Business Details
39 Years
experience
Premier Catering & Event Planning Services in Oakland, CA
Founded in 1987, Barbara Llewellyn has established itself as a premier provider of exceptional catering and event management services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our commitment to excellence is rooted in decades of experience, beginning with Barbara Llewellyn's extensive background in the hospitality industry, including roles in private clubs, resorts, and The Hyatt Corporation. We specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for social, corporate, and nonprofit events, from intimate gatherings to grand galas, through meticulous attention to detail, innovative culinary offerings, and personalized service.Our team of chefs, event coordinators, and service staff work collaboratively to bring clients' visions to life, utilizing a 10,000-square-foot facility and a network of trusted vendors. We pride ourselves on sourcing ingredients from our seasonal herb garden and in-house pastry department to deliver fresh, scratch-prepared dishes that exceed expectations. With a focus on creativity, quality, and client satisfaction, we have built longstanding relationships with Bay Area businesses and nonprofits while maintaining the core values that have defined our success for nearly three decades.
Services
Catering Services
Event Planning
Venue Selection
Menu Customization
Staffing Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in Bay Area catering and event planning
- Our chefs prepare all dishes from scratch using seasonal ingredients
- We maintain a dedicated in-house pastry department for custom desserts
- Our team includes 20 full-time and 100 part-time event professionals
- We have longstanding partnerships with top Bay Area businesses and nonprofits
Services
Catering Services
Our full-service catering delivers gourmet cuisine tailored to your event's theme and guest preferences. We create custom menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from our herb garden and in-house pastry kitchen. Our experienced chefs prepare all dishes from scratch, ensuring exceptional quality and presentation for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
Event Planning
From concept to execution, our expert planners manage every detail of your event. We offer venue selection, vendor coordination, timeline management, and on-site supervision to ensure flawless execution. Our team specializes in social events, corporate functions, and nonprofit galas, creating memorable experiences that reflect your unique vision.
Menu Customization
We design personalized menus that match your event's style and dietary requirements. Our culinary team works closely with clients to create innovative dishes that blend classic techniques with modern twists. With options ranging from casual buffets to multi-course formal dinners, we ensure every meal complements your event's atmosphere.
Venue Selection
Our venue experts help you find the perfect space for your event, considering capacity, ambiance, and logistical needs. We maintain relationships with premier venues across the Bay Area and provide site visits, contract negotiations, and layout planning to ensure your chosen location aligns perfectly with your event vision.
Staffing Solutions
We provide professional, trained staff for all event needs including servers, bartenders, and support personnel. Our team ensures smooth service execution with attention to guest experience, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality. Staffing packages can be customized for events of any size or complexity.
People
Barbara Llewellyn
Owner & CEO
Barbara Llewellyn is a culinary industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in hospitality and catering. She founded her company in 1987 after working with The Hyatt Corporation and other prestigious organizations. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BFA, she combines artistic vision with operational expertise to lead the company's growth while maintaining its commitment to excellence.
Questions
What types of events do you cater to?
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, nonprofit galas, private parties, and holiday celebrations, handling events of all sizes from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
Do you provide both catering and event planning services?
Yes, we offer full-service catering and comprehensive event planning, including venue selection, vendor coordination, and on-site management for complete event execution.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Our culinary team creates customized menus to meet various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options while maintaining exceptional flavor and presentation.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the San Francisco Bay Area including Oakland, San Francisco, and the East Bay, with experience managing events at premier venues throughout the region.
How far in advance should I book your services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for major events, though we can accommodate shorter timelines when available. Early booking ensures better venue options and menu customization.
Do you have experience with nonprofit fundraising events?
Yes, we have extensive experience producing successful fundraising galas for major Bay Area nonprofits, combining elegant presentation with efficient service to support charitable causes.
