Elevating Business Events: How Smokey D's Championship BBQ Catering Is Fueling Des Moines' Corporate Success

In the competitive business landscape of Des Moines, the difference between a forgettable corporate gathering and a memorable networking opportunity often comes down to one crucial element: the food. As the city's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to flourish, award-winning Smokey D's BBQ catering has emerged as the secret ingredient behind successful business events across the metro.

Beyond Basic Business Catering

The days of sad sandwich platters and lukewarm coffee at corporate events are mercifully behind us. Today's business leaders understand that quality catering doesn't just feed attendees—it creates an experience, facilitates connections, and reflects your company's commitment to excellence.

"We've catered everything from intimate executive board meetings to company-wide celebrations for hundreds," says Elizabeth, Smokey D's Catering Coordinator. "What we've found is that when you serve championship-level BBQ, something interesting happens to the energy in the room. People relax. Conversations flow more naturally. Business relationships form over a shared appreciation of great food."

That's not just clever marketing—it's the natural outcome when your catering is provided by Iowa's most decorated BBQ establishment, headed by legendary pitmaster Darren Warth. With over 1,000 awards and 90 state championships, the team behind Smokey D's understands that excellence is in the details—whether that's in competition BBQ or corporate catering.

The Strategic Business Case for Quality Catering

Smart Des Moines business owners aren't just choosing Smokey D's for the mouthwatering brisket (though that's certainly a compelling reason). They're making a strategic decision that impacts their bottom line in several ways:

1. Attendance and Engagement

Let's be honest: announcing "Smokey D's will be catering" in your meeting invitation practically guarantees higher attendance. In a world of meeting fatigue, quality food has become a powerful incentive. Business leaders report noticeably higher engagement levels at events catered with championship BBQ—attendees stay longer, participate more actively, and leave with a more positive impression.

2. Employee Appreciation That Resonates

In today's competitive hiring landscape, showing appreciation to your team matters more than ever. Generic gift cards don't create memories, but treating your staff to a catered Smokey D's lunch demonstrates a thoughtful investment in their wellbeing and satisfaction.

3. Client Relationship Building

"We've closed more deals over our catered lunches than in formal meeting rooms," shares Michael Tomlinson, CEO of a local financial services firm. "There's something about sharing excellent BBQ that breaks down barriers and creates an atmosphere of trust."

The Perfect Partnership: Smokey D's and Elevator Spaces

As Des Moines' business ecosystem evolves, new synergies are forming between innovative companies. One particularly promising partnership is developing between Smokey D's catering and Elevator Spaces, the newest co-warehousing and co-working hub opening April 1st at 12th and Mulberry.

Located just a half-mile (about a 10-minute walk) from Smokey D's downtown location in the Skywalk, Elevator Spaces will soon house dozens of startups and growing businesses while hosting regular events, training sessions, and networking meetups.

Levi Cermak, VP of Revenue at Elevator Spaces, sees immense value in having championship-caliber catering so accessible to their members:

"When you're building a community of entrepreneurs and innovators, every detail matters—especially the food. Our members will be hosting clients, conducting training sessions, and building their businesses. Having Smokey D's legendary BBQ available for catering creates another level of professionalism and excellence in our ecosystem."

The proximity between these two business innovators is no coincidence. Both understand that success in Des Moines comes from delivering exceptional experiences and building community. For businesses operating out of Elevator Spaces, having award-winning catering just minutes away provides a competitive advantage for hosting impressive client meetings and team events.

Catering Packages Designed for Business Needs

Smokey D's has refined their catering offerings to address specific business scenarios:

The Executive Meeting Solution

The "2 Meat & 2 Sides Buffet" ($12.99 per person, 15-person minimum) has become the go-to option for board meetings and client presentations. Featuring any two of Smokey D's championship meats and two made-from-scratch sides, it provides variety without overwhelmingly complex choices—perfect for keeping the focus on business while still impressing attendees.

The Team Appreciation Package

For staff appreciation events, the "Smokey D's Special Buffet" ($10.99 per person) offers the perfect balance of value and quality, featuring their famous chopped pork, BBQ beans, and coleslaw. It's an affordable way to treat your team to championship BBQ without breaking the budget.

The All-Day Training Solution

For extended training sessions, Smokey D's offers customized catering packages that can include breakfast, lunch, and snack options to keep energy levels high throughout the day. Their catering team works with business clients to create the right pacing and variety for productive all-day sessions.

The Logistics That Make Business Leaders' Lives Easier

What truly sets Smokey D's apart in the corporate catering arena is their understanding of business needs:

• Simple Ordering Process: Corporate accounts can order via phone (515-243-2747) or email (elizabeth@smokeydsbbq.com) with 48-hour notice for most events.
• Delivery and Setup: For downtown events, Smokey D's handles delivery and setup, arriving early to ensure everything is perfect before your first guest arrives.
• Complete Service Solutions: Every buffet includes all necessary serving utensils and disposable table service, eliminating logistical headaches.
• Flexibility for Last-Minute Changes: The catering team understands that business meetings sometimes need to accommodate last-minute headcount adjustments or timing changes.

From Startup Meetings to Corporate Events: Scaling to Your Needs

Whether you're a solopreneur hosting your first client meeting or a corporate leader organizing a company-wide event, Smokey D's catering scales effortlessly to match your business needs.  

"We've had startups begin with small lunch meetings for five people and grow to catering company parties for hundreds as they've expanded," Elizabeth notes. "There's something special about being part of a business's journey and growth in Des Moines."

The Bottom Line for Business Success

In a business environment where every advantage matters, Des Moines leaders are discovering that championship BBQ catering delivers tangible returns on investment:

• Higher meeting attendance and participation
• More productive networking environments
• Strengthened team morale and cohesion
• Enhanced company reputation among clients and prospects
• Memorable experiences that strengthen business relationships

As the Des Moines business community continues to evolve, with innovative spaces like Elevator opening and new ventures launching regularly, the demand for elevated catering experiences will only grow. Smokey D's championship BBQ stands ready to fuel the next generation of business success stories—one perfectly catered event at a time.

Ready to elevate your next business event? Contact the Smokey D's catering team at 515-243-2747 or email elizabeth@smokeydsbbq.com to discuss your catering needs.