Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Arlington, MN
Since 1994, Chef Craig's Catering has been dedicated to creating unforgettable culinary experiences rooted in family tradition and community values. Founded by Craig and Linnea Bullert in Arlington, Minnesota, our business combines Craig's culinary expertise with a deep commitment to quality and personalized service. Craig's upbringing on a farm and early exposure to cooking through his parents laid the foundation for our farm-to-table philosophy. Our team, often including multiple generations of the Bullert family, approaches every event with the same care and attention to detail that defined our founders' vision.We specialize in crafting menus that reflect each client's unique preferences while maintaining the integrity of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events serving up to 3,000 guests, our experienced staff ensures flawless execution through meticulous planning and gracious service. Our reputation for excellence has been built through decades of delivering exceptional cuisine paired with unobtrusive service, making every occasion memorable for our clients and their guests.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Buffet Service
Plated Dinners
Festival Catering
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Family-owned business with 30 years of local catering experience
- Customizable service packages to match every budget and style
- Proven track record serving events from 25 to 3,000 guests
- Commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods
- Experienced team trained in seamless event execution and guest service
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding catering service specializes in creating memorable dining experiences for ceremonies of all sizes. With expertise in both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations for up to 3,000 guests, we offer customizable menus that reflect each couple's unique preferences. Our professional wait staff ensures seamless service while our culinary team prepares dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From formal plated dinners to elegant buffet presentations, we work closely with couples to design menus that complement their special day while maintaining exceptional quality and presentation standards.
Corporate Events
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for corporate functions ranging from small meetings to large conferences. Our flexible menu options accommodate diverse preferences, featuring everything from casual buffets to gourmet plated meals. Our experienced team handles all aspects of food service, including setup, service, and cleanup, allowing event organizers to focus on their program. We offer customizable packages that can include themed presentations, branded tableware, and specialized dietary accommodations. Our commitment to quality ensures professional-grade service that enhances any business event's success.
Buffet Service
Our buffet service options provide high-quality dining experiences with flexible presentation styles. Available in classic, casual, or themed formats, our buffets feature made-from-scratch dishes prepared using premium ingredients. We offer multiple service tiers with varying levels of tableware quality and staffing support. Our experienced team manages all aspects of buffet setup, service, and cleanup, ensuring smooth operation throughout the event. From traditional hot stations to interactive food displays, we create visually appealing and delicious buffet experiences tailored to each client's specific needs and budget.
Plated Dinners
Our plated dinner service delivers restaurant-quality dining experiences to private events and special occasions. Each course is carefully prepared and artfully presented using premium porcelain dinnerware and stainless steel flatware in our platinum service option. Our attentive staff provides professional table service, including family-style salad service and proper glassware presentation. We offer customizable multi-course menus that showcase our culinary expertise while accommodating special dietary requirements. This service level emphasizes refined presentation and personalized attention, making it ideal for upscale weddings, galas, and formal corporate events.
Festival Catering
We specialize in providing reliable catering solutions for festivals, community events, and outdoor gatherings. Our menu options include both traditional favorites and innovative offerings that appeal to diverse crowds. Our experienced team handles all aspects of event catering, including on-site food preparation when required. We offer flexible service packages that can be customized to match event themes and venue requirements. Our equipment and procedures ensure food safety and quality even in outdoor environments. From employee appreciation picnics to large-scale public festivals, we deliver consistent, high-quality service that meets the unique demands of outdoor events.
People
Craig Bullert
Founder & Head Chef
Craig Bullert, founder of Chef Craig's Catering, brings over 30 years of culinary expertise to our business. Raised on a farm, he learned traditional cooking methods from his parents before formal training at Hennepin Technical College. His passion for quality ingredients and exceptional service has shaped our company's philosophy since 1994.
Linnea Bullert
Co-Owner
Linnea Bullert co-founded Chef Craig's Catering with her husband Craig in 1994. Her organizational skills and commitment to customer service have been instrumental in growing the business from a local caf to a respected regional catering company serving events of all sizes.
Questions
Can you prepare custom menu items not listed on your standard menus?
We can prepare customized entrees that maintain their quality during transport. We'll work with you to ensure any special requests meet our quality standards.
What service styles do you offer for events?
We offer buffet-style meals, plated dinners, and passed appetizer service with various dinnerware options to match your event's style and budget.
Do you provide tasting opportunities for potential clients?
Yes, we offer complimentary open-house tasting sessions throughout the year. Contact us for upcoming dates to sample our cuisine.
What geographic areas do you serve for catering events?
We typically serve within a 35-mile radius of Arlington, MN, including venues in Hutchinson, Henderson, St. Peter, and surrounding communities.
What payment terms do you require for event bookings?
We require a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your event date, with final payment due two weeks before the event based on your final guest count.
How do you handle venue kitchen facility fees?
We don't include venue kitchen fees in our pricing. If your venue charges these fees, we'll collect them separately to ensure proper food preparation facilities for your event.