Business Details
28 Years
experience
Award-Winning Catering Services in Raleigh, NC
Since 1998, Rocky Top Catering has established itself as Raleigh's premier full-service caterer, dedicated to transforming client visions into unforgettable culinary experiences. Our award-winning team of chefs and event managers specializes in crafting customized menus using seasonal ingredients, ensuring each event reflects the client's unique story. With partnerships across the Triangle area's finest venues, we combine culinary excellence with meticulous service to elevate weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.Our commitment to community philanthropy and industry recognition by The Knot and Wedding Wire underscores our dedication to both exceptional catering and social responsibility. Over two decades of experience, a state-of-the-art 17,000 sq ft kitchen facility, and a client-centric approach define our leadership in the catering industry.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Catering
Social Event Catering
Bar Services
Chef Experiences
Venue Management
Custom Menus
Team Building Events
Private Chef Dining
Event Planning
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Award-winning team with 25+ years of Triangle catering experience
- Exclusive partnerships with premier Raleigh event venues
- Custom menus featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients
- Full-service catering with dedicated event management
- Eight-time Triangle Business Journal Top Corporate Philanthropist
What people say
Unforgettable celebrations
Impeccable service
Creative menus
Seasonal ingredients
Seamless execution
Services
Wedding Catering
Specialized catering for weddings and rehearsal dinners across the Triangle area. Our chefs create custom menus reflecting couples' personal styles and cultural backgrounds, with options ranging from intimate gatherings to grand receptions. Partnering with top venues, we ensure seamless coordination from menu design to on-site execution, consistently earning recognition from The Knot and Wedding Wire.
Corporate Catering
Sophisticated catering solutions for corporate functions including meetings, conferences, and holiday parties. We offer themed menus, interactive food stations, and team-building culinary experiences in our Raleigh kitchen facility. Our event managers handle logistics from setup to cleanup, serving clients across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill with professional service that enhances business events.
Social Event Catering
Custom catering for milestone celebrations including birthdays, anniversaries, and baby showers. Our team tailors menus and presentation to match event themes, working with venues across the Triangle to create memorable experiences. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, we focus on cultural selections and seasonal ingredients to deliver distinctive social event catering.
Bar Services
Full-service bar operations for weddings and events across the Triangle. Our experienced bartenders serve craft cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits with seasonal offerings and fresh ingredients. We handle permitting requirements and coordinate with venues to ensure compliance, providing seamless beverage service that complements our catering offerings at locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Chef Experiences
Interactive cooking classes and team-building activities in our Raleigh kitchen facility. Options include culinary knife fights, team cooking battles, and private chef experiences for corporate groups or personal celebrations. These engaging events combine food education with entertainment, accommodating both in-person and virtual participation for groups seeking unique culinary experiences.
People
Dean Ogan
Founder/Senior Advisor
Founded Rocky Top Catering in 1998, developing nine restaurant concepts and establishing premier event venues. Recognized for culinary leadership and community impact, he oversees strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in operations.
Carol Sasseen
Director of Sales
Led sales since 2014, specializing in wedding and corporate catering coordination. With extensive venue knowledge and client relationship expertise, she ensures seamless event planning from initial consultation to execution across the Triangle area.
Kristin Jolly
Director of Operations
Manages operational logistics since 2015, coordinating culinary teams and service staff to deliver consistent quality. Her focus on process optimization ensures smooth execution of complex events while maintaining culinary standards.
Meghan Olesen
Executive Chef
Leads culinary operations since 2021, developing seasonal menus and overseeing kitchen staff. With agricultural education experience, she emphasizes fresh ingredient sourcing and innovative presentation techniques for all catering events.
Kevin DeHimer
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Serves as key sales contact since 2004, managing corporate and social event clients. His extensive venue knowledge and event planning expertise help clients create memorable experiences across the Triangle region.
Questions
What catering services are available for weddings?
We offer full-service wedding catering including custom menus, venue coordination, and on-site execution. Services cover ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers across Triangle venues.
Do you cater corporate events outside Raleigh?
Yes, we serve corporate clients throughout the Triangle area including Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary with customized catering solutions for meetings, conferences, and team-building events.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our chefs create customized menus to address all dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific requirements while maintaining culinary excellence and presentation standards.
What bar service options are available?
We provide full bar services with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. Our team handles permitting requirements and offers themed drink menus with fresh ingredients for any event size.
How far in advance should I book catering?
We recommend initial consultations 6-12 months before your event date to ensure availability, particularly for weekend weddings and peak season corporate functions in our premier venues.
Do you offer venue rental options?
We manage exclusive partnerships with premier venues including Millbrook Manor and Cross+Main. Our team coordinates site visits and handles logistics for seamless event execution across Triangle locations.
