Planning a large gathering starts with reviewing Publix catering menu and prices to match your budget and guest count. Whether it’s a birthday party, office lunch, or holiday dinner, Publix offers affordable options that don’t skimp on quality. Their catering service is known for convenience, fresh ingredients, and flexible portion sizes. You can order online or visit a local deli counter to customize your meal. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Publix catering menu and prices, so you can plan with confidence.
Publix Catering Menu And Prices: An Overview
Publix catering is designed for groups of 10 to 50 people, though you can adjust quantities. The menu includes subs, salads, wraps, fried chicken, and party platters. Prices range from around $5 per person for simple items to $15 per person for full meals. You can mix and match to stay within your budget. Most items require 24 hours notice, but some stores can handle rush orders. Let’s explore the main categories.
Subs And Sandwich Trays
Subs are the most popular catering choice. Publix offers three sizes: mini, medium, and giant. Mini subs are perfect for small groups or kids. Medium subs feed about 6 to 8 people. Giant subs serve 12 to 16 people. Prices start at $3.99 per mini sub, $15.99 for medium, and $29.99 for giant. You can choose from classic Italian, turkey and Swiss, ham and cheese, or roast beef. Veggie subs are also available. Each sub comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of dressing. Add cheese for an extra $1.50 per sub.
Party Platters And Trays
Party platters are ideal for buffets or finger foods. Publix offers meat and cheese trays, vegetable trays, fruit trays, and dessert trays. A small meat and cheese tray (serves 8–10) costs $24.99. A large tray (serves 16–20) is $39.99. Fruit trays start at $19.99 for small and $34.99 for large. Vegetable trays with dip are $17.99 for small and $29.99 for large. Dessert trays include cookies, brownies, or pastries, priced at $14.99 for small and $24.99 for large. These trays are pre-arranged and ready to serve.
Fried Chicken Meals
Fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser for casual events. Publix sells fried chicken by the piece or in bulk. An 8-piece meal (serves 4) costs $12.99. A 16-piece meal (serves 8) is $22.99. A 24-piece meal (serves 12) is $32.99. Each meal includes your choice of sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or baked beans. You can also order chicken tenders: 10 tenders for $14.99, 20 for $24.99, or 40 for $44.99. Sides are sold separately at $4.99 per quart.
Salad And Wrap Trays
For lighter options, Publix offers salad trays and wrap platters. The garden salad tray (serves 10–12) costs $19.99. Caesar salad tray is $22.99. You can add grilled chicken for $5 extra. Wrap trays come in varieties like chicken Caesar, turkey club, or veggie. A tray of 8 wraps costs $24.99, and a tray of 16 wraps is $39.99. Dressings and condiments are included. These are great for lunch meetings or picnics.
Desserts And Drinks
Don’t forget dessert. Publix catering includes cakes, cookies, and brownies. A whole sheet cake (serves 24–30) starts at $29.99. Half sheet cakes are $19.99. Cookie trays (24 cookies) are $14.99. Brownie trays (12 pieces) are $12.99. Drinks are sold by the gallon: lemonade, sweet tea, and fruit punch at $5.99 per gallon. Water bottles are $0.99 each. You can also order soda cans in bulk for $0.50 each.
How To Order Publix Catering
Ordering is simple. You can do it online, in-store, or by phone. The Publix website has a catering section where you can browse the full menu. Select your items, choose pickup time, and pay. In-store, visit the deli counter and ask for a catering menu. Most locations require 24 hours notice, but some can accommodate same-day orders if you call ahead. For large events, order 48 hours in advance. Pickup is free, and delivery is available for orders over $100 in some areas. Delivery fees vary by location.
Step-By-Step Ordering Process
- Visit the Publix catering website or go to your local store.
- Choose your category: subs, platters, chicken, salads, or desserts.
- Select portion size based on guest count.
- Customize ingredients and add extras like cheese or dip.
- Review your total and choose pickup or delivery.
- Pay online or at the store.
- Pick up at your scheduled time.
Tips For Saving Money
- Order subs instead of platters for smaller groups.
- Mix and match to avoid waste.
- Check for weekly specials on the Publix website.
- Use the Publix app for digital coupons.
- Order larger portions to get a lower per-person cost.
- Avoid delivery fees by picking up yourself.
Publix Catering Menu And Prices For Different Occasions
Different events call for different menus. Here’s how to match the Publix catering menu and prices to your specific gathering. Whether it’s a casual barbecue or a formal office party, Publix has options that fit.
Birthday Parties
For kids’ birthdays, go with mini subs, fruit trays, and cookie platters. Mini subs cost $3.99 each, so for 10 kids, that’s $39.90. Add a fruit tray for $19.99 and a cookie tray for $14.99. Total around $75 for 10 people. For adult parties, consider giant subs ($29.99 each) and a meat and cheese tray ($24.99). Add a dessert tray for $24.99. Total for 16 adults: about $80.
Office Lunches
Office lunches need variety. Order wrap trays ($24.99 for 8 wraps) and salad trays ($19.99). Add a drink gallon ($5.99) and cookie tray ($14.99). For 10 people, total is about $65. If you have more guests, double the order. Fried chicken meals are also popular for office parties. A 16-piece meal ($22.99) plus two sides ($9.98) feeds 8 people for $32.97.
Holiday Dinners
Thanksgiving or Christmas? Publix offers holiday catering with turkey, ham, and sides. A whole roasted turkey (serves 12–14) costs $49.99. Honey baked ham (serves 10–12) is $44.99. Sides like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and stuffing are $6.99 each per quart. Dessert pies are $9.99 each. For a family of 10, budget around $120 to $150. Order at least 48 hours in advance during holidays.
Picnics And Outdoor Events
For picnics, subs and fried chicken are easy to transport. Giant subs ($29.99) feed 12–16 people. Add a vegetable tray ($17.99) and a gallon of lemonade ($5.99). Total for 16 people: $53.97. Fried chicken meals are also good. A 24-piece meal ($32.99) with two sides ($9.98) feeds 12 people for $42.97. Don’t forget napkins and plates, which Publix sells separately.
Customization And Dietary Options
Publix catering allows customization. You can request low-sodium, gluten-free, or vegetarian options. Subs can be made on whole wheat or gluten-free bread for an extra $1.00. Salad trays can be ordered without cheese or croutons. Vegetable trays are naturally vegan. For allergies, inform the deli staff when ordering. They can label items for nut-free, dairy-free, or other restrictions. Note that cross-contamination is possible, so ask about preparation practices.
Gluten-Free Choices
- Gluten-free sub rolls (add $1.00 per sub)
- Salad trays without croutons
- Fruit and vegetable trays
- Grilled chicken (no breading)
- Dessert options like fruit cups
Vegetarian And Vegan Options
- Veggie subs with hummus or avocado
- Garden salad trays
- Vegetable trays with ranch or hummus dip
- Fruit trays
- Bean salads (ask for availability)
Pricing Breakdown By Category
Here’s a detailed look at prices for each category. Use this to estimate your total cost. Prices may vary by location, so check your local store.
Subs And Sandwiches
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mini sub | 1 | $3.99 |
| Medium sub | 6–8 | $15.99 |
| Giant sub | 12–16 | $29.99 |
| Add cheese | Per sub | $1.50 |
Party Platters
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Meat and cheese tray (small) | 8–10 | $24.99 |
| Meat and cheese tray (large) | 16–20 | $39.99 |
| Fruit tray (small) | 8–10 | $19.99 |
| Fruit tray (large) | 16–20 | $34.99 |
| Vegetable tray (small) | 8–10 | $17.99 |
| Vegetable tray (large) | 16–20 | $29.99 |
| Dessert tray (small) | 8–10 | $14.99 |
| Dessert tray (large) | 16–20 | $24.99 |
Fried Chicken
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8-piece meal | 4 | $12.99 |
| 16-piece meal | 8 | $22.99 |
| 24-piece meal | 12 | $32.99 |
| 10 chicken tenders | 4–5 | $14.99 |
| 20 chicken tenders | 8–10 | $24.99 |
| 40 chicken tenders | 16–20 | $44.99 |
| Sides (per quart) | 4–6 | $4.99 |
Salads And Wraps
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Garden salad tray | 10–12 | $19.99 |
| Caesar salad tray | 10–12 | $22.99 |
| Add grilled chicken | Per tray | $5.00 |
| Wrap tray (8 wraps) | 8 | $24.99 |
| Wrap tray (16 wraps) | 16 | $39.99 |
Desserts And Drinks
| Item | Serves | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Whole sheet cake | 24–30 | $29.99 |
| Half sheet cake | 12–15 | $19.99 |
| Cookie tray (24 cookies) | 12–24 | $14.99 |
| Brownie tray (12 pieces) | 12 | $12.99 |
| Gallon drink | 16 cups | $5.99 |
| Water bottle | 1 | $0.99 |
| Soda can | 1 | $0.50 |
Delivery And Pickup Details
Publix offers free pickup at all locations. Delivery is available for orders over $100, but fees vary. Some stores deliver within a 10-mile radius for a flat fee of $9.99. Others charge based on distance. Call your local store to confirm. For large events, delivery can save time. Make sure to provide a clear address and contact number. Publix does not set up or serve food; they only deliver. Plan to have someone receive the order.
Ordering Timeline
- Standard orders: 24 hours notice
- Large orders (over 50 people): 48 hours notice
- Holiday orders: 72 hours notice
- Same-day orders: Call store for availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cheapest Option On The Publix Catering Menu?
The cheapest option is mini subs at $3.99 each. For groups, vegetable trays at $17.99 are also budget-friendly. You can feed 8–10 people for under $20.
Can I Order Publix Catering For A Large Party Of 50 People?
Yes, Publix can handle large orders. For 50 people, consider giant subs (3–4 subs at $29.99 each) or fried chicken meals (3–4 24-piece meals at $32.99 each). Call ahead to ensure availability.
Does Publix Offer Gluten-free Catering Options?
Yes, Publix has gluten-free sub rolls for an extra $1.00. Salad trays, fruit trays, and vegetable trays are also gluten-free. Always confirm with staff to avoid cross-contamination.
How Far In Advance Should I Order Publix Catering?
Standard orders need 24 hours notice. For holidays or large events, order 48–72 hours ahead. Same-day orders may be possible if you call early.
Can I Customize My Publix Catering Order?
Absolutely. You can choose bread, cheese, dressings, and sides. For dietary restrictions, request modifications at the deli counter. Most customizations are free or have a small fee.
Final Tips For Using Publix Catering
Always confirm your order details before pickup. Check the quantity and items. If you’re picking up, bring a cooler for cold items. For hot food, ask for insulated bags. Publix does not provide serving utensils, so bring your own. Consider ordering extra drinks and dessert to round out the meal. With the Publix catering menu and prices, you can host a stress-free event without overspending. Plan ahead, customize as needed, and enjoy the convenience of fresh, ready-to-serve food.
Remember that prices can vary slightly by region. Check your local Publix website for the most accurate pricing. The catering menu is updated seasonally, so new items may appear. For the best experience, place your order early and double-check your pickup time. Publix catering is a reliable choice for any gathering, from small family dinners to large corporate events. Use this guide to make informed decisions and keep your guests happy.