Art of Catering Food

Early Bird Rates End Sunday, June 28.

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August 10 - 11, 2026
Allium Rooftop by Blue Plate CateringChicago, IL
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Blue Plate Commissary Tour

Go Behind the Scenes at Chicago's Greenest Catering Kitchen

Limited to 12 Chefs Per Tour | First Registered, First Served

Experience the Innovation Powering AOCF 2026

See Where Culinary Excellence Meets Sustainability

Step inside Larkin Hall—the 80,000-square-foot headquarters of Blue Plate Chicago and your host venue for Art of Catering Food. This isn't just any facility tour. It's your exclusive chance to explore the first Green Restaurant Certified catering operation in Chicago and discover how cutting-edge design transforms culinary operations.

What You'll Discover in 20 Minutes

First Floor – The Foundation

  • State-of-the-art production kitchen where innovation happens
  • Behind-the-scenes workshop and warehouse operations
  • Temperature-controlled systems and on-site composting in action

Second Floor – Where Magic Meets Clients

  • The stunning Terrace Room
  • The Tasting Kitchen (where menus come to life)
  • Private dining rooms and corporate offices
  • BONUS: Peek at Allium, Blue Plate's newest rooftop event venue (completed 2025)

Why This Tour Matters for Your Catering Business:

✓ Steal Ideas from a nationally recognized, award-winning facility
✓ Network with Blue Plate staff and fellow attendees in intimate groups
✓ See Real Operations during actual production hours
✓ Learn how sustainable practices scale in high-volume catering

Tour Times Available

Monday, August 10

  • 8:10am - 8:30am (before breakfast)
  • 12:40pm - 1:00pm (lunch break)

Tuesday, August 11

  • 8:10am - 8:30am (before breakfast)
  • 12:40pm - 1:00pm (lunch break)

Only 12 Spots Per Tour. Don't Miss Your Chance.

Small groups ensure you can ask questions, observe ongoing operations without disruption, and make meaningful connections with Blue Plate's team and your peers.

This exclusive add-on won't last long. Eligible attendees will be notified of their confirmed tour time closer to the event.

SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW

First registered, first served. Register early—these tours fill fast!

Register Now