Food For Thought

Food For Thought For over 30 years, Food For Thought has been helping create magic moments. Our Catering division is renowned for creating truly special events.
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Founded in 1983, Food For Thought Catering enjoys an esteemed place among Chicago special event planners. We are on the preferred caterer lists for such distinguished venues as The Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, Millennium Park, Café Brauer and the Chicago Cultural Center. Food For Thought Management expanded into contract foodservice operations in 1989 by developing the Food For Thought Ca

fé concept. Our cafés have consistently received high marks for creative menu development, unique marketing and innovative merchandising. Our company is a leading provider of fine catering, cafeterias, and conference catering. For over 25 years we have continued to add distinguished clients to our portfolio.

An unforgettable evening at the iconic Chicago Field Museum! Vibrant colors, elegant tablescapes, and exquisite details ...
09/06/2024

An unforgettable evening at the iconic Chicago Field Museum! Vibrant colors, elegant tablescapes, and exquisite details created the perfect backdrop for this magical wedding. From the refreshing heirloom tomato and melon salad to the golden artisan stuffed garlic bread, every flavor mirrored the beauty of the night.



Food for Thought is proud to announce that we are an approved caterer for the Home Court atthe Obama Presidential Center...
05/08/2024

Food for Thought is proud to announce that we are an approved caterer for the Home Court at
the Obama Presidential Center. The Home Court is the largest convening area at the Center
and is the ideal venue for a variety of professional meetings and conferences, community
events, and personal celebrations.

For more information on hosting an event at the Home Court please visit obama.org/host-an-event.

Image Credit: The Obama Foundation

Have you seen what our clients have been saying about us? 💬✨ Our tastings set the stage for exceptional experiences that...
05/03/2024

Have you seen what our clients have been saying about us? 💬✨

Our tastings set the stage for exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression✨🍽️

🌿💚 Celebrating Earth Day with a Touch of Green at FFT! 🌎🌱 As part of our Monthly Staff Appreciation, we’re thrilled to b...
04/22/2024

🌿💚 Celebrating Earth Day with a Touch of Green at FFT! 🌎🌱

As part of our Monthly Staff Appreciation, we’re thrilled to bring back a crowd favorite from last year – plants for everyone! There’s nothing like the gift of a little greenery to brighten our days and our spaces, especially when it comes from the wonderful local .

At Food for Thought, being a woman-owned company, we find it particularly meaningful to celebrate Mother Earth by nurturing the environment and showing appreciation to our incredible team. These plants are not just decor; they are a symbol of growth and vitality, much like the nurturing and thriving environment we aim to foster here every day.

Thank you to our amazing staff, the best in the business, for all that you do. Here’s to many more years of growth, both in our gardens and within our FFT family! 🌼🌿

Food For Thought is bringing a twist of green to your wedding scene with our TICKET GIVEAWAY to the Committed Wedding Sh...
02/08/2024

Food For Thought is bringing a twist of green to your wedding scene with our TICKET GIVEAWAY to the Committed Wedding Show on Feb 18th! 🎟🌎

Here’s how to weave sustainability into your love story:
Heart this post 💚
Comment with your eco-friendly wedding idea or dream 🍃
Tag your environmentally conscious better half or friend who’s helping you plan!

Lorena Kennedy, our Committed Committee Chair, will share her sustainable wedding journey and introduce you to the vendors who made her green dream a reality.

Dive into a day where style and environmental responsibility meet and leave with inspiration that’s as good for the planet as it is for your soul.

For more information on the event, check the Linktree in our bio!

Winners announced on February 13th. Let’s plan a wedding that celebrates love and our planet with Food For Thought!

Our Workspace Solutions division is hiring! Swipe to see our open positions at two new FFT corporate cafe locations. Int...
11/29/2023

Our Workspace Solutions division is hiring! Swipe to see our open positions at two new FFT corporate cafe locations. Interested in applying? Email Diana Montes at [email protected]

WE’RE HIRING: Join us for one of several job fairs and leave with a new opportunity in the events and food industry! FFT...
03/01/2023

WE’RE HIRING: Join us for one of several job fairs and leave with a new opportunity in the events and food industry! FFT Staffing

Join Food For Thought and FFT Staffing to learn more about exciting job opportunities in the Event and Food Industry!

Give your Specialty Cocktail (and your cat) the attention they deserve with our Aspen Shelves 🥃😻Photos:  Venue:  Planner...
02/16/2023

Give your Specialty Cocktail (and your cat) the attention they deserve with our Aspen Shelves 🥃😻

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Swipe to see a STUNNING bride! When an FFT team member gets married, you know the menu is going to be top notch.  desser...
02/03/2023

Swipe to see a STUNNING bride! When an FFT team member gets married, you know the menu is going to be top notch.

dessert bar featured Mini Deconstructed Pumpkin Pies and Petite Lava Cakes topped with a Sugar Dusted Raspberry 🤤

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Thrilled to be featured alongside  in  Top Catering Trends of 2023!I mean, how cute is this Mini Soup Shooter Wall?! Pho...
01/24/2023

Thrilled to be featured alongside in Top Catering Trends of 2023!

I mean, how cute is this Mini Soup Shooter Wall?!

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We belong together like Sliders & Beer + Tacos & Tequila 🍔🍺🌮Elevate your guest experience with creative food and drink p...
01/19/2023

We belong together like Sliders & Beer + Tacos & Tequila 🍔🍺🌮

Elevate your guest experience with creative food and drink pairings 👯‍♂️

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Tis’ the season to pop champagne 🍾Photography: Venue: Day of Coordination:
12/27/2022

Tis’ the season to pop champagne 🍾

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Swipe for Dessert Bar Inspiration:1. Assorted Hand-Dipped Chocolate Truffles2. Mini "Donut"3. S'mores TartPhotography: V...
12/21/2022

Swipe for Dessert Bar Inspiration:

1. Assorted Hand-Dipped Chocolate Truffles
2. Mini "Donut"
3. S'mores Tart

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Introducing the perfect Winter Specialty Cocktail – the Let It Snow ❄️Ingredients: Silver Tequila, Cream of Coconut, Coc...
12/15/2022

Introducing the perfect Winter Specialty Cocktail – the Let It Snow ❄️

Ingredients: Silver Tequila, Cream of Coconut, Coconut Milk, Lime Juice, Triple Sec, Agave, Pomegranate, Rosemary

Winter Wedding Inspiration: Hot Chocolate Bar on our Garden Cart ☕Guests Choice of Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream or M...
12/12/2022

Winter Wedding Inspiration: Hot Chocolate Bar on our Garden Cart ☕

Guests Choice of Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream or Mexican Hot Chocolate with Homemade Marshmallows

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⛄🎄 Tis the season for sugar cookies! 🎄⛄ Photography: Venue: Planning: Floral:
12/09/2022

⛄🎄 Tis the season for sugar cookies! 🎄⛄

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Get the party started with Mini Boozy Milkshakes! Flavor inspiration: Vanilla Ice Cream with Kahlua and Chocolate Shavin...
12/05/2022

Get the party started with Mini Boozy Milkshakes! Flavor inspiration: Vanilla Ice Cream with Kahlua and Chocolate Shavings. 🎉

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Sliding into the week like 🍔 Photographer:
12/05/2022

Sliding into the week like 🍔

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Sweet Water Prawn "Cocktail" with Heirloom Tomato, Avocado, Celery, Lemon Verbena.Photographer: Venue: Planning:
12/05/2022

Sweet Water Prawn "Cocktail" with Heirloom Tomato, Avocado, Celery, Lemon Verbena.

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A deconstructed view of our popular Late Night Snack - “Walking Ramen”
11/23/2022

A deconstructed view of our popular Late Night Snack - “Walking Ramen”

First Course Perfection: Our Burrata Panzanella Salad featuring Pickled Torpedo Onions, Olives, Velvet Ciabatta Croutons...
11/16/2022

First Course Perfection: Our Burrata Panzanella Salad featuring Pickled Torpedo Onions, Olives, Velvet Ciabatta Croutons, Poblano & Sunflower Seed Pesto, with a Toasted Fennel Seed Vinaigrette.

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Krusty Krab inspired Late Night Snacks?! Aye-aye, captain! 🍍Event Planning: Photography:
11/10/2022

Krusty Krab inspired Late Night Snacks?! Aye-aye, captain! 🍍

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Little pockets of Mac & Cheese perfection.Event Planning: Photography:
11/07/2022

Little pockets of Mac & Cheese perfection.

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Happy November! Cheers to the month of entertaining, celebrating, reconnecting, and our favorite, eating!Photographer:  ...
11/04/2022

Happy November! Cheers to the month of entertaining, celebrating, reconnecting, and our favorite, eating!

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It’s that time again! Help us determine the winner of this year’s FFT Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Comment on your favori...
10/28/2022

It’s that time again! Help us determine the winner of this year’s FFT Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Comment on your favorite entry (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I) by the end of the day on Sunday, 10/30! Winner will be announced on Halloween! 🎃🎨

Sure, you’ve heard of dancing in the moonlight, but have you tried dining in the moonlight? A dreamy tablescape you’ll o...
10/24/2022

Sure, you’ve heard of dancing in the moonlight, but have you tried dining in the moonlight? A dreamy tablescape you’ll only find at the Adler Planetarium] 🌚

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Venue: Adler Planetarium]
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A festive es**rt table using our Green Wall panels 🎃Photographer:
10/20/2022

A festive es**rt table using our Green Wall panels 🎃

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Swipe for the purrfect cocktail accessory 🐱Photographer: Venue: Planning:
10/19/2022

Swipe for the purrfect cocktail accessory 🐱

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The “Pregnants” of  are like really having babies. We were honored to celebrate them because after all, they’re not just...
10/19/2022

The “Pregnants” of are like really having babies. We were honored to celebrate them because after all, they’re not just regular moms, they’re cool moms! 🙌🏻👶🙌🏻

Looking for a late night snack your guests won’t be able to resist?! Try our Chicken & Waffles with Sriracha Honey  🧇 🍗 ...
10/12/2022

Looking for a late night snack your guests won’t be able to resist?! Try our Chicken & Waffles with Sriracha Honey 🧇 🍗 🍯


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Address

7001 N Ridgeway Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL
60712

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

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Our Story

Founded in 1983, Food For Thought Catering enjoys an esteemed place among Chicago special event planners. We are on the preferred caterer lists for such distinguished venues as The Field Museum, Chicago History Museum, Millennium Park, Café Brauer and the Chicago Cultural Center. Food For Thought Management expanded into contract foodservice operations in 1989 by developing the Food For Thought Café concept. Our cafés have consistently received high marks for creative menu development, unique marketing and innovative merchandising. Our company is a leading provider of fine catering, cafeterias, and conference catering. For over 25 years we have continued to add distinguished clients to our portfolio.

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