How to Order Bagels for Large Groups Online

Ordering bagels for a large group can be simple and stress-free when done online. Here's how you can make it work:

• Plan for Quantity: Estimate 1.5 bagels per person or 0.833 if serving halves. Adjust for kids or heavy eaters. For every 12 bagels, include 1 pound of cream cheese; 1 pound of lox serves 12–15 people.
• Consider Dietary Needs: Offer gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly options. Label everything clearly for safety.
• Mix Flavors: Balance crowd favorites like plain and everything bagels with sweet (blueberry) and savory (garlic) varieties.
• Choose Add-Ons: Include spreads (traditional and vegan), lox, and toppings like avocado or veggies.
• Order Online: Use platforms like Tompkins Square Bagels for local delivery in Manhattan or nationwide shipping via Goldbelly.

For a smooth event, confirm delivery details, set up a serving area, and plan for extras. Bagels are a versatile, budget-friendly choice for any gathering.

Bagel Makin' at Tompkins Sq. Bagels

Understanding Your Group's Bagel Needs

Figuring out how many bagels to order and meeting everyone’s dietary needs doesn’t have to be a headache. A little planning and some quick calculations can go a long way in ensuring your order is both efficient and tailored to your group.

How to Calculate Quantity Based on Group Size

A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1.5 whole bagels per person. If you’re serving bagels sliced in half, aim for about 0.833 bagels per guest. This approach works well for most groups, but you’ll want to adjust based on your audience. For example, teenagers may eat more, while smaller children or older adults might eat less. As Rosenfeld's Bagels puts it:

"After years of catering events, we've found the following serve as a good rule of thumb: One and a half bagels per person."

For a quick calculation, multiply the number of guests by 0.833 if you’re serving halves. If your event involves kids, plan for about 8 whole bagels per 12 children. And when bagels are the main dish - like at a breakfast meeting - you might need to increase your order to avoid running out.

Don’t forget the sides! For every 12 bagels, you’ll need about 1 pound of cream cheese. If you’re serving lox, 1 pound typically serves 12–15 people. Decide if you want extras for latecomers or second helpings, or if you’d rather avoid leftovers altogether. These details will help you fine-tune your order and keep everything running smoothly.

Planning for Dietary Preferences and Restrictions

In today’s world, it’s essential to consider dietary needs when planning meals. With a large group, it’s almost guaranteed that some attendees will have specific requirements. For example, a small percentage of guests may be gluten-sensitive or have allergies.

Start by gathering dietary information early - registration forms can be a great way to collect this data in advance. If you have gluten-free guests, confirm that your bagel provider offers safe, gluten-free options. This is especially important for those with celiac disease, as cross-contamination can be a serious issue. As food scientist Vicki Montague notes:

"With so many people now following a gluten-free diet, altering menus to make them entirely gluten-free, or focusing on naturally gluten-free food can help save time and reduce costs."

Don’t stop at gluten-free. Many bagels are naturally vegan, but some recipes include eggs or dairy. Double-check ingredients and consider offering plant-based spreads like hummus or nut butters alongside the usual cream cheese. This ensures options for vegan and vegetarian guests.

Laura Cloninger from Bishop-McCann highlights the importance of inclusivity:

"Attendees should never feel like an afterthought when it comes to meals."

Clearly label everything - "gluten-free", "vegan", or "contains nuts" - so guests can make informed choices. It’s also helpful to distinguish between allergies and intolerances. For instance, a life-threatening nut allergy will require stricter precautions than a mild lactose intolerance. Asking guests to specify whether their dietary needs stem from allergies, intolerances, or preferences can help you prioritize safety and communicate effectively with your bagel provider.

Customizing Your Bagel Order for Large Groups

Once you've figured out how many bagels you'll need and considered dietary preferences, it's time to craft an order that satisfies everyone. A mix of flavors and thoughtful add-ons can make all the difference.

Picking Bagel Flavors and Sizes

Strike a balance between crowd-pleasing classics and a few bold, adventurous flavors. According to data, New Yorkers often favor everything, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, onion, and jalapeño bagels.

Start with the staples like plain, everything, and onion bagels. Plain bagels are a blank canvas, pairing well with both sweet and savory toppings. Everything bagels, with their flavorful blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt, are always a hit.

For those with a sweet tooth, include options like blueberry and cinnamon raisin bagels. You could also throw in some fun choices like cranberry, chocolate chip, or even French toast bagels to keep things interesting.

On the savory side, consider egg, sesame seed, poppy seed, garlic, and whole wheat bagels. Feeling adventurous? Add flavors like pretzel, jalapeño cheddar, or sun-dried tomato bagels for a unique twist.

Choosing Spreads, Toppings, and Add-Ons

The right spreads and toppings can elevate your bagel offerings. Include a variety of cream cheese options, both traditional and vegan, such as Tofu Scallion Cream Cheese.

For premium toppings, think beyond the basics. Lox is a timeless choice, especially paired with plain or everything bagels. Other great add-ons include avocado, roasted red peppers, and fresh vegetables, giving guests the opportunity to customize their bagels.

To round out your order, consider sweet extras like gluten-free cookies from Tompkins Square Bagels. These can double as a dessert option or cater to those with dietary restrictions.

Building a Balanced Order

Creating a balanced order means thinking about flavor profiles and guest preferences. Stick to a majority of classic flavors, then sprinkle in a few sweet and adventurous options to keep things exciting.

Pairing is key. For instance, everything bagels pair beautifully with plain cream cheese or lox, while sweeter bagels like blueberry shine with lighter spreads. Specialty bagels with bold flavors can be complemented by flavorful spreads and fresh vegetable toppings.

Finally, consider the nature of your event. For a business meeting, you might lean toward simpler selections with premium toppings. Casual brunches, on the other hand, are the perfect opportunity to experiment with fun and creative add-ons. Don't forget to label the options and have serving utensils ready - small details like this make a big difference in creating a smooth, professional setup. With this approach, you're all set to place an order with Tompkins Square Bagels that everyone will enjoy!

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How to Place Your Order with Tompkins Square Bagels

Ordering from Tompkins Square Bagels is simple, with options tailored to your location and schedule. Whether you're in Manhattan or need nationwide delivery, they've got you covered.

Local Delivery and Pickup in Manhattan

If you're in Manhattan, head to the Tompkins Square Bagels website and click on "Order Same Day." With locations on Avenue A and East 17th Street, it's easy to arrange pickup or delivery. The website lets you customize your order, whether it's for a quick meal or catering needs within Manhattan.

Prefer a delivery app? Tompkins Square Bagels is available on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates. Just make sure to check delivery zones and timing.

Nationwide Shipping with Goldbelly

For those outside Manhattan, Tompkins Square Bagels partners with Goldbelly to ship their bagels across the U.S. and Canada. Visit their Goldbelly page to explore the shipping packages, all of which include free shipping. Here are some popular options for larger groups:

• Baker's Dozen Bagels: $65.95
• Two Baker's Dozen Bagels: $89.95
• "Union Square" Bagel Brunch for 13: $159.95
• Tompkins Square Bagel Brunch Weekender Box for 13: $249.95

For smaller gatherings, try the "East Village" Bagel Brunch for 6 at $109.95 or "The Eastsider" Salmon Trio Bagel Kit for 6 at $129.95. These packages come with premium toppings for a complete bagel experience.

Before placing your order, double-check any shipping restrictions for your area. Goldbelly often offers promotions, so keep an eye out for discounts on larger orders.

Catering Services for Special Events

Planning a bigger event? Tompkins Square Bagels offers full catering services for corporate meetings, private parties, and holiday celebrations.

To request catering, fill out their online form and expect a quick response. The catering menu goes beyond bagels, featuring options like:

• Assorted bagel breakfasts
• Muffin and pastry platters
• Fish platters
• Salad platters
• Assorted wrap platters
• Cold cut platters

You can even customize your order to suit your group's preferences. Whether it's a casual brunch or an elegant spread, Tompkins Square Bagels has something for every occasion.

Making Sure Delivery and Event Go Smoothly

Once you've placed your order with Tompkins Square Bagels, a little preparation can help ensure your event goes off without a hitch. From scheduling delivery to setting up the serving area, a few key steps can make all the difference.

Scheduling Delivery or Pickup

For same-day catering, make sure to place your order at least 4 hours in advance. This gives the team enough time to prepare everything and guarantees you’ll receive the freshest bagels.

Planning ahead? Orders placed after 3:00 PM will be ready for pickup or delivery after 7:30 AM the following day. This is perfect for early events like breakfast meetings or morning gatherings.

If you’re in a pinch, take advantage of the text ordering option for faster service. Still, for larger groups, planning ahead is always the safest option. Schedule your delivery to arrive about 30 minutes before your event begins, giving you time to set up and make any last-minute adjustments.

Double-Checking Order Details

Before your delivery arrives, take a moment to confirm all the details. Check the delivery address (including any special access instructions), contact information, and the order itself - bagel types, spreads, dietary requests, and delivery time. Double-checking can help you avoid common mix-ups, like AM/PM errors or wrong dates.

It’s also a good idea to compare your final guest count with your order. If in doubt, aim for a little extra - running out mid-event is never ideal. A quick confirmation call or email can save you from surprises. With your order confirmed, you’re ready to prepare the space for your bagel feast.

Getting Ready for the Event

Set up a serving area with all the essentials, from utensils to napkins. To keep the bagels fresh, leave them in their boxes until the event starts, especially if there’s a delay. When arranging spreads and toppings, consider organizing them in a logical order. For example, place cream cheese and butter first, followed by specialty spreads and other toppings. This makes it easier for guests to navigate the table.

Keep contact information handy in case you need to make last-minute changes. If you’re juggling other responsibilities during the event, enlist someone to help with setting up the bagels and organizing the serving area. With everything in place, you’ll be ready to serve up fresh, delicious bagels and enjoy a smooth, stress-free event.

Conclusion: Make Your Event Easy with Tompkins Square Bagels

Planning bagels for a large group? Tompkins Square Bagels makes it effortless with their user-friendly online platform, handling everything from ordering to delivery.

They offer three convenient options: local delivery or pickup for Manhattan events, and nationwide shipping through Goldbelly for gatherings beyond New York. These choices ensure a smooth, reliable experience no matter where your event takes place.

The feedback says it all. Verified orders for groups ranging from 10 to 185 guests consistently receive glowing 5-star reviews, including a 100-person event that raved about the Bacon and Herb cream cheese.

Need help? Their expert catering team is ready to assist. Whether you're opting for curated packages like Assorted Bagel Breakfasts or designing your own spread with a variety of bagels, spreads, and toppings, the process is simple. The online system lets you customize every detail and quickly get the support you need.

Each order arrives ready to serve, complete with their signature house-made cream cheeses, taking the stress out of group catering. With prompt delivery and professional service, you can focus on enjoying your event while Tompkins Square Bagels handles the rest. Simplify your gathering today with their easy online options!

FAQs

How can I figure out how many bagels to order for a group with different appetites?

When figuring out how many bagels to get for a group, a solid guideline is to plan for 1.5 bagels per person. This gives your guests the chance to sample different flavors or go back for seconds. If you’re hosting folks with bigger appetites or just want to be extra prepared, you might want to multiply the number of guests by 1.25 to 1.5. This way, you’ll have enough to satisfy everyone without ending up with too many leftovers.

And don’t forget - offering a selection of spreads and toppings can make all the difference in keeping everyone happy!

How can I make sure everyone's dietary needs are met when ordering bagels for a large group?

To make sure everyone feels included and catered to, start by gathering information about participants' dietary needs. This could include allergies, restrictions, or preferences like gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb options. With this in mind, offer a diverse selection of bagels, spreads, and toppings so there’s something for everyone. Be sure to label everything clearly, especially allergy-friendly or specialty items, to avoid any mix-ups.

When placing your catering order, share these specific requirements with your provider and confirm ingredient details if needed. It’s also a good idea to check in with participants for any last-minute updates to keep things running smoothly.

How can I set up a great bagel station for my event?

To put together an amazing bagel station, start by keeping your setup tidy and well-organized. Use tiered platters or raised trays to create a visually appealing display that's also easy to navigate. Include a variety of bagels and spreads, such as cream cheese, butter, and jam, to cater to different preferences. For toppings, think smoked salmon, sliced vegetables, and cheeses - arrange these in small bowls or ramekins to make serving simple.

Don’t forget the essentials: provide tongs, spreaders, and knives to keep everything clean and user-friendly. Adding labels to each item can save your guests time and make the experience even smoother. Preparing everything ahead of time and maintaining a neat station will make it a hit with everyone.