Catering

Purple Onion Catering Co.

416 Maple Ave W, Washington D.C., VA

About Purple Onion Catering Co.

Purple Onion Catering Co. serves customers across Washington D.C. with full-service catering solutions for a variety of events. Located at 416 Maple Ave W, the team works with clients to deliver quality food and service tailored to their needs.

The catering company is open Monday through Friday, with standard hours running 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with Friday closing at 1:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available for walk-ins or bookings.

For event planners seeking catering options in the area, Purple Onion Catering Co. offers a practical option when comparing providers. Their local presence and accessibility make them worth considering for upcoming events. To discuss your catering needs and explore menu options, contact them at +1 703-631-0050 or visit http://www.purpleonioncatering.com/ for additional details.

Services offered

  • Full-service catering for corporate events and business functions
  • Custom menu development and design based on client preferences and dietary needs
  • Buffet-style meal service for medium to large group events
  • Plated dinner service for formal events and upscale occasions
  • Drop-off catering service for self-service events or client-managed events
  • Staffed catering with professional servers and kitchen assistants
  • Dietary accommodation services including vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-conscious options
  • Food and beverage setup, service, and breakdown at event venues
  • Wedding reception catering and rehearsal dinner packages
  • Private party and social gathering catering
  • Non-profit and fundraiser event catering services
  • Menu consultation and tasting services for event planning and selection

Planner's guide

PART 1: PLANNER INSIGHT

Best For: Corporate lunch meetings and business events; Wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners; Private parties and social gatherings; Non-profit fundraisers and community events

What planners usually like:

  • Local D.C. presence with established operational infrastructure and familiarity with regional venue requirements
  • Full-service catering model that typically handles food preparation, staffing, setup, and cleanup—reducing coordination complexity
  • Direct communication with catering team allows for customized menu development tailored to specific dietary needs, guest counts, and event themes
  • Established business with track record serving Washington D.C. market, providing reliability and consistency

Things to clarify before booking:

  • Confirm minimum guest count requirements and whether pricing scales differently for smaller versus larger events
  • Verify what's included in their full-service offering—specifically staffing levels, equipment rental, service duration, and cleanup responsibilities
  • Discuss their flexibility with dietary restrictions, allergen protocols, and whether they can accommodate specific cuisine preferences or cultural menu requirements
  • Clarify their cancellation and deposit policies, as well as how far in advance events need to be booked given their limited Friday availability

Common questions

What lead time does Purple Onion Catering Co. typically require for event bookings?

While specific lead time requirements aren't listed, you should contact them directly at +1 703-631-0050 or via their website to confirm availability. Given their limited Friday hours (closing at 1:00 PM) and weekend closure, booking 2-4 weeks in advance is recommended for optimal date selection and menu planning.

Can Purple Onion Catering Co. accommodate events at off-site venues, or do they only work from their Maple Ave W location?

As a full-service catering company, they typically provide off-site catering to various venues throughout Washington D.C. However, you'll need to contact them directly to confirm which venues they've worked with previously, any travel charges they may assess, and what equipment/setup services they provide at external locations.

How do pricing and menu options work with Purple Onion Catering Co.?

Pricing is customized based on your event specifics (guest count, menu selections, service level), so you'll need to call +1 703-631-0050 or visit their website to receive a formal quote. They likely offer tiered menu options at different price points, but discussing your budget upfront helps them tailor recommendations appropriately.

Are there dietary restrictions or special cuisine types Purple Onion Catering Co. can accommodate?

Most full-service catering companies offer flexibility with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-conscious menus, but you should confirm their specific capabilities when you contact them. Ask about their food safety protocols and whether they can document ingredients for guests with severe allergies.

What happens if my event needs to be scheduled on a Friday afternoon or weekend?

Since they close at 1:00 PM on Friday and are closed Saturday-Sunday, weekend events would not be available. Friday morning events may be possible depending on timing. For weekend events, you'll need to identify alternative catering providers or consider rescheduling to a weekday.

Does Purple Onion Catering Co. provide rentals like linens, china, glassware, and serving equipment?

This varies by catering company. Contact them directly to confirm whether they provide rentals in-house or can recommend trusted rental partners. Understanding what's included versus what you need to source separately impacts your overall event budget and coordination.

Hours

Monday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Contact

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