As the school year winds down and graduation nears, it’s time to plan for those graduation parties. We know party planning is no easy feat, but luckily, Plymouth has a healthy list of catering options that can help your shindig be the best on the block. From make-your-own ice cream sundaes to a spread of mouth-watering chicken wings, we’ve got your party food covered.
STREET VENDING HOT DOG CART
Uncle Franky’s
There’s no need to man the grills all afternoon when Uncle Franky’s is invited to the party. Cooking authentic Chicago-style hot dogs, Uncle Franky’s mobile hot dog cart is a fun addition to any grad party.
“By far, our most popular option for grad parties is our authentic street vending cart,” owner Steven Krelitz says, which includes all setup and cleanup services and, of course, Krelitz’s famous Vienna beef hot dogs on poppy seed buns, complete with an array of condiments. Most people choose the full meal package, which includes the cart, fresh-cut fruit, chips and one side dish (think: coleslaw or potato salad), as well as full service ($10 per person, $6 per person for the hot dog buffet). To make it a full street-food affair, check out add-ons like State Fair mini donuts, popcorn, cotton candy and even a digital arcade photo booth. Editor’s tip: Mention this Plymouth Magazine story when you call to order or inquire about Uncle Franky’s, and receive 10 percent off your food and beverage bill. 10160 Sixth Ave. N.; 763.746.3643; unclefrankys.com
SUB SANDWICHES
Firehouse Subs
For a casual backyard gathering, sub sandwiches is the way to go. Plymouth’s own Firehouse Subs offers a variety of sandwich salad, and dessert platters—an easy solution for feeding a big crowd. Serving 10 people, the deluxe sandwich platter features the sub shop’s most popular combinations—provolone with ham and turkey, roast beef and turkey or ham, Genoa salami, and pepperoni ($42.99). “Most people get the deluxe sandwich platter, because it offers more variety,” owner Dustin Elbing says. “But we can make it any way people want with our meat and cheese selections.” You also can add a salad platter with romaine and iceberg lettuce, cucumber, tomato, green bell pepper and red onion, with your choice of dressing served on the side ($27.99). Editor’s tip: Don’t forget the dessert! The combination platter with fresh-baked cookies and brownies will not disappoint ($19.99). 2855 Glacier Lane Ste. 400; 763.276.9514; firehousesubs.com
MEXICAN BUFFET
Peg’s Countryside Catering
Bust out the sombreros, because it’s time for a fiesta. Based out of nearby Medina, Peg’s Countryside Catering has a number of options to cater your graduation soiree, but the most popular among the graduates is the Mexican buffet ($9.95 per person, 50 person minimum). “Our Mexican buffet is popular all of the time, but more so for graduation parties, because everyone can find something good to eat—even the vegetarians,” owner Peggy Rasmussen says. The buffet includes an array of Mexican cuisine, like seasoned chicken, or beef tacos in hard or soft shells. And those are, of course, accompanied by flavorful cilantro lime rice and all the fixings along with a nacho bar featuring chips, salsa, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and more. Editor’s tip: If your graduate is a fan of all things spicy, Peg’s can ramp up the heat upon request. ¡Ole! 714 Highway 55, Medina; 763.478.2101; pegscountrysidecafe.com
CUCPAKES
Gigi’s Cupcakes
For a sweet addition to your graduation party, order some festive cupcakes from Gigi’s in Golden Valley. Gigi’s bakes a plethora of mouth-watering flavors that are sure to be a hit at your grad’s celebration. Some of the cupcake shop’s most popular flavors include basics like wedding cake white and rich chocolate, along with cookie dough ($3.25 per cupcake; $2.75 per cupcake for orders of 100 or more). Gigi’s also has a changing menu each day, so make sure to check out specialty flavors like rocky road and green tea ginger. The mini cupcake packs are also a great option, including a combination of a dozen cupcakes ($15 for standard flavors, $18 for specialty flavors). Editor’s tip: Gigi’s can frost the cupcakes in your graduate’s school colors. Gigi’s also offers delivery for orders over $50 for a $25 fee. 7722 Highway 55, Golden Valley; 763.546.1433; gigiscupcakesusa.com
BRUNCH BAR
Lund’s & Byerly’s Catering
As an alternative to the typical afternoon graduation party, we love the idea of throwing a brunch-themed celebration. Lund’s and Byerly’s Catering will make your morning oh-so-worry-free with its selection of breakfast and brunch eats. The continental breakfast option is simply delish with its combination of fresh fruit and pastries, like donuts, danishes, bagels and muffins. It also comes with your choice of bottled water or orange juice, as well as plates and utensils ($7.99 per person). For a heartier option, breakfast burritos are the way to go. These little bundles of morning joy are filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, red and green peppers, and shredded Colby Jack cheese wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, then served with sour cream, salsa and fresh fruit ($8.99). Editor’s note: Make things even easier, and get everything delivered to your door for an additional fee. 3455 Vicksburg Lane N.; 763.268.1624; lundsandbyerlys.com
ICE CREAM SUNDAES
Coldstone Creamery
If you’re looking for an absolute catering crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with make-your-own ice cream sundaes from Coldstone Creamery ($3.50–$3.60 per person). The mobile sundae bar includes five ice cream flavors of your choosing (cake batter, sweet cream or strawberry, anyone?). And what’s a sundae without the toppings? The bar comes with four standards—fudge, caramel, whipped topping and cherries—along with five more of your choice. (We’re partial to chocolate chip cookie dough and gummy bears.) “We can pre-scoop the ice cream ahead of time so it’s easy to self-serve,” franchise owner Ramie Ramsden says. (Or for a fully carefree event, Coldstone can send someone to help serve for $15 per hour.) Editor’s tip: Coldstone also can rent a mobile freezer on a wheel-cart, shaded by an umbrella if you want to scoop your sundaes in style. 3505 Vicksburg Lane Ste. 700; 763.694.8903; coldstonecreamery.com
BUFFALO WINGS
Buffalo Wild Wings
Ordering a heaping mound of wings from Buffalo Wild Wings might just make your grad party the talk of the town. Although BW3s doesn’t have a catering department, you can order large portions of your favorite chicken wings from the takeout menu. The largest option includes 120 wings, which serves about 24 to 30 people ($90). You can also split the wing flavors up to six ways, giving your guests a variety of flavor choices; the most popular tend to be the honey barbecue and Asian zing (a chili pepper, soy and ginger sauce combo). Ordering regular traditional or boneless wings is also a good way to go when serving a crowd. Editor’s pick: Order as many additional sauces as you need at no charge. 3505 Vicksburg Lane N.; 763.551.9464; buffalowildwings.com
