When The Hill Group hosted attendees for the SMACNA Fab Forum 2026 shop tour in Franklin Park, the goal was simple: deliver a high-quality lunch for 320 guests, quickly and efficiently, while giving everyone a chance to step out and recharge.
Guests traveled from across the country to explore the 26-acre campus, including the 104,000-square-foot prefabrication shop and 80,000-square-foot modular construction space. With a tight schedule, timing and execution were critical.
Tasty Catering coordinated the full outdoor setup, including tents, tables, chairs, permits, and food service. Using our signature “T” service style, we created four service lines to keep guests moving and ensure food came fresh off the grill. The result was a smooth, well-paced experience where all 320 guests were served in under 30 minutes, ensuring every plate was hot and fresh.
The menu featured grilled favorites like salmon, chicken, veggie burgers, and vegetables, alongside Chicago classics like Italian sausage. A nostalgic ice cream cart and fresh-baked cookies provided a fun finish.
From setup to service, this picnic-style lunch delivered an efficient, welcoming experience for all guests.
