Business Details
36 Years
experience
Award-Winning Catering Services in Phoenix
At Santa Barbara Catering, we have dedicated ourselves to redefining the art of event catering through a relentless focus on quality, innovation, and personalized service. Since our founding, we have prioritized the use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to craft menus that reflect both culinary excellence and environmental responsibility. Our team of experienced professionals approaches each event with a commitment to exceeding client expectations through creative presentation, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for hospitality. We maintain strong partnerships with local farmers and artisans to ensure our dishes showcase the freshest regional flavors while minimizing our ecological footprint. With decades of industry experience and numerous accolades recognizing our excellence in catering and operations, we have established ourselves as leaders in creating memorable culinary experiences.Our dedication to sustainability extends beyond ingredient sourcing to include biodegradable serving materials, comprehensive recycling programs, and food waste reduction initiatives. We specialize in tailoring services to meet diverse client needs, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events serving thousands of guests. Our expertise in menu customization accommodates all dietary preferences while maintaining exceptional taste and presentation. Through our proven track record of successful event execution and client satisfaction, we have built a reputation as a trusted partner in event planning and execution. Our ongoing commitment to professional development and industry innovation ensures we continue delivering exceptional service while maintaining our position at the forefront of the catering industry.
Services
Event Catering
Custom Menu Design
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Private Parties
Sustainable Catering
Venue Coordination
Food Allergy Accommodation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- Celebrating over 30 years of culinary excellence in Arizona
- Specialize in custom menus accommodating all dietary preferences
- Maintain strong partnerships with local farmers and artisans
- Implement comprehensive sustainability practices at every event
- Recipient of multiple industry awards for catering innovation
Associations and certifications
- Certified Woman-Owned Business
What people say
Best food anyone has had
Service was amazing
Delicious and beautiful
Unforgettable events
Creative presentation
Services
Event Catering
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. Our experienced team creates customized menus using fresh, locally sourced ingredients while maintaining exceptional presentation and service. With capacity to serve up to 24,000 guests, we combine culinary expertise with meticulous planning to ensure every event exceeds expectations through innovative cuisine and creative presentation.
Custom Menu Design
Our chefs specialize in developing personalized menus tailored to client preferences and dietary requirements. We incorporate seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations while maintaining restaurant-quality preparation. With expertise in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, we work closely with clients to create distinctive culinary experiences that reflect their vision and impress their guests through both taste and presentation.
Sustainable Catering
We implement environmentally responsible practices throughout our operations, including biodegradable serving materials and comprehensive waste reduction programs. Our commitment extends to sourcing ingredients from local producers to minimize carbon footprint while supporting regional agriculture. We partner with vermiculture organizations to manage food waste and continuously develop new sustainability initiatives to advance our environmental stewardship in the catering industry.
Wedding Catering
Specializing in wedding celebrations, we create memorable culinary experiences that complement each couple's unique vision. Our team coordinates with preferred vendors for complete event planning while delivering exceptional food quality and presentation. With multiple awards recognizing our excellence in wedding catering, we provide customized menus and attentive service to ensure every wedding reception becomes a cherished occasion for both hosts and guests.
Corporate Events
We design sophisticated catering solutions for corporate functions ranging from executive meetings to large conferences. Our services include venue selection assistance, menu customization for diverse groups, and seamless coordination with event planners. With proven experience handling high-profile business events and industry awards for operational excellence, we deliver professional-grade service that enhances corporate gatherings through exceptional cuisine and reliable execution.
People
Pat Christofolo
President
As President and International Caterers Association Board Member, Pat Christofolo leads with decades of industry experience, driving innovation and excellence in event catering while maintaining the company's commitment to quality and sustainability.
Lisa Tarsitano
Controller
Lisa Tarsitano manages financial operations with precision, ensuring the company's continued growth and financial stability while supporting the execution of large-scale events with logistical expertise and fiscal responsibility.
Nikki Shaffer
General Manager
Nikki Shaffer oversees daily operations, coordinating teams across events to maintain service excellence while implementing strategic initiatives that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency across all catering functions.
Rebekah McIntyre
Operations Manager
Rebekah McIntyre manages event logistics with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring seamless execution of complex catering operations while maintaining the company's high standards for service quality and client experience.
Kristen Barraclough
Senior Sales Manager
Kristen Barraclough leads sales efforts with deep industry knowledge, building lasting client relationships while guiding clients through the customization process to create tailored culinary experiences that exceed expectations.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater all event types including weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and large-scale events with capacity for up to 24,000 guests.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, our chefs create customized menus for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs while maintaining exceptional taste and presentation.
Do you provide venue coordination services?
Yes, our team recommends and coordinates with premier venues, offering design guidance and vendor recommendations for complete event planning.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We use biodegradable serving materials, source local ingredients, recycle extensively, and partner with vermiculture organizations to reduce food waste by 90%.
How far in advance should I book your services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weddings and large events, though we accommodate shorter timelines when possible.
Are you available for smaller, intimate gatherings?
Yes, we cater events of all sizes from intimate dinners to large celebrations, tailoring our services to each client's specific needs.