Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Washington, DC
Founded in 1986 by twin brothers who began their careers as catering waiters, Occasions Caterers has grown into a premier catering service in Washington DC. Our pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation have allowed us to create personalized events that reflect the cultural richness of the city. With over 35 years of experience, we specialize in social and private entertaining, corporate events, and weddings, offering bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique vision. Our team of culinary experts, event producers, and hospitality professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and quality. We invest in the professional development of our staff to ensure the highest standards of hospitality. Our custom menu development process combines creativity with culinary excellence, allowing clients to tell their stories through food and drink.We maintain an exclusive inventory of design pieces and collaborate with trusted local vendors to enhance every event's aesthetic. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our status as the first Green Caterer in the nation, certified by the Green Restaurant Association. We implement eco-friendly practices across all operations, including water conservation, waste diversion, and solar energy use. This dedication to environmental responsibility ensures clients can celebrate with confidence in our ethical practices. Our reputation as Washington DC's premiere luxury caterer is built on decades of delivering unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations.
Services
Fine Catering
Full-Service Events
Custom Menu Development
Equipment Rentals
Venue Coordination
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience creating luxury events in Washington DC
- Our in-house hospitality team ensures seamless event execution
- Custom menu development tailored to your event's unique vision
- Exclusive global design inventory enhances food presentation
- Pioneering environmental sustainability practices since 2008
Associations and certifications
- Green Restaurant Association
Services
Fine Catering
Our fine catering service combines culinary excellence with artistic presentation for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. We create custom menus featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Our experienced chefs and service staff ensure every dining experience exceeds expectations while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.
Full-Service Events
We provide comprehensive event management from concept development to execution. Our team handles logistics, staffing, rentals, and design coordination for seamless experiences. With access to exclusive venues and trusted vendors, we transform visions into memorable reality while maintaining strict attention to detail and budget.
Custom Menu Development
Our culinary team collaborates with clients to create personalized menus reflecting their tastes and event themes. We offer diverse options including international cuisine, dietary accommodations, and signature cocktails. Each menu is crafted to tell a story through food while maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation.
Equipment Rentals
We provide premium rental equipment including tabletopware, linens, chairs, and exclusive display pieces. Our curated collection features unique global design elements that enhance event aesthetics. We ensure all rentals meet safety standards while complementing each event's specific theme and atmosphere.
Venue Coordination
Our venue coordination service offers access to Washington DC's most prestigious locations including museums, historic estates, and cultural institutions. We assist with site selection, logistics planning, and setup to ensure perfect event execution. Our relationships with venue managers guarantee priority access and seamless coordination.
People
Michelle Knudsen
Executive General Manager
With extensive hospitality experience, Michelle oversees daily operations and strategic direction. Her leadership ensures consistent service excellence across all events while maintaining our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Franklin Hurtado Ardaya
Executive Chef
As culinary leader, Franklin directs menu development and kitchen operations. His expertise in creating innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients maintains our reputation for exceptional cuisine while adhering to sustainability standards.
Gail Krycia
Executive Pastry Chef
Gail leads our dessert program, creating visually stunning and delicious confections. Her pastry expertise enhances our culinary offerings, ensuring memorable sweet experiences that align with each event's theme and client vision.
Danielle Redmond
Director of Strategy & Revenue
Danielle develops business strategies and revenue models to support growth. Her leadership in strategic planning helps maintain our market position while ensuring financial sustainability and continued innovation.
Wyatt McKenzie
Director of Business Development
Wyatt leads business expansion efforts and client relationship management. His focus on building strategic partnerships strengthens our market presence while maintaining our commitment to personalized service excellence.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private parties, and social gatherings of all sizes in Washington DC and surrounding areas.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, our culinary team creates customized menus with options for all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly choices.
Do you provide event staffing?
Our in-house hospitality team, Protocol, provides professionally trained staff for all events ensuring exceptional service and guest experiences.
Are venue rentals included in your services?
We coordinate access to premier venues and provide equipment rentals including tables, chairs, linens, and exclusive decorative pieces.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We maintain our Green Caterer certification through water conservation, waste diversion, solar energy use, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weekends during peak seasons, though we accommodate shorter timelines when possible.
