Petits fours, mini burgers and small plates add up to a great big business. Here, Special Events Magazine gives a taste of 25 of the biggest caterers in special events today. Dig in!

NOTE: All information is supplied by the companies listed unless otherwise noted. Special Events Magazine figures are estimates based on interviews by staff, comment by industry experts and research. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, errors and omissions sometimes occur. It is the policy of Special Events to correct errors promptly. All figures are in U.S. dollars.

ABIGAIL KIRSCH, New York
CEO James A. Kirsch
WEB SITE www.abigailkirsch.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 300 plus
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 1,500 to 2,000 (Special Events estimate)
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $32 million to $35 million (Special Events estimate)
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Veteran catering operation handles social events, corporate events and fundraising galas.
CLAIM TO FAME Son Jim Kirsch now runs the catering company founded by his mother, Abigail, more than 30 years ago. Partner/chef Alison Awerbuch, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, oversees menu development.

ADMIRABLE CRICHTON, London
CEOS Johnny Roxburgh, Rolline Frewen
WEB SITE www.admirable-crichton.co.uk
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 57
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 400
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $29 million
to $40 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Busy this past year with post-show party for the Concert for [Princess] Diana, Cartier's Bond Street store opening, a lavish wedding in Chantilly, France, and a James Bond-theme event in Marrakech, Morocco.
CLAIM TO FAME In business for 27 years producing “some of the most polished, glamorous and high-profile parties,” management says. Company takes pride in “delicious, original and inspired food, innovative party design, professional, charming staff and peace of mind for party hosts around the world.”

A LEGENDARY EVENT, Atlanta
CEO Tony Conway, CMP
WEB SITE www.alegendaryevent.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 60 full-time, 200-plus part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 1,500
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $15 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Event roster this year includes DIFFA “Dining by Design” gala, High Museum wine auction, Magnolia Ball for the Tanner Medical Center, Atlanta Botanical Gardens' “Garden of Eden” ball, plus events for Atlanta Magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue and Delta Airlines.
CLAIM TO FAME Clients keep coming back thanks to A Legendary Event's “attention to detail, food quality and visual appeal, exceptional service and range of capabilities,” including catering, design, decor, floral, entertainment and valet parking, management says.

ALISON PRICE & CO., London
CEO Alison Price
WEB SITE
www.alisonprice.co.uk
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 50 plus
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 360
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $10 million to $12 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Big events have included a state visit for the French president, dinner for 2,500 in a temporary structure, the trustees' dinner for Britain's National Gallery, patrons' dinner for the British Museum, dinner for 800 for the Russian Economic Forum, and lunches and dinners at 10 Downing St.
CLAIM TO FAME Food and service “with a modern British twist,” they say. Company co-founder Alison Price also has published three books covering entertaining and weddings.

ALONG CAME MARY, Los Angeles
CEO Mary Micucci
WEB SITE www.alongcamemary.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 250
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 150
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $12 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR On the docket this year: Chevy Rocks the Future, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, Independent Spirit Awards and premiere for “10,000 B.C.”
CLAIM TO FAME In business more than 30 years, this veteran catering and event company is renowned for its movie premieres. Company handles events for 200 guests or 20,000.

BAKERS BEST, Newton. Mass.
CEO Michael Baker
WEB SITE www.bakersbestcatering.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 101 full-time, 117 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 485
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $12 million to $13 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Events this year have included Newton (Mass.) Library's “Spring Fling,” Massachusetts General Hospital's “Welcome to New Fellows” and Constant Contact's annual holiday party.
CLAIM TO FAME Operations include full-service catering plus a restaurant.

BLUE PLATE, Chicago
CEO Jim Horan
WEB SITE www.blueplatechicago.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 500 plus
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 6,700 (including drop-off orders)
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $23 million to $27 million (catering only)
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Company points with pride to its opening night party for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for 700 guests in September at Chicago's famed Millennium Park and Mac Meetings for 2,500 guests in November at the Field Museum.
CLAIM TO FAME Blue Plate holds preferred status at more than 85 venues. Company operates three divisions: events, weddings and drop-off service.

CATERING BY MICHAEL'S FAMILY OF COMPANIES, Morton Grove, Ill.
CEO Stewart Glass
WEB SITE www.cateringbymichaels.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 150 to 180 full-time, 70 to 100 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 1,200 full-service, 7,500 drop-off
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $15 million to $16 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Northwestern University graduation, Alzheimer's Association benefit, Google Q1 event, Crate & Barrel holiday party and University of Chicago Graduate School of Business gala.
CLAIM TO FAME Company takes pride in its strong word-of-mouth referrals. “We are known for outstanding food prepared with a twist and presented beautifully by professional servers on a very consistent basis,” management says. “We constantly tell our sales consultants that we are in the business of selling confidence, not food.”

CREATE FOOD, London
CEOS Richard Groves, Caroline Gardiner
WEB SITE www.createfood.co.uk
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 28 full-time, up to 500 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 500
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $16 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Create Food was busy in December with 60,000 covers for holiday parties. On the schedule for this year: a private lunch for Queen Elizabeth and 30 guests for the opening of the Tower of London redevelopment, singer Kylie Minogue's celebration of 20 years in show business and 35 weddings.
CLAIM TO FAME “We have five ‘Ds’ in our mantra,” management says, “detail, design, delicious, destinations, delivery. All aspects of events are custom-made and tailored to the clients, their aspirations and their budget.”

CULINARY CAPERS, Vancouver, British Columbia
CEO Debra Lykkemark
WEB SITE www.culinarycapers.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 60 full-time, 150 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 1,880 events, 12,000 drop-off
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $10 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR On the schedule for '08: British Columbia Cancer Foundation gala, Tiffany & Co. Vancouver store launch, Cartier store opening and events for Air Canada, Shaw Communications and Telus.
CLAIM TO FAME Company pride is “our ability to produce restaurant-quality food at off-premise locations and our extensive use of fresh, local and seasonal ingredients,” they say.

DESIGN CUISINE, Arlington, Va.
CEO Kathy Valentine
WEB SITE www.designcuisine.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 150
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 2,500
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $27 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Noteworthy event from '07: Catered the gala dinner for the opening of the Harman Center for the Arts and opening of the Kogod Courtyard at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. And this year, just catered the Inn at Little Washington's 30th anniversary event at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington. And gobs of galas, for cancer research, Mosaic Foundation, National Mall Memorial Trust and Washington Hospital Center's golden anniversary.
CLAIM TO FAME Management credits its growth from a small, boutique caterer to a leader in the Washington marketplace to its knowledgeable, responsive sales staff, a highly organized professional kitchen and an extensive collection of unique rental equipment and linen. “Now, after 30 years of leading the Washington catering and event industry, the company continues to provide the innovative menus, quality food preparation, meticulous service and attention to detail that first defined Design Cuisine style,” they say.

EPICUREAN CULINARY GROUP, Centennial, Colo.
CEO Larry DiPasquale
WEB SITE www.epicureanculinarygroup.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 50 full-time, 200 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 700
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $13 million to $15 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Big events for big-time clients, including a Major League Baseball World Series VIP event for 2,000, Mizel Museum kosher event for 1,600 and Denver Center for the Performing Arts fundraiser for 800.
CLAIM TO FAME Epicurean credits the longevity and expertise of its key event designers and managers for its success. Clients include the Denver Broncos, professional golf tournaments and the Winter X Games.

EPICURE CATERING, Melbourne, Australia
CEO Michael Milburn
WEB SITE www.epicure.com.au
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 300
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 5,000
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $32 million to $36 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR A busy year is shaping up: Events include Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Opera in the Market, David Jones fashion launch and Melbourne Cup Carnival.
CLAIM TO FAME Company is proud of its strong relationships with customers and takes a leading role in eco-friendly catering. For more, see page 18a in this issue.
GLOBAL INFUSION GROUP, Watford, Hertfordshire, England
CEO Tony Laurenson
WEB SITE www.globalinfusiongroup.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 35 full-time, 5 part-time, 350-plus subcontracted
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 750 to 800
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $15 million to $20 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Global truly works globally: The event roster for '08 includes work at the Olympics in Beijing, England's Glastonbury music festival, Laureus Sports Awards in St. Petersburg, Russia, Fiat 500 launch, Tower of London Music Festival and Liverpool Sounds City of Culture event.
CLAIM TO FAME Global got its start cooking on the road for touring bands, and “The logistical expertise gained through years of catering for high-profile tours, roadshows, corporate events and festivals is crucial in the delivery of tailored menus created to meet the requirements of each individual event,” management says. “Food is our passion and creating extraordinary experiences is our business. We can set up temporary kitchens just about anywhere to provide fresh and exciting food for any event, using locally sourced suppliers wherever possible.”

GREAT PERFORMANCES, New York
CEO Liz Neumark
WEB SITE www.greatperformances.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 500 full-time, 250 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 1,500
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $35 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Big events this year have included the opening of the landmark Plaza Hotel's Grand Ballroom (with a 25-year catering contract), the Sony Ericsson tennis tournament in Florida and hospitality suite service at Madison Square Garden for the Pete Sampras/Roger Federer tennis match.
CLAIM TO FAME Great Performances has its own 60-acre organic farm in Kinderhook, N.Y., supplying its venues and clients with home-grown menu ingredients year-round. “Great Performances strongly believes that ‘going green’ and even ‘going organic’ are movements that coexist within societies and are not a trend,” a spokesperson says. The company created its exclusive “100 Mile Menu” concept, offering personalized menus using locally grown ingredients found within a 100-mile radius of the event site. For more, see page 31 in this issue.

HOSPITALITY INC./FESTIVITIES, San Diego
CEOS Lisa T. Richards, John K. “Rick” Richards
WEB SITE www.festivitiescatering.com; www.picnicpeoplesandiego.com; www.tka-catering.com; wwwsimchakoshercatering.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 100 full-time, 500 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 2,300
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $10 million to $12 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Bring on the crowds: Company recently handled the Qualcomm company picnic for 9,500, a Navy tailgate party for the Poinsettia Bowl for 7,000 and an association event for 1,800 aboard the USS Midway.
CLAIM TO FAME Operations comprise Festivities Catering and Special Events, Festivities Express, Picnic People, TK&A Custom Catering and Simcha Kosher Catering. On-site food preparation, quality food, “exceptional” service and relationships make all the difference, management says.

JEWELL EVENTS CATERING, Chicago
CEOS George L. Jewell, Junghwan Chung
WEB SITE www.jewelleventscatering.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 100 full-time, 350-plus part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 3,500
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $16 million plus
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR The last 12 months have seen Jewell handling Chicago mayor Richard Daley's inauguration dinner for 125, the Lyric Opera of Chicago's opening reception for 3,600 and the Field Museum's women's board gala for 900.
CLAIM TO FAME Clients “count on our 40-plus years of logistic experience and our deep culinary knowledge to guide them through large and complex events,” management says. “A large portion of our business is from repeat clients — including several second-generation weddings.”

MCCALL ASSOCIATES, San Francisco
CEO Dan McCall
WEB SITE www.danmccall.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 100 full-time, 200 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 600
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $19 million to $21 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Along with corporate, social and political events, McCall has handled big-time cultural bashes including the opening of the San Francisco Symphony, the Fine Arts Museum's annual “Elegant” dinner, the Black and White Ball, the Avery Brundage Circle Dinner for the Asian Art Museum and the UCSF “Raising Hope” dinner.
CLAIM TO FAME Seasoned catering pros make all the difference: “McCall Associates has over 60 employees with 10-plus years' experience,” they say. “Our turnover rate is very low; this enables us to be extremely reliable in catering large events requiring a high standard of service.” Along with catering, the company provides lighting, rentals, flowers and design.

MUSTARD CATERING LTD., London
CEO Glynn Woodin
WEB SITE www.mustardcatering.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 24 full-time, up to 300 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 200 to 250
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $8 million to $12 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR A busy year ahead for Mustard: The event schedule so far includes a 300-guest state dinner for the heads of the Commonwealth with Queen Elizabeth at St. James's Palace, the 500-guest wedding of an Indian princess in a tent in Windsor, a banker conference dinner for 200 at Kensington Palace and a two-night society wedding in Ireland for 200.
CLAIM TO FAME Company motto is “blending informality with innovative presentation.”

OCCASIONS CATERERS, Washington
CEO Mark Michael
WEB SITE www.occasionscaterers.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 175
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 4,000 to 5,000
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $29 million to $33 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Founded by twin brothers in 1986 with a $500 van and some pots and pans, Occasions has grown to serve major corporations including Coca-Cola, Fidelity Investments and Neiman Marcus as well as social events and cultural galas, including the legendary Corcoran Ball in Washington.
CLAIM TO FAME The company assists clients with a range of services including hiring servers and entertainment, renting equipment and arranging for floral, lighting and decor.

PATINA RESTAURANT GROUP'S PATINA CATERING, Los Angeles
CEOS Joachim Splichal, Nick Valenti
WEB SITE patinagroup.com/catering
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 200 plus full-time, 1,000-plus on-call
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 2,000 plus
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $30 million plus
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Events slated for the year include the Emmy Governors Ball, L.A. Philharmonic gala and movie premieres for Disney and Paramount.
CLAIM TO FAME Company pride is “wonderful, innovatively presented food first and foremost” but also “boutique” customer service and “unparalleled style and expertise.”

RHUBARB FOOD DESIGN LTD., London
CEO Pieter-Bas Jacobse
WEB SITE www.rhubarb.net
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 46 full-time, 2 part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 400
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $15.7 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR The past year has seen Rhubarb cooking up events including the premiere for “The Golden Compass” and the GSP/Prince's Trust “Invest in Futures” gala.
CLAIM TO FAME Rhubarb emphasizes “bespoke” (custom) event design; “We tailor specifically to a person's needs and those of their guests,” management says.

RIDGEWELLS, Bethesda, Md.
CEO Susan Lacz
WEB SITE www.ridgewells.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 185
2008 event count FORECAST 24,000
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $33 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR On tap this year: United States Golf Association Men's Championship, AT&T Nationals hosted by golf superstar Tiger Woods, “Breath of Life” gala to fight cystic fibrosis and the “Passion for Caring” gala for Capital Hospice.
CLAIM TO FAME Ridgewells keeps clients coming back for its fresh, seasonal cuisine using sustainable, farm-grown and organic products, “flawless” event execution and “consistency in providing top-quality customer service,” management says.

WINDOWS CATERING CO., Alexandria, Va.
CEO Henry L. Dinardo
WEB SITE www.catering.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 200 full- and part-time
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 14,000 (includes drop-off)
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $18 million to $20 million
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Windows will be busy this year with the BET Awards VIP reception, Greater Washington Sports Alliance Sneaker Ball, National Council of La Raza event, Nordstrom fashion shows, House Beautiful magazine event at the Washington Design Center and a reception for the King of Jordan at the Library of Congress.
CLAIM TO FAME “We offer our clients a turnkey solution with full-service catering, party planning and event management services for corporate entertaining, galas and fundraisers, social events, weddings, and receptions as well as business breakfast/luncheons,” management says. “Our kitchen is led by nationally recognized chef-proprietor Henry Dinardo, chef Pasquale Ingenito and 2005 National Pastry Champion chef Laurent Lhuillier. Our New American-style cuisine abounds with inventive interpretations and modern creations based on the very best traditions of American, regional and international cuisine.”

WOLFGANG PUCK CATERING, Los Angeles
CEO Carl Schuster
WEB SITE www.wolfgangpuckcatering.com
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 3,500
2008 EVENT COUNT FORECAST 15,000
2008 REVENUE FORECAST $100 million plus (Special Events estimate)
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR Famed for creating and serving the gala Governors Ball celebration following the Academy Awards. Also handled the Grammy party this year.
CLAIM TO FAME WPC made headlines last year by announcing its plan to offer sustainable, organic, humane food products whenever possible.

Should you be on this list next year? Let us know by sending an e-mail to lhurley@specialevents.com.