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Corporate Cooking Events & Team Building Classes in the Chicago Suburbs
Corporate Events for Leadership Teams, Client Entertainment & Employee Appreciation
Are you looking for a memorable company outing near Chicago? Marcel's Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn is the Chicago suburbs' most unique corporate team building venue. Our cooking classes are designed to bring teams together through hands-on, interactive culinary experiences. Perfect for company outings, client appreciation events, and corporate retreats, each experience combines collaboration, creativity, and exceptional food. Whether your team is cooking side-by-side or enjoying a chef-led demonstration, our events foster connection, communication, and lasting memories.
We love our Clients!
Why Companies Choose Marcel's for Corporate Cooking Events
- A Refreshing Approach to Team Building
Our corporate team-building cooking events offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional team-building activities. Designed to bring people together through shared experience, each event encourages collaboration, creativity, and connection in a relaxed, engaging setting. - Hands-On, Engaging Experiences
Whether guests are actively preparing dishes or observing a chef-led demonstration, our interactive cooking classes invite participation at every level. These team-building cooking events naturally foster communication and camaraderie while creating something truly enjoyable together. - Expert Chefs, Thoughtful Guidance
Our chefs bring both culinary expertise and a warm, approachable teaching style to every event. With a focus on technique, flavor, and enjoyment, they ensure each corporate cooking class feels seamless, engaging, and memorable for every guest. - Customized for Your Team
Each corporate cooking event at Marcel’s is thoughtfully tailored to your group. From curated menus to flexible formats, we design team-building cooking classes that align with your goals—whether focused on collaboration, client entertainment, or simply gathering together. - A Complete Culinary Experience
Every event culminates in a thoughtfully prepared, multi-course meal—crafted to satisfy, delight, and bring everyone together around the table. It’s a natural extension of the experience, where conversation flows and connections deepen. - Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Enhance your corporate cooking event with expertly selected wine and cocktail pairings, thoughtfully chosen to complement each course and elevate the overall experience. - An Inviting Destination in Glen Ellyn
Located in the heart of downtown Glen Ellyn, Marcel’s is a convenient and welcoming destination for corporate groups throughout the Chicago suburbs. Marcel's is a simple trip for teams based anywhere from downtown Chicago to the western suburbs. Our space is designed to feel both refined and comfortable—the perfect setting to step away from the office and connect.
Corporate Cooking Event Formats
For Groups up to 16
Hands On
Guests work in groups to prepare and enjoy a multiple course meal. Our professional chefs provide tips, tricks and hands-on instruction, leading the group in creating delicious and seasonal recipes, culminating in a seated dinner. Wine, beer and soft beverages are included. Duration: 2.5 hours.
For Groups up to 20
Chef's Table Demonstration
The perfect blend of live cooking,cheftips, and course by course service.This is a demonstration class so sit back, relax, and allow our chef to take you on an unforgettable culinary experience. Wine, beer and soft beverages are included. Duration: 2.5 hours.
For Groups up to 16
Cooking Competition
Designed for collaboration and creativity, this cooking competition challenges teams to work together under pressure to craft cohesive, delicious dishes. With chef-led instruction and a touch of friendly rivalry, participants build communication and teamwork skills while having fun. Judging, awards, and a shared meal round out the experience, with wine, beer, and soft beverages included. Duration: 2.5 hours.
For Groups up to 100
Small Plates Party
Guests take turns at the cooking stations creating appetizers to share with the rest of the group. Our chef shares tips, tricks and demonstrations along the way. This is a cocktail party style event with passed appetizers culminating in a meal of small plates. Wine, beer and soft beverages are included. Duration: 2.5 hours.
For groups up to 100
Holiday Party
Marcel’s is the perfect destination for holiday gatherings. We offer a variety of interactive event formats designed to make the season feel memorable, warm, and effortlessly enjoyable.
In addition to our chef-led culinary experiences, guests can enjoy seasonal activities such as wreath building and floral arranging while our chefs prepare beautifully curated small bites and holiday-inspired menus.
What to Expect
Choose Your Event Style
Work with our Culinary Director to design a corporate cooking event that fits your team, goals, and group size. Choose from hands-on cooking classes, seated culinary experiences, cocktail-style gatherings, or friendly cooking competitions designed to encourage collaboration and connection.
Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, client appreciation event, holiday party, or company team-building activity, we’ll help create an experience that feels personalized and memorable.
Select Your Menu
Now for the fun part — choosing the menu. Select from chef-curated seasonal offerings inspired by Italian favorites, French classics, and globally inspired cuisine.
Our menus are designed to be approachable, interactive, and impressive for guests of all cooking skill levels. After the event, guests leave with recipes so they can recreate the experience at home.
Event Day
Step into our Glen Ellyn culinary studio and let the experience begin. Guests are welcomed with a curated selection of wine, beer, bubbly, or thoughtfully selected non-alcoholic beverages before joining our chefs in the kitchen.
Then it’s aprons on as your team cooks together through a hands-on culinary experience filled with chef instruction, cooking tips, and plenty of fun along the way.
When the cooking wraps up, everyone gathers to enjoy the meal together — because sharing the experience is half the fun.
We Take Care of the Rest
After the cooking and celebration are complete, we handle the cleanup so your team can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
No dishes, no stress — just a seamless corporate event from start to finish.
What's Included
- Chef-Led Culinary Experience
- Hands-On Cooking Instruction
- Seasonal Chef-Curated Menus
- Wine, Beer & Beverages
- All Ingredients & Equipment
- Shared Dining Experience
- Recipes to Take Home
- Full Setup & Cleanup
Need something customized? Our team can help tailor your corporate cooking event based on group size, dietary preferences, occasion, and event goals.
Want to experience Marcel's before booking a corporate event? View our upcoming cooking class calendar.
To learn more or start the planning process, please inquire below.
Happy Guests
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"Marcel's private cooking experience is a must! Our company held a work event for 36 people and it went so smoothly. Chef
Molly was attentive and very personable. Everyone had a great time and left with huge smiles and full stomachs!"Krista Koehler
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"We hosted our company holiday party here and it was beyond our expectations. Chef Brandy was so fun, energetic, and brilliant in the kitchen. We learned along the way and had time to socialize and do our holiday party FUN. Couldn't recommend this place and Chef Brandy more."
Brooke Backsen
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"We had a work event that Marcel's orchestrated a fun team cooking competition. Everyone said it was one of the best staff events they have been to. From start to finish, the staff, food and atmosphere were wonderful. We hope we can do another event with them soon."
Mary Lou Douglas
Sample Menus
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Italian Osterio
Arugula Insalata with Burrata & Lemon-Almond Vinaigrette,
Fried Calamari with Roasted Garlic Marinara,
Chicken Fettuccini Basilico with Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Cream,
Pistachio Tiramisu with Espresso
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Primavera Espana
Spanish Cheese & Charcuterie; Jamón Serrano, Manchego & Membrillo,
Ajo Blanco Chilled White Soup with Garlic,
Mushrooms in Garlic Sauce,
Paella MIxta with Shrimp, Mussels & Chicken,
Chocolate Crèma Catalana with Orange Scented Berries
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Happy Hour
Italian Flatbread with Caramelized Leek, Fennel, Green Olives & Ricotta,
Rosemary Roasted Shrimp with Blood Orange Gastrique,
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Lemon Zest, Almonds and Chevre,
Marinated Steak Brochettes with Chimichurri Sauce,
Chocolate Souffle Cake with Whipped Cream
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Taste of Thailand
Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping sauce,
Thai Beef Salad,
Vegetable Green Curry,
Classic Pad Thai with Shrimp,
Black Forbidden Rice Pudding with Mango
FAQ'S
How many people can attend?
Marcel’s can host both small executive groups and larger corporate teams depending on the event format.
What does pricing include?
Pricing includes a private chef, team of assistants, a fully customized meal for your guests, beer, wine and soda.
How long do corporate cooking events last?
Most corporate cooking experiences range from approximately two to three hours depending on the event
format.
Can corporate events be customized?
Yes. Menus, event formats, timing, and culinary themes can be customized based on your company’s goals
and preferences.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive menu accommodations are available with advance
notice.
What makes cooking classes effective for corporate team building?
Cooking classes encourage collaboration, communication, creativity, and problem-solving in a relaxed and
interactive environment. Teams work together toward a shared goal while enjoying a memorable culinary
experience
What types of corporate events does Marcel’s host?
Marcel’s hosts corporate team-building events, leadership retreats, client appreciation events, holiday
parties, networking events, executive gatherings, and employee celebrations.
Where is Marcel’s Culinary Experience located?
Marcel’s Culinary Experience is located in Glen Ellyn and serves corporate groups throughout the Chicago
suburbs, including Naperville, Wheaton, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, and surrounding areas.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Marcel’s can host both small executive groups and larger corporate teams depending on the event format
and scheduling availability.
Are the cooking classes hands-on?
Yes. Most corporate team-building events are interactive, hands-on cooking experiences led by professional
chefs.
Can Marcel’s host holiday parties?
Yes. Marcel’s offers interactive holiday cooking events and seasonal culinary experiences for corporate
teams.
Are private daytime corporate events available?
Yes. Private daytime events may be scheduled based on availability.
What areas do you serve?
Marcel’s serves businesses throughout Chicagoland, including Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Wheaton, DownersGrove, Oak Brook, Lombard, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, St. Charles, Geneva and surrounding suburbs of Chicago.
Is alcohol included in corporate events?
Marcel’s has beverage and wine service options depending on the event package and format.
What should guests wear to a cooking event?
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for hands-on cooking classes.
Why choose a cooking class instead of other team-building activities?
Cooking classes provide a collaborative, social, and memorable experience that encourages teamwork and
engagement in a more interactive setting than traditional corporate outings.
Can we book a private corporate event?
Yes. Marcel’s specializes in private corporate culinary experiences customized for businesses and
organizations.
How far is Marcel’s from downtown Chicago?
Marcel’s is conveniently located in Glen Ellyn and is easily accessible from many Chicago suburbs and
downtown Chicago.
Is parking available?
Yes, street parking is available, along with several customer parking lots downtown Glen Ellyn.
Can events be hosted off-site?
Yes, we can host corporate team building events off site at a location of your choice.
What types of companies have cooking events at Marcel’s?
We have hosted a variety of companies in many different industries, including Charles Schwab, McDonalds, Molex, Hyatt, Abbott, Ace Hardware, Dover Corp, Dell, ACH Foods, Turtle Wax, Bosch, Sonova, Loyola Medicine, Dale Carnegie, Merrill Lynch, Coltiva Wealth, Stryker, Amwins, Morton Arboretum, Northwestern Mutual, Omni Hotels, FlavorReady Foods, Pure Barre, Fresenius Kabi, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Falcon Insurance, and many more!
What’s Included in a Corporate Team Building Event at Marcel’s?
Each corporate culinary experience includes chef-led instruction, hands-on cooking, seasonal menus, beverages, recipes, and full event setup and cleanup in our Glen Ellyn culinary studio.
Serving Corporate Teams Across Chicagoland
Marcel's is a premier culinary destination for teams across Chicagoland, including Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Oakbrook, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Oak Park, Wheaton, Schaumburg, Geneva, St. Charles, Downers Grove, and beyond!