Zelda's Catering

Since opening in 2003, Zelda's Catering has delivered a promise of unparalleled excellence to our clients and community. Today, by honoring that promise, we have grown to become a company of more than 35 full-time employees, serving over 1,000 events and 250,000 guests every year. We are one of the Chicago area's fastest growing caterers, and proud to be recognized as its leading kosher certified caterer.

At Zelda's Catering, we know our performance is a reflection of our clients, and we deeply value the trust they place in us. Our commitment is to serve through excellence, and we believe in clear commitments, clear expectations, and no excuses. We are nationally recognized and community focused, and we believe that excellence begins and ends with people and leadership.

Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team is dedicated to delivering consistent perfection, and we invite you to browse their biographies below.

Linda Neiman - Founder and President

Linda began her professional career far from the world of catering, applying her advanced degrees in computer science and education to design and code early educational computer games. In 1986, she moved from the world of high tech to a second career as a stay-at-home mom, focusing her full-time and energy on raising a family of four boys. During that time, Linda developed extensive self-taught culinary skills, and the seeds of a new passion steadily grew. In 2003, after a 17-year hiatus from the business world, Linda chose to return with the launch of her third career, introducing the world to Zelda (her true middle name). Under Linda's dynamic leadership, Zelda's Catering has exploded onto the catering scene with purpose and vision, becoming one of the Midwest's most successful, admired, and fastest growing off-premise caterers.

Elliott Neiman - Chief Information Officer

After graduating from Yeshiva University in 2008 with a B.A. in Physics, Elliott joined Zelda's in multiple capacities, serving as bookkeeper, IT manager, and graphic designer. As Zelda's grew into the premier catering company it is today, Elliott made sure at every step of the way that our staff consistently enjoyed the technological tools necessary to deliver the company's signature high-level client service. Today, he continues to administer Zelda's technology infrastructure and software systems, as well as manage the company's finances. When he isn't keeping his coworkers' lives interesting - by constantly updating their software and settings - Elliott enjoys raising his three adorable young children together with his wife Devorah.

Kathy Ramos-Kurland - Catering Director

Kathy began her hospitality career in 1990 with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, ultimately advancing to Catering Sales Manager for leading Hilton properties including The Palmer House Hilton and Hilton Chicago. In 2001, she left the Hilton organization to join Danziger Kosher Catering as Catering Sales Manager, where over the next 14 years she developed a large and loyal following as Chicago's premier kosher event coordinator. Her experience ranges from modestly sized private events up to 4,000 attendee conventions. Kathy enjoys spoiling her two adorable cats and loves to bake every chance she gets, sharing the amazing harvest from her backyard vegetable garden with her many envious neighbors.

Charles Woodson - Executive Sous Chef

Chef Charlie was born and raised in Inkster, Michigan, a few miles outside of Detroit, moving to Chicago in 2008 to pursue a career in culinary arts at The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. While attending school, Charlie landed a job as a bellman with The Ritz Carlton Hotel-Chicago, eventually negotiating his way into the kitchen as a line cook. His unique talent and commitment became quickly evident, earning him promotions to executive sous chef, where he worked for three years before joining Zelda's in 2015. Charlie is passionate about creating unique and memorable culinary experiences for our clients and their guests.

Our Services

At Zelda's Catering, we offer a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of our clients. Whether you are planning a small, intimate gathering or a large-scale event, we have the experience and expertise to make your vision a reality. From weddings and corporate events to galas and private parties, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and cuisine that exceeds your expectations.

Our team of skilled professionals will work closely with you to understand your vision and preferences, and we will use our extensive knowledge and resources to bring your event to life. We offer customized menus, event design and coordination, and full-service event management, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

We are proud to be a kosher certified caterer, and we are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of quality and service. Whether you are looking for a traditional kosher menu or a customized menu that meets your specific dietary needs, we have the expertise and resources to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience.

At Zelda's Catering, we believe that every event is unique and special, and we are dedicated to making your event an unforgettable experience. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your guests, and we are confident that you will be impressed by our commitment to excellence and our passion for delivering exceptional service and cuisine.