic.
While we no longer hold mini markets as you previously knew them, there are still ways to get the foods you love from us!
This blog is all about how you can order your favorite items from us through our main delivery menu. Learn tips and tricks on how to portion your order, meal prep, and more!
Mini Market Setup
Mini Market History
Our Mini Market was born out of the need to adapt during one of the hardest periods of Catered by Design’s history – the COVID-19 pandemic. With events essentially being non-existent during this time, we found ways to still get comforting and delicious meals to people while abiding by strict guidelines to protect both our staff and our clients.
On each Saturday starting in July 2020, we invited clients to our commissary in Morton Grove to peruse our offerings of the day, like:
- Fresh baked, house-made Ciabatta and Focaccia bread
- Delicious, house-made ice cream
- And house-made dips
With tents lining our storefront and rope to create social distance, we were able to continue providing house-made dishes for the community in a time of intense isolation. It was nothing short of an honor and privilege to show up for the community in this way, and we are forever grateful for those that showed up in return for us.
House-made Ciabatta and Focaccia Bread
We continued to hold mini markets sporadically until 2024 due to the resurgence of in-person events and the world opening back up bit by bit over time. We expanded our menu to include new items during that time such as:
- Our ready to eat protein bowls
- Individual entrée salads
- Creative desserts like our Cookie Monster Ice Cream
The feedback we have received from our mini market attendees was overwhelmingly positive and warm our hearts to this day. As we mentioned, even though we do not hold the mini market as people may remember, you can still order all your favorites from our main delivery menu!
Thai Shrimp Protein Bowl
How to Order Your Favorites
Many of the memorable and delicious items from our mini market are available to purchase off our main delivery menu as well as our seasonal menus.
Our drop-off catering division will work with you to help bring your catered vision to fruition at a reasonable price, and we offer flexible delivery and pick-up options to accommodate your needs. Your designated sales specialist will help you determine how much of each item you need and pairing entrées with sides to create a well-rounded meal.
Individual Quiches
Portioning & Meal Prep
Throughout our delivery menu are serving sizes (or how many items are included in a tray), so you can assess how much of each item you are receiving.
For the Mini Market, we broke things down into smaller portions, but you can do the same thing with your favorite dishes when ordered in the quantities on our current menu. For example, order a tray of 10 pieces for dinner and then portion out your leftovers to enjoy at a later time. Our entrées freeze well! Many discount retailers offer packs of portioned meal containers which makes it easy to portion your leftovers to freeze for a future weeknight meal. In doing so, you can meal prep for the week ahead and enjoy your order for a longer period of time.
Below are a few Mini Market meals that we used to offer, and where you can now find them on our Main Delivery Menu to make the meals you love!
Poultry Entrées – Chicken Marsala | GF
Side Dishes – Mediterranean Potatoes | V | GF | DF | VGN
Side Dishes – Snappy Whole Green Beans | V | GF
 Chicken Marsala – Mini Market Version |
 Plated Chicken Marsala |
Meat & Pork Entrées – “Simply the Best” Pepper Steak | GF | DF
Side Dishes – Classic Redskin Mashed Potatoes | V | GF
Side Dishes – Green Beans Almondine | V | GF | CN
Meat & Pork Entrées – Teriyaki Beef Kabobs | DF
Side Dishes – Vegetarian Fried Rice | V
Side Dishes – Asian Sensation Vegetables | V | GF | DF | VGN
Seafood Entrées – Oven-Roasted Salmon Fillet | GF | DF
Side Dishes – Creamy Lemon Orzo | V
Side Dishes – Broccoli Florets with Bias-cut Carrots | V | GF
 Oven-Roasted Salmon Fillet – Mini Market Version |
 Plated Oven-Roasted Salmon Fillet |
Winter Holiday Seasonal Menu – Vegan Roasted Acorn Squash with Ancient Grain Stuffing | V | GF | DF | VGN
If you are having trouble finding an item from our Mini Market that you have questions about, always feel free to reach out to our team! Those items may have moved to a seasonal or reserve menu that we would be happy to make for you if we are able.
Celebrating the Little Things
Some may think you only turn to catering when you’re celebrating life’s monumental occasions or for national holiday celebrations, but we also believe in celebrating the little things in our day-to-day lives.
Having a meal together as a family, celebrating a promotion at work, or your monthly book club gathering – there are many moments you can bring to life with a meal made with love.
Consider ordering a small meal to make those magic moments even sweeter and savor a delicious meal with loved ones. Across all our delivery and seasonal menus, you’re sure to find flavorful combinations of your favorite dishes of Mini Markets’ past. As we continue to change and innovate, we are thankful for your continued support!
Backyard Graduation Celebration
Get In Touch with Catered by Design
Start ordering your favorite dishes today from our delivery menu and enjoy!
If you have any questions on how to order or about specific Mini Market items, send us an email at [email protected], or if you’re ready to get in touch with our team, fill out our contact form today.
Whether you’re looking for delicious dishes to start your week or celebrating an achievement, we look forward to bringing your events to life!
