Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Restaurant & Catering Partner in Arizona
Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service has redefined hospitality through chef-crafted cuisine and intentional service for nearly four and a half decades. Founded in 1979 by Dale and Martha Short, our company began as a small catering operation built on a six-burner stove and a passion for culinary excellence. Over four decades, we've evolved into a leader in sustainable hospitality, combining Arizona-influenced New American cuisine with Kristine's Italian heritage to create unforgettable dining experiences. Our approach emphasizes on-site kitchen setups, scratch-made dishes, and a commitment to zero-waste practices that have eliminated landfill contributions from both our facilities and events.With a team of over 100 professionals including executive chefs, event specialists, and sustainability experts, we deliver restaurant-quality experiences to private events while maintaining rigorous environmental standards. Our partnership with Arizona State University's sustainability programs and participation in national conferences demonstrate our industry leadership. We've donated over one million pounds of food to local communities while maintaining our core belief that hospitality means creating meaningful connections through exceptional food and service.
Services
Catering Services
Event Catering
Chef Services
Sustainable Catering
Private Tastings
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 45 years redefining restaurant-quality catering with on-site kitchens
- Zero-waste operations eliminating landfill contributions since 2012
- Sustainable sourcing and local ingredient partnerships
- Dedicated team of executive chefs and hospitality professionals
- Proven expertise in large-scale event execution
What people say
Exceptional hospitality
Chef-driven cuisine
Zero-waste commitment
Professional team
Unforgettable events
Services
Catering Services
Our full-service catering creates restaurant-quality experiences at any location. We build complete commercial kitchens on-site using refrigeration, ovens, and professional equipment to prepare fresh, scratch-made dishes. With menus rooted in Arizona-influenced New American cuisine and Italian traditions, our executive chefs ensure every event delivers exceptional flavor and presentation while maintaining our zero-waste commitment.
Sustainable Catering
We pioneered zero-landfill events through comprehensive waste management systems. Our sustainability program includes local sourcing, pre-cycling practices, and food donation partnerships that have diverted over one million pounds of food from landfills. Certified by industry experts, our approach combines environmental responsibility with gourmet dining experiences that maintain both culinary excellence and ecological integrity.
Private Tastings
Personalized tasting sessions allow clients to experience our culinary philosophy firsthand. Led by our executive chefs, these consultations showcase menu options using the same ingredients and preparation methods that will be used at your event. This ensures complete satisfaction with flavor profiles and presentation while providing an opportunity to discuss customization options for your specific occasion.
Chef Services
Our professional culinary team brings decades of combined experience to every event. Led by award-winning chefs, our staff includes specialized pastry chefs, sous chefs, and kitchen professionals trained in both traditional techniques and modern sustainability practices. Each team member undergoes rigorous hospitality training to ensure exceptional service that matches our exacting culinary standards.
Event Planning
Comprehensive event management from initial consultation to final execution. Our experienced coordinators handle logistics, staffing, and on-site kitchen setup while maintaining close communication with clients throughout the planning process. This service ensures seamless integration of culinary elements with event design, creating cohesive experiences that prioritize both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
People
Kristine Short
CEO
Co-founder with nearly 30 years of leadership experience in hospitality. Combines Italian culinary heritage with innovative business practices to drive Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service's vision of redefining catering through restaurant-quality standards and sustainable operations.
Steve Short
COO / CCO
Chief Culinary Officer with 45 years in the industry. Developed Arizona-influenced New American cuisine approach and pioneered zero-waste initiatives. Recognized sustainability expert who has shaped Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service's culinary philosophy and environmental leadership.
Carlos Ruiz
Executive Sous Chef
Senior culinary leader responsible for maintaining kitchen operations standards. Trained in classical techniques while implementing modern sustainability practices that align with Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service's zero-waste commitments and commitment to scratch cooking.
Anita Guillen
Executive Sous Chef
Specialized in high-volume event execution with expertise in maintaining culinary consistency across multiple locations. Ensures Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service's restaurant-quality standards are preserved during large-scale catering operations through rigorous kitchen management protocols.
Pete Covington
Pastry Chef & Bakery Advisor
Late pastry expert whose legacy continues to influence dessert programs. Known for scratch baking philosophy and authentic ingredient sourcing that established Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service's pastry standards before his passing in 2015.
Questions
What distinguishes Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service from other catering companies?
We operate as a restaurant disguised as a catering company, building complete commercial kitchens on-site to prepare fresh, scratch-made dishes rather than reheating pre-prepared meals.
How does Cellar Nine Event Beverage Service maintain sustainability?
Through zero-landfill operations since 2012, local sourcing, food donation programs, and comprehensive waste management systems that have eliminated landfill contributions from both facilities and events.
Can I customize menus for my event?
Yes, our executive chefs create personalized menus using Arizona-influenced New American cuisine principles while accommodating dietary preferences and event-specific requirements during private tasting consultations.
What experience does the leadership team have?
Founders Kristine and Steve Short have nearly 30 years together with 45 years of combined industry experience, supported by executive chefs and event specialists with extensive professional backgrounds.
How are on-site kitchens managed?
We transport complete commercial kitchens including refrigeration, ovens, and preparation equipment to create temporary facilities that maintain restaurant-quality standards at every location.
What food donation programs do you support?
Our zero-waste initiative has donated over one million pounds of food (equivalent to 600,000 meals) to local communities through partnerships with Arizona-based charitable organizations.
